Old Elk Single Barrel 10 Year Straight Wheat Whiskey is a 110-proof American whiskey crafted from 96 percent soft red winter wheat and 4 percent malted barley, aged for a full decade in charred oak barrels. This single barrel expression from Old Elk Distillery showcases the gentle, honeyed character that wheat brings to whiskey, creating a spirit that's both vivacious and refreshingly smooth.
In the heartland of American whiskey production, Old Elk Distillery has carved out a distinctive path by embracing the softer side of grain. While most distilleries chase the bold spice of rye or the familiar sweetness of corn, Old Elk turns to the rolling wheat fields of the Midwest. Their commitment to zero compromise shines through in this ten-year aged expression, where time and tradition converge in the amber depths of a single barrel. Distilled in Indiana and bottled by Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, this wheat whiskey represents a bridge between regional expertise and innovative spirit-making.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Honeyed wheat biscuits, vanilla custard, toasted oak, dried apricots, gentle baking spices
- Palate: Creamy wheat porridge, caramel drizzle, cinnamon bark, orange peel, walnut shells
- Finish: Long finish with warming wheat, oak tannins, brown butter
Product Details
| Spirit Type | Straight Wheat Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 55.0% (110 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Age Statement | 10 Years |
| Distillery | Old Elk Distillery |
| Region | Ohio, USA |
| Mash Bill | 96% Soft Red Winter Wheat, 4% Malted Barley |
| Barrel Type | Single Barrel |
Perfect For
- Neat Sipping: Best enjoyed at room temperature to appreciate the wheat's natural sweetness and barrel complexity
- Whiskey Collectors: Single barrel expressions offer unique flavor profiles that can't be replicated
- Autumn Evenings: The warming spice and honeyed notes pair beautifully with crisp fall weather
- Gift Giving: An exceptional choice for whiskey enthusiasts seeking something beyond traditional bourbon
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Old Elk Single Barrel Wheat Whiskey taste like?
Old Elk Single Barrel Wheat Whiskey offers a distinctly softer, creamier profile than bourbon or rye whiskey. The high wheat content creates notes of honeyed grain, vanilla custard, and baking spices, with a silky mouthfeel that's both complex and approachable. The 110 proof adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate wheat character.
How should I drink Old Elk Wheat Whiskey?
This wheat whiskey shines when sipped neat or with just a splash of water to open up the aromatics. The 110 proof is perfectly balanced for straight sipping, though a few drops of water can reveal additional layers. Avoid heavy mixers that would mask the unique wheat character – this spirit deserves to be the star.
What makes wheat whiskey different from bourbon?
Wheat whiskey uses wheat as the primary grain (over 51%) instead of corn like bourbon. This creates a softer, more delicate flavor profile with less spice and more honeyed sweetness. Old Elk's 96% wheat mash bill produces an exceptionally smooth whiskey that's less assertive than bourbon but equally complex.
Is Old Elk Single Barrel worth the investment?
Absolutely – this 10-year aged single barrel wheat whiskey represents exceptional value for aged American whiskey. The combination of decade-long maturation, unique high-wheat mash bill, and single barrel selection creates a distinctive drinking experience that stands apart from mass-produced spirits.
What whiskey is similar to Old Elk Wheat Whiskey?
For fans of wheated whiskeys, you might enjoy Maker's Mark or Weller expressions, though Old Elk's 96% wheat content makes it more wheat-forward than most. The creamy, honeyed profile also appeals to lovers of smooth Canadian whiskeys or Highland Scotch whiskies.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.