There is a lot to like about Old Elk Straight Rye Rum Cask Finish on paper. At 50.5% abv and $99.99, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
Old gold, almost an amber color.
Palate
Alcohol jumps out immediately, it took me a moment to readjust. After the initial alcohol burst we find sugar cane sweetness, molasses sugar, and mangos. There is a subtle nuttiness, but overall this is very dark rum forward with a pleasant whiskey afterthought. This was very dry. I had to ride the first sip out to allow my mouth to adjust. A lot of rum notes off the bat like molasses sugar, coconut, and jerking spices. However, as the jerk spices started to mellow, I found the rye spice, vanilla, caramel, oak, and charcoal notes typical to whiskey. The finish held to the tongue and palate while maintaining the dry overall feel. I wouldnt describe the mouthfeel as rounded, but it wasnt particularly sharp either. The rum notes came back to overpower the whiskey in the finish and I found molasses notes mixed with charcoal and smoke.
Finish
The rum did exactly what I had hoped – it took a young rye whiskey and mellowed out some of the harsher notes. It is interesting to drink. The rye notes build quickly but right before they crescendo the rum mutes the profile. The rum sweetness and tropical profiles help round the notes without destroying them.rnrnI couldnt determine if the rye whiskey was too young to compete with the rum, or if the rum was too old to allow the rye to express itself. If you happen to be a fan of rum finished whiskey, I do believe you will like this. Even if youre interested in finishing casks, you might enjoy this.
The Bottom Line
Old Elk Straight Rye Rum Cask Finish is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $99.99, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
