Old Elk Recruits Cognac Casks for a Twist on Its Popular Wheat Whiskey
(Photo: Old Elk)
On Monday, Old Elk Distillery unveiled a new twist on its Straight Wheat Whiskey by way of French Limousin cognac casks.
The latest in the brand’s ongoing Cask Finish Series, the expression begins life as a 47.5%-ABV whiskey composed of a mashbill of 95% soft red winter wheat and 5% malted barley. After aging for six years, it’s rested an additional six months in ex-cognac casks said to imbue “unique and delicate” notes of sweet fruits and spice.
While a standard bottle of Old Elk Straight Wheat will run you around $65, its Limousin-finished cousin is now available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $89.99.
“We have seen great success within our previous Cask Finish Series releases, so it made sense to create another unique bottling, this time using our Straight Wheat Whiskey,” Old Elk CEO Luis Gonzalez remarked in a news release. “It’s great to see all the hard work Melinda has put into our Cask Finish Series and all of us at Old Elk are excited to see everyone’s reactions to the Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey.”
Past releases in the Cask Finish Series have recruited port, cognac and rum barrels to rest the brand’s bourbon and straight rye. This is the first time that Old Elk has extended the concept to its Straight Wheat Whiskey. We’re eager to see how it turns out.
Old Elk’s flagship Straight Wheat Whiskey is pretty stellar in its own right, clocking in at a Raided Score® of 90. Like other reviewers, we found a lot to like in its walloping sweetness punctuated by big hits of caramel corn, nutmeg, toffee and nostalgic aromas of peach rings. Time permitting, we’d also like to give a shoutout to the brand’s Infinity Blend 2022, a great showing made up of 52% 7-year-old wheat whiskey.
For more information on Old Elk, find the brand’s website here.
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