Old Elk Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Rum Casks

Key lime leads, bright and a little tart, before coconut cream rolls in behind it and softens the edges. Vanilla and citrus hold the finish together, sweet without turning sugary. It drinks easily, with the tropical character sitting right on top of the grain rather than buried under it.

This is a straight rye whiskey given time in rum casks, and that second stage shows plainly in the fruit and the creaminess. Rye usually brings pepper and dry spice; here those familiar notes take a back seat to something rounder and warmer. At 53 proof, it is a gentle pour by whiskey standards, approachable straight from the bottle and forgiving of ice.

The 750 mL bottle is an easy one to keep open on the shelf. It also mixes well, especially anywhere a daiquiri or a whiskey sour would normally go.