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Old Elk 2021 Infinity Blend

Old Elk 2021 Infinity Blend

The Basics: 

Old Elk Distillery

114.9 Proof

6 Year Age Statement

$150 MSRP

Nose:

Nutmeg, graham cracker, caramel ice cream, cherry Coke, and candied nuts. 

Palate: 

Honey Smacks cereal, shortbread cookie, raspberry candy, oak, and maraschino cherry. 

Finish:

Medium with butterscotch and a building pepper spice

Final Thoughts:

The 2021 Infinity Blend from Old Elk Distillery is the first expression in their latest annual release. The straight bourbon is a blend of 60% 6-year Old Elk distillate, 24% 12-year Kentucky bourbon, and 16% 11-year Kentucky bourbon, bottled at 114.9 proof. While other distilleries have their own offerings that incorporate high-aged sourced bourbon with much lower aged distillate of their own, it is nice to see that Old Elk waited until their stocks had aged to 6 years to bring a more balanced flavor profile. The whiskey opens with a deliciously sweet note of graham crackers and cherry Coke, that flows right into the palate with sweet cereal grain (think Honey Smacks or Corn Pops) and raspberry. It isn’t until the finish that a kick of heat comes through to remind you that you are drinking cask strength whiskey. Overall, the Infinity Blend offers a well constructed whiskey with a vibrant base from the 6-year distillate and the more oak-heavy additions from the 11 and 12 year bourbon.