Old Elk Slow Cut Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Old Elk Slow Cut Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

We've been Old Elk fans for several years, always interested in what was next for this brand.  There were a few fleeting moments where we were seeing fewer and fewer selections on the shelves of our local liquor stores, and we were puzzled.  After some investigating, we found that this non-distilling producer, founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, has sold to Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio.  We were immediatley thrilled about the new ownership, as the Ohio distillery produces some fantastic bottles under their own labels.  Keep an eye out to see what becomes of this new marriage!

In today's bourbon landscape, everuy brand seems to be searching for a way to stand out.  Some chas higher proofs.  Others lean heavily into barrel finishes and limited releases.  Old Elk, under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Greg Metze, took a different path.  Rather than focusing solely on what goes into the barrel, they spent years perfecting what happens after the whiskey comes out.  And that is how we got to Old Elk Slow Cut Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey, or as we call it, "patience in a bottle".  

The term "slow cut" isn't marketing jibjab.  It's the terminology coined to describe proofing down the whiskey over a slower period of time.  Old Elk feels that the slower process helps preserve flavors and create a softer, more enjoyable drinking experience.  Proofing down whiskey isn't new, but the delivery speed from Old Elk is different.  Will other distilleries take note?  This bottle replaced Old Elk's original Blended Straight Bourbon, so we think "slow cut" is here to stay.  Maybe we will start to see this in their other releases.  Time will tell ... (no pun intended).

Light amber gold in the glass with baked bread, honey, vanilla and delicate oak on the nose.  This is a lower proof whiskey and we aren't mad at all.  In a world where everyone is shooting the moon for hazmat-proof bottles, it's always enjoyable to come back to a daily sipper.  There's a soft and creamy mouthfeel with light brown sugar, vanilla, baking spices, breakfast cereal and maple candy.   A touch of spice on the finish is welcome and not over powering.  The sweet characteristics dominate.  This was tasted neat in a Glencairn and would be delicious in a cocktail.  

Speaking of cocktails, the Cherry Bourbon Smash looks like it needs to be on the menu for our next gathering.

  • 2 ounces Old Elk Slow Cut Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • 3 to 5 fresh mint leaves (for muddling)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped.  Do not use Maraschino cherries.
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • Garnish:  fresh mint and a cherry
Add mint, cherries and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle.  Add bourbon, lemon juice and ice.  Shake and strain into a rocks glass with ice.  Garnish with fresh mint and a cherry.

Old Elk Cherry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

ABV:  44.0% (88 proof)

Distillery:  Old Elk

Suggested retail price:  $39.99

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100







 

Location: Fort Collins, CO, USA

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