Old Elk Wheated Straight Bourbon – The Review

It was a Wednesday evening, after work. My wife and I cut through downtown Columbus to run a few errands, but first we detoured into the Buckeye Bourbon House. The crowd was thin, just a handful of folks lingering from the workday and we found two spots at the bar. That’s where I ordered a pour of Old Elk Wheated Bourbon.

A Look in the Glass

The whiskey showed a golden hue, light in the glass with thin legs that hinted at a leaner body. At 92 proof, it carried no age statement, so we know it’s at least four years old. Though Old Elk bottles out of Ft. Collins, Colorado, this one was distilled in Indiana.

The Nose

The first impression was light and candy-like. It reminded me of a Jolly Ranchers, sweet, fruity, and playful. Not complex, but pleasant.

On the Palate

The sip leaned into fruit again. I caught dark fruit and candied apple up front, followed by corn sweetness and just a whisper of baking spice I couldn’t quite nail down. The oak emerged at the back, though the finish was short and subtle. The texture matched the look in the glass; thin, light, and easy to sip.

The Finish

Quick and understated. A brush of oak and faint spice lingered briefly before disappearing. No heat, no burn, just a clean fade that left the memory of sweetness more than depth.

Final Thoughts

Old Elk Wheated Bourbon is approachable, soft, and friendly on the tongue. It doesn’t try to be bold, nor does it reach for complexity. Instead, it sits comfortably in the “easy sipper” category, a bourbon that won’t challenge you, but won’t disappoint if you’re looking for something simple and fruit-forward.

I scored it a 3 out of 5. Not bad, not great, just above average. Worth trying if you’re curious, but unlikely to be the pour you reach for when you want something truly memorable.