Old Elk Collaboration Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

Old Elk Collaboration Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is the Fort Collins wheater from the Greg Metze–Curt Richardson collaboration: 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, aged at least five years in new charred oak, then reduced with Old Elk’s Slow Cut process — water added in small amounts over weeks so proofing heat does not strip the lighter flavors. Wheat is what you taste as cream and a rounded sip. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV). This is a weeknight pour.

Toffee, vanilla ice cream, caramel, and floral notes lead, then cream, toasted almond, and clove fill a thick, soft sip. Baking spice and a little cherry and lemon peel show on a long, sweet finish. It drinks easy at 92 proof: dessert-like up front, clove keeping the sweetness in line.