Old Elk Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey

Old Elk Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey (105.9 Proof) is a rich, layered, and exceptionally smooth high-proof bourbon that showcases the complexity of a four-grain mash bill. By incorporating corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, Old Elk achieves a rare balance—combining sweetness, spice, softness, and depth in a single whiskey. Bottled at 105.9 proof, it delivers bold flavor without sacrificing its signature silky mouthfeel, making it equally compelling neat or in elevated bourbon cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Old Elk Distillery, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for its “Slow Cut™” proofing process, where water is added gradually over time rather than all at once. This technique is designed to preserve delicate flavors and create a smoother, more integrated whiskey.

The Four Grain Bourbon stands out for its unique mash bill:

• Corn – provides sweetness and body
• Rye – adds spice and structure
• Wheat – contributes softness and roundness
• Malted Barley – enhances depth and complexity

This combination is less common in bourbon, where most producers favor either rye or wheat, but not both in meaningful proportions.

Key production elements include:

• Mash bill: Four grains (corn, rye, wheat, malted barley)
• Aging: Matured in new charred American oak barrels
• Proof: 105.9 (53% ABV)
• Proofing method: Slow Cut™ process

The result is a bourbon that balances approachability and intensity, offering a more nuanced profile than traditional two- or three-grain bourbons.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published professional critic scores available for this specific proof release.

Old Elk bourbons, however, have received consistent recognition at major competitions, including Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, reflecting the brand’s overall quality and blending expertise.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, and subtle floral sweetness.

Palate
Full-bodied and balanced with flavors of toffee, honey, cinnamon, soft wheat sweetness, and peppery rye spice.

Finish
Long and smooth with lingering caramel, oak, and gentle spice.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Four Grain Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Old Elk Four Grain Bourbon
• ¼ oz demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Preparation

1. Stir bourbon, syrup, and bitters with ice.
2. Strain over a large cube in a rocks glass.
3. Express orange peel oils and garnish.

High-Proof Boulevardier

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Old Elk Four Grain Bourbon
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• ¾ oz Campari
• Orange twist

Preparation

1. Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.