Previous Elk not too long ago (that’s, on the finish of 2023) launched a pair of its large blends, each extremely complicated whiskeys that draw from a variety of mashbills and ending types, all whipped up right into a frenzy. We’ve bought them each coated right here — together with the Cigar Reduce and Infinity Mix, each of their 2023 editions.
Right here we go.
Previous Elk Cigar Reduce Island Mix 2023 – That is the second annual launch of Previous Elk Cigar Reduce, crafted completely by Previous Elk’s Manufacturing Supervisor, Melinda Maddox, designed to “lengthen summer season with each sip, whereas embracing what followers of the class need seasonally.” It’s a slightly complicated mix of Previous Elk’s Cask End Sequence, mixing Previous Elk’s base whiskeys, together with the Excessive-Malt Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Rye Whiskey, and Straight Wheat Whiskey, earlier than ending them in Port, Sauternes, sherry, or rum barrels. The whiskey is aged a minimal of 6 years in its preliminary cask, then casks are variously completed for 2 months to 2 years earlier than the ultimate marriage happens. Simply as its recipe would counsel, it’s a hearty and sophisticated whiskey, although the nostril kicks off as slightly rustic, with a surprisingly daring peanut and popcorn high quality that I might have anticipated to see washed out by this level. Notes of black pepper, a heavy dousing of baking spice, and a few anise ring the perimeters, however in any other case the nostril feels acquainted and conventional. The palate isn’t significantly “islandy” at first, although the rum ending turns into extra evident with time in glass. Coconut, tropical fruit, crimson berries, and vanilla are all emergent and expressive, with candy honey notes lingering on the end. Touches of lemon brighten issues up. In the long run, I assume the “island” does come out of its shell, although it takes a little bit of time getting there. It’s definitely worth the journey. 111.7 proof. A- / $130
Previous Elk Infinity Mix 2023 – This 12 months’s Infinity Mix — the sixth — begins with 15.3% Infinity Mix 2022, then provides in 40% 8 12 months previous Previous Elk Excessive Malt Bourbon, 43.2% 7 12 months previous Previous Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey, and 1.5% 10 12 months previous Previous Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey. As with 2022, there’s a number of wheat whiskey within the combine right here, giving the nostril a slight whiff of industriality. In any other case, it’s daring and doughy, with overtones of spiced nuts, almond nougat, and a few lemon oil. Fairly a bit much less cohesive than the 2022 Infinity Mix, however participating and pointed. Fairly sharp, with a wholesome degree of char conserving issues toasty and a bit smoky. The palate feels extra well-realized, the nutty parts making a soothing almond-heavy base towards which notes of vanilla and spice discover buy — later evoking fruitier notes of peaches and apricots. Sweetness continues to construct because the whiskey rests in glass, the end slightly aggressive with brown sugar, toasted coconut, and bittersweet chocolate notes. It’s maybe unfair to match this whiskey towards the masterful 2022, however at $150 I hoped for one more transformative encounter that I by no means fairly bought. Nonetheless, it’s price a dram do you have to cross paths. 115.15 proof. B+ / $150
Previous Elk Cigar Reduce Island Mix 2023
$130
