Old Elk Wheated Bourbon

Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to its wheated bourbon formulation. The distillery based in Colorado has recently launched its Cognac Cask Finish Straight Wheat Whiskey just in time for Bourbon Heritage Month in September.

Melinda Maddox, the master blender at Old Elk, supports the change in the wheated bourbon formula, notably with the adoption of French limousine cognac barrels for finishing. This particular bourbon blend comprises 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley.

“The complex flavor profiles of cognacs initially inspired us,” Maddox has explained to Forbes. “The intricate contrast and complement of flavors—featuring both fresh and ripe rich fruit—play a crucial role in enhancing the spice and personality of our wheat whiskey.”

Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey where wheat is used as the secondary grain instead of the more common rye. This substitution gives wheated bourbon a softer, smoother, and slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to traditional bourbon, which typically has a spicier and more robust taste due to the presence of rye.

After years of continued and seemingly unstoppable growth, bourbon whiskey sales numbers have been mixed over the last year. Still, the global bourbon market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11.44% from 2023 to 2029, according to business intelligence firm Market Reports World. By 2029, the bourbon industry is projected to be worth $10.76 billion. But to sustain that growth, it’s arguable that bourbon makers will need to respond to shifting consumer preferences and innovate upon traditional products.

At Old Elk, this shift in the wheated bourbon recipe is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance and diversify its offerings. The Cognac Cask Finish marks a significant departure from previous releases, showcasing the distillery’s refined approach to cask finishing. Maddox emphasizes the importance of experience in crafting this new expression.

“Our cognac cask finished wheat really benefited from having established ourselves in the cask finishing series,” she explains. “By this, I mean we were able to take all the knowledge and time we have spent developing our cask series and really fine tune our approach to aging this series. Because of what we have learned, I knew I wanted to blend barrels that had aged for varying spans of time, and I wanted to proof this batch to showcase the lighter flavors.”

The modification also included a precise change in the whiskey’s alcohol content, reducing it to 95 proof to better match the characteristics typical of cognac. This change not only enhances the new finishing but also introduces a unique variation to the classic wheated bourbon flavor.

“I aimed for the whiskey to have a proof point similar to that of a cognac,” Maddox explains. “Quality is always a challenge with cask aging. We have put significant effort into ensuring the casks we use are sourced from reliable partners, guaranteeing they reach us in top condition.”

Looking to the future, Old Elk is set to continue its pioneering work in its Cask Finish Series, with plans to launch a Ruby Port Cask Finish soon. Maddox shares his thoughts on the expected impact of this forthcoming release.

“The ruby port-finished rye will be unexpected for many,” Maddox remarks. “I believe it will appeal to whiskey enthusiasts who usually do not prefer rye.”

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