Old Elk produces a variety of excellent whiskeys, with bourbons forming its “bread-and-butter” product line. The brand’s Cognac cask-finished bourbon, wheated expressions, and the ongoing “Inifinty Series” testify to Old Elk’s craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and high standard. However, until recently, I had not tasted any of its ryes, but that changes today, and I couldn’t be more excited.

I received a pair of whiskeys from its rye line. The first is Old Elk’s Straight Rye, part of the brand’s core range. Comprised of a punchy 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill, this highly rye-forward expression has earned numerous accolades in multiple competitions, including Best American Rye at the International Whisky Competition 2020. The second is a bottling of the same straight rye but finished in rum casks. Part of the Cask Finish Series, this whiskey’s explosive transformation is yet another example of how Old Elk strikes gold by experimenting without overcomplicating.

Straight Rye

While rye whiskey tends to be typically straightforward, Old Elk’s flagship rye is anything but ordinary. At 100 proof with a high rye mash bill, its slight bite encourages every note in its makeup. Its glistening copper-straw color bursts with aromas of potent baking spice, cinnamon sugar, and rich vanilla. The powerful rye spice dominates the palate from the onset with black pepper and allspice, followed by a more friendly note of juicy peaches. On the back end, this rye offers the classic barrel-aged goodness of oak and mellowing caramel with a warm, slightly dry rye finish. Given the simplistic makeup of this whiskey, it’s amazing how much character it reveals. Given that Master Distiller Greg Metze and his team at Old Elk create this magic time after time, I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s yet another terrific triumph.

Rum-Cask-Finished Rye

After aging for at least five years, this cask finish edition of the Straight Rye sits in ex-fill, 14-year-old Barbados rum barrels for an additional 2-5 months. The same robust rye aromas of the base whiskey remain on the nose, accompanied by tropical fruit and raisins. Dark tobacco notes from the 14-year rum bolster the base rye’s leather notes – a distinctive and complex dynamic that also comes through on the palate. Other flavor notes include pineapple, more raisin, and a decadent spice cake character. The finish is warmer and longer than the straight rye, with a fuller mouthfeel and body. The rum finish is not so much overpowering as it is transformative – you wouldn’t think you were tasting the same base whiskey. The time spent in the rum casks results in a completely distinctive whiskey, making sharing the base whiskey much more intriguing.

Final Thoughts

These are the first two Old Elk ryes I’ve tasted, and I will make sure they are not the last. Although coming at a higher price point than other expressions in the same category (the Straight Rye sells for $79.99 USD), both are premium bottlings that rival anything from Old Elk’s competitors. While the accolades heaped on these two whiskeys speak for themselves, you’ll likely be happy with any whiskey bearing the Old Elk label!