Old Elk Distillery Ultimate Whiskey Portfolio Release

Old Elk Distillery

Old Elk Distillery released three new whiskeys, rounding out their portfolio to be a blockbuster of world class whiskey line-ups. Having begun production over seven years ago for Old Elk Distillery, the Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey (SRP: $64.99), Straight Wheat Whiskey (SRP:$64.99), and Straight Rye Whiskey (SRP: $89.99) are crafted and produced with four decades of experience and intuition by their Master Distiller, Greg Metze.

As predicted by many, the wheat and rye categories are expanding quickly. Brands are adding to their line-ups to ensure a well-rounded portfolio. Old Elk prides itself on innovation and offering world class quality products that are standouts within the category. Almost seven years ago, when Curt Richardson, founder of OtterBox and Blue Ocean Enterprises, first approached Metze for the opportunity to create Old Elk, both had their eyes set on the future.

“Joining up with Old Elk gave me the opportunity to craft my own custom mash bills and bring smooth and easy premium whiskeys to market. After creating our flagship bourbon, I thought ‘what else can I distill that whiskey fans will go crazy for?’ Well, I personally love favorites, challenges and variation, so I decided it was time to produce a 95 percent Rye Whiskey (a favorite), a 95 percent Wheat Whiskey (a challenge), and a 45 percent Wheated Bourbon (a variation),” states Greg Metze, Master Distiller at Old Elk Distillery. “I used our signature Slow Cut™ proofing process, where I was able to preserve the delicate smells and tastes that add to the balance and integrity of our distillates and created these new and enticing whiskeys for you. This is part of my legacy and I wouldn’t want my name on anything else. For me, I now have a different whiskey that I can sip every day of the week and I hope our fans are excited about the range of selection from Old Elk.”

For all the rye lovers out there, Old Elk created a liquid to exceed your expectations. The proof is in the liquid, which received high praise from the International Whisky Competition and took home a gold medal as well as the “Best American Rye Whiskey.” On top of that, the Ultimate Spirits Challenge named it one of the Top 100 Best Spirits and gave it 96 points. Metze has always taken tremendous pride in producing 95 percent rye whiskeys throughout his career. Rye mash bills are very difficult to produce to attain a superior product from a quality perspective, and he wanted to make sure that the legacy of this whiskey continues on with Old Elk.

After distilling over 280 million bottles of world class rye whiskey, many attributed Metze as the “Godfather of rye.” He’s taken his experience and patience and allocated a limited amount of his favorite rye to age for five years. Made with zero compromises and Old Elk’s traditional Slow Cut proofing process, the liquid is 95 percent rye and five percent malted barley. The Old Elk Straight Rye Whiskey has a strong fragrance of honey, oak and black pepper with the taste of vanilla, orange peel, and dried fig resulting in a velvety and vibrant mouthfeel. Now available in select markets at a limited quantity.

Wheat mash bills have all the same challenges of a rye and are never an easy path to take when distilling, but Metze decided to craft Old Elk’s Straight Wheat Whiskey in the spirit of the acclaimed 95 percent rye whiskey. He applied all of his expertise and knowledge into producing another one of a kind product: a mash bill of 95 percent soft red winter wheat and five percent malted barley, aged for five years, this whiskey is a vivacious and refreshing spirit that is reinventing what it means to be a sipping whiskey. The aroma is bright with hints of honey, stone fruits, vanilla, and oak followed by flavors of peach and dried fig, leading to a charmingly smooth yet bold finish.

The whiskey was rated as a highly recommended and excellent product and was a finalist with 92 points in the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Wheaters, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Following in the footsteps of Old Elk’s massively malted barley bourbon mash bill, the Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey is nearly three times higher in wheat than the norm. At 51 percent corn, 45 percent wheat, and 4 percent malted barley and aged for five years, this is another Old Elk signature whiskey crafted to be rich and delicious. To the nose, it brings the classic aromas of oak, vanilla caramel, and a bit of amaretto. At first sip, there are sweet and savory notes of fruit with a pleasant warm finish. The finish warms gently with no burn, and leaves you with a feeling that sometimes dreams do come true.

“Both our Straight Wheat and Straight Rye Whiskey were previously only available as part of our single barrel program and the support was overwhelming. Because of how much the liquid resonated with people and the ongoing trend of wheat whiskey, we’re confident that our approach and patience to launch these products will drive the same excitement and adoption of our current liquid in the market,” said Luis Gonzalez, CEO of Old Elk Distillery. “Our Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a release that we have been planning for quite some time here as well. Only Fort Collins locals and visitors at our downtown tasting room, The Reserve, have had the chance to try it. It’s no surprise to us that it has been one of the most requested whiskeys there,” continues Gonzalez. “Our alliance with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has been incredibly successful and we will continue to work with them to make these offerings available across the country. With their drive and resources matched with our investment strategy, passion and motivation to launch these products, we are anticipating some great results. This marks the first launch of many for Old Elk in our new packaging which aligns with our premium products and values.”

Old Elk’s latest additions are available nationally and can be located through the store locator on the website.