Old Elk Master’s Blend Four Grain landed on my desk at 52.95% ABV, carrying a $100.00. Old Elk Distilling, Fort Collins Colorado, USA price tag. Here is what I found.
Nose
A mash bill of 51% corn, 22.5% wheat, 19% barley, and 7.5% rye. Aged 6-7 years. 105.9 proof or 52.95% ABV. MSRP $100.00. Old Elk Distilling, Fort Collins Colorado, USA. This whiskey has aromas of oak and pine woods, bananas foster or golden marshmallows, and red cherries. Some alcohol esters burn the nose.
Palate
The palate shows milk chocolate, vanilla, and honey with a lovely buttery mouthfeel and a touch of mint or rye spice. There is a little something tannic in the aftertaste, maybe oak char or tanned leather. The whiskey is oily and coats the teeth evenly, with a small tingle to the inner lips. The finish has a definite dry minerality and an underwhelming length. This whiskey takes the drinker on a full journey, albeit not a complex one; I wanted a little more considering the make-up, but overall, this is enjoyable and makes for a great sip. This is well blended and will make fans of Old Elk very happy.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Old Elk Master’s Blend Four Grain is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $100.00. Old Elk Distilling, Fort Collins Colorado, USA, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
