Previous Elk‘s latest launch is a mix of two whiskeys we hardly ever — if ever — see blended collectively: wheat and rye. Appropriately dubbed Wheat N’ Rye, the whiskey is a mix of seven year-old straight wheat whiskey (95 % wheat, 5 % malted barley) and 6 year-old straight rye (95 % rye, 5 % malted barley). Per a model consultant, each parts of the mix had been distilled by MGP in Indiana and aged at Previous Elk Distillery in Colorado.
Wheat N’ Rye is the most recent in Previous Elk’s Grasp’s Mix sequence from the thoughts of Grasp Distiller Greg Metze. It’s bottled at 54.2% abv. Let’s see if the “candy and spicy whiskey” — the model’s personal description — sits harmoniously on the palate.
Fruity cereal, marzipan, and rock sweet lead a sweet-forward nostril. Rye spice lies under, extra baking and vacation spices than vegetal, although there’s only a kiss of recent minimize grass for a greener component. A lightweight however noticeable undercurrent of varnish weaves via every particular person be aware on the nostril, as does almond extract.
As promised, on the tongue, the interaction between candy and spicy is the star. However is it concord or a tug-of-war? Sweetness begins on the tip of the tongue and builds to rye-forward spice because the whiskey reaches the center and again palates. The candy notes are predominately ark caramel, brown sugar, and honeysuckle. As for the spice, cinnamon bark, allspice, and only a tiny little bit of saffron shine via. There’s not as a lot in the best way of fruit or acidity right here, however on the third or fourth sip, baked apples come into play. The mix has a thick and satisfying mouthfeel, together with a slight numbing high quality on the higher palate, which is barely distracting from the end (extra on that under).
Stated end is spice-forward and lengthy, reminding you of each little bit of its 108.4 proof on the best way down. It’s not a really complicated conclusion, turning barely towards rye bread after which bitter cocoa and steeped espresso because the spiciness dissipates.
108.4 proof.
B+ / $110 / oldelk.com
Previous Elk Wheat N’ Rye
$110
