Old Elk Wheated Straight Bourbon is a high-wheat bourbon from Fort Collins, Colorado, bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV).
The bourbon is defined by its unusually high wheat content, which replaces traditional rye to create a softer, rounder profile. The mash bill emphasizes wheat alongside corn and malted barley, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel and naturally sweet character. It is aged in new charred American oak barrels, which develop balanced oak influence without overpowering the grain-forward core.
Old Elk's signature Slow Cut Proofing, in which water is added gradually over time, helps preserve aroma, texture and flavor integration. The nose shows vanilla, honey, caramel, toasted grain and light oak; the palate brings creamy wheat sweetness, caramel, soft baking spice and gentle oak; the finish is smooth, mellow and warming with lingering sweetness.
Old Elk was founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, with master distiller Greg Metze, who spent nearly four decades at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The mash bill is 51% corn, 45% wheat and 4% malted barley, and the Slow Cut process adds fresh Colorado mountain water in small increments over weeks. It earned 91 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Wheated bourbons are prized for their soft, gentle character compared with rye-heavy recipes.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Vanilla, honey, caramel, toasted grain.
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Palate: Creamy wheat, caramel, baking spice.
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Finish: Smooth, mellow and warming.
Specifications
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Brand: Old Elk, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Style: Wheated straight bourbon
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Mash Bill: 51% corn, 45% wheat, 4% malted barley
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Process: Slow Cut Proofing
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Proof / ABV: 92 proof (46% ABV)
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Region: USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on a large cube, or mix a smooth Old Fashioned. It pairs with bread pudding, roast pork or butter pecan desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it wheated?
Wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain.
What is Slow Cut Proofing?
Water is added gradually over time to preserve flavor.
What is the proof?
92 proof (46% ABV).
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
