I previously reviewed the Old Elk Infinity Blend and have tried Old Elk Wheated Bourbon at a buddy’s house. In the dog days of summer before the fall limited release bourbons come out, it is sometimes hard to find something new to review for the blog. But I decided to try Old Elk Double Wheat on the recommendation of the guys at Hokus Pokus who said it was good. This bottle contains a blend of Old Elk Wheat Whiskey and Old Elk Wheated Bourbon, with the wheat whiskey being the dominant part of the blend. The wheat whiskies are between six and eight years old, while the wheated bourbon is six years old. These whiskies were distilled by master distiller Greg Metze at Ross & Squibb (formerly MGP) in Indiana, and blended by Greg as well. The blend comes in at a healthy 107.1 proof. This bottle cost me $100.

The color on this is a nice dark amber reflective of the time in the barrel. On the swirl is a thin film but huge thick legs; this is a nice and oily whiskey. On the nose is heavy caramel and baked goods; definitely not a traditional bourbon nose; it is very different and I like it. On the palate the caramel flavor is greeted by some nice vanilla, toasted marshmallow, and graham cracker – like someone made a fine dining desert riff on s’mores, although there are hints of angostura bitters as you chew the whiskey.. On the finish is maple sugar on a warm cinnamon roll, with some nice leather and oak notes. The finish then fades to baking spices that linger subtly for a good while.

This is a very interesting whiskey to be sure. The dominant wheat whiskey presents interesting dessert flavors but benefits from the backbone of wheated bourbon. But, as a warning, this is really not bourbon in the traditional sense. While it is more like bourbon than American Light whiskey, this is more of it’s own thing.