Old Elk Single Barrel Straight Bourbon

Nose provides molasses, cherries and a little leather. Tastes malty and molasses. Finish lingers medium with maltiness and almost a peachy note.

Strong oak

Tasting: 2 oz neat in glen cairn, then 2 drops. This is a Binny's pick, Barrel #61. Nose (3.5): Vanilla and creamed corn. Tells me 2 things-- going to be a little young, and looking at some high corn in the mashbill likely. The nose is soft and inviting, just a little difficult to find. The corn I get reminds me of corn pops. Palate (3.75): Vanilla is forward but more in a custard with pie crust note. The mouthfeel is thicker. Corn pops are on the back end. It isn't off putting but is just a bit out of place. Very much on the sweeter side. Finish (3.75): where the palate was sweet, I now have found some pepper and oakiness to it. Was surprised at first because this hit me without warning. The sweetness doesn't fade or give way to spice like I enjoy, but instead of jumps out at you like a ghost in the dark. Overall: This is my first introduction to the brand. I love what Greg Metze has done in the past before Old Elk for mgp so I was juiced. Given that this was a picked barrel got me even more stoked. I can't say I was disappointed, but I can say I wasn't wowed. The balance was off-- too much treble, not enough bass so to speak. I think that 6 yrs may not have been enough. Everything about it was good individually but not enough cohesively. UPDATE ON 3/1: I stand by my above notes but I have a comparison for those interested....suspiciously this profile is really close to Stranahan's Yellow Label Single Barrel. I am wondering if they do not share sources.

Caramel, sharp, corn

Cocoa, vanilla and light cinnamon medium finish