Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

Old Elk Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is a 92-proof (46% ABV), 750mL straight bourbon from Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado — built on an extreme wheat mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, and proofed down slowly over weeks in Old Elk's signature Slow Cut process. Aged a minimum of 5 years, it's a wheater's bourbon with unusual softness and depth. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 46% (92 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Age: Minimum 5 years
• Mash bill: 51% corn / 45% wheat / 4% malted barley — "an extreme wheat bourbon"
• Process: Slow Cut proofing — proofed down gradually over several weeks to preserve lighter flavors
• Origin: Old Elk Distillery, Fort Collins, Colorado — Master Distiller Greg Metze

45% Wheat, Zero Rush: The Slow Cut Philosophy

Most bourbons use rye as their flavor grain; Old Elk bets on wheat — 45% of it, roughly triple the wheat in a typical wheated bourbon. Then comes the part no one else does: Slow Cut proofing, which stretches the water-addition process over several weeks instead of the usual day or two, protecting the lighter, more delicate flavors that fast proofing can strip away. Founded in Fort Collins in 2013 by Curt Richardson and led by Master Distiller Greg Metze, Old Elk built its reputation on exactly this kind of patience. The results show in the glass — and in medals including Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition. Find more bourbon whiskey and the full Old Elk lineup.

Tasting Notes

The aroma opens with toffee, vanilla ice cream, caramel, and floral notes. The palate is soft and creamy — cream, toffee, vanilla, and toasted almonds with a whisper of clove and light baking spice. The wheat keeps everything rounded and gentle, with a smooth, sweet finish.

How to Enjoy

Neat or with a splash of water — this is a bourbon built for sipping. The soft wheat profile also makes a remarkably smooth Old Fashioned or a gentle, crowd-pleasing Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mash bill of Old Elk Wheated Bourbon?

51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley. The 45% wheat content is unusually high — Old Elk markets it as "an extreme wheat bourbon" — which gives it a softer, rounder profile than rye-recipe bourbons.

What is Old Elk's Slow Cut proofing process?

Instead of proofing the whiskey down with water over a day or two (the industry standard), Old Elk adds water incrementally over several weeks. The slower process preserves lighter, more delicate flavors that rapid proofing can flatten.

What is the difference between Old Elk Wheated Bourbon and the 8-Year Wheated Bourbon?

This core expression is 92 proof and aged a minimum of 5 years. Old Elk also makes an 8-Year Wheated Bourbon — a separate, higher-proof, longer-aged bottling sold at a premium. They're distinct products; don't expect the same bottle.

Wheaters, come gather 'round — order Old Elk Wheated Bourbon online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA today.