Old Elk 6 year - 58.3% ABV Total Wine WA Select Taste - (w/o water) Bit hot, tannic, leather, caramel, tiny bit of bitter oak, charred cinnamon (w/ water) Reduced initial heat, returns later, more bitter somehow?, caramel, vanilla, heat comes back at the end Finish - (w/o water) Lingering heat, oaky bitterness, lightly grassy, slightly burnt bread bitterness (w/ water) Less heat/tingle, caramel, lingering heat, oaky bitterness Score - 72/100 Final Thoughts - The nose on this was surprisingly subtle for the proof, but once it hit the tongue, the full proof came out as this felt hot. What's a bit strange is that there's this subtle bitterness that's there, that ends up being kind of distracting. There are the typical notes of vanilla, caramel, & cinnamon, but they aren't as front and center as I'd like. The oaky bitterness in this one takes over quite a bit & although it's drinkable neat, I think I'd much prefer this in an old fashioned or a manhattan to help mask the bitterness. The flavors & punch are there for sure, but not sure I like it enough to regularly sip it neat outside of cocktails. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.