Curt Richardson, a legendary businessman whom you might know for Otterbox, is a true Bourbon lover. In 2013, he decided to translate his passion into an amber liquid he could call his own. He paired up with the industry veteran, Master Distiller Greg Metze (who used to work for MGP in Indiana) and started producing. Their flagship Bourbon is a careful blend of three Straight Bourbons from three distilleries in New York, Colorado and Indiana, but they are all based on the same recipe. Someday, Old Elk Bourbon will be created in Fort Collins in its entirety. The Bourb’ goes through a proprietary proofing process called “Slow Cut” where water is added to the Spirit slowly over the period of several weeks. The idea is to preserve as much congeners (magic aroma-and-taste substances) as possible.
Old Elk Bourbon is a premium Spirit that stands out. To create a light, sweet and smooth Bourbon, Master Magician Metze lowered the content of corn to the legal minimum of 51%, and amped up malted barley to 34% (sweetness) and rye to 15% (spice). “Smooth” is often thrown around with Whiskey, but the slow proofing process and Metze’s mash bill really do something magical to the Bourbon.
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Old Elk Bourbon and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Bourbon must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.
Good, not great. Not much of a nose, but it had some kick. It doesn’t seem strong until you have a sip, and then you’re in for a pleasant kick.
Kevin,
some of the finest bourbon i have had, super smooth,
Melvin,
Great bourbon! Super smooth! Looking forward to some more of the Old Elk!
Keven,
About what you would expect from a $29.99 bottle.
Aimee,
I LOVE this! I’ve purchased another bottle because my husband’s friend came to visit and HE loved and drank almost 1/2 of my first bottle! Then my husband sampled it, commenting “This is good. This is REALLY GOOD!” So now HE is drinking my goods. (Insert eye roll and expressive sigh...) He tends to do that. I find great booze and he drinks it, lol! I think this will be my go-to for gifting! I prefer it neat. I love being able to taste the vanilla and caramel flavors that I can smell in it, and feel the warmth. I prefer it neat to on the rocks. It’s absolutely DELICIOUS! I’m a novice here and this was my very 1st bottle, but... WOW! I am IMPRESSED!!
Alex,
Too Sharp for me.
Rob,
Very smooth. Great finish!
Bryan,
Very smooth bourbon especially at its price point.
Patrick,
Incredibly smooth with a great oak finish!!
Alain,
Very good mixing whiskey. Could use a little more flavor but overall really good
Daniel,
This goes down nice and smooth. Great sipping bourbon that's not too overpowering. Not a huge depth of flavors for the nose and pallet, but great for the price. I'd buy again.
Billy,
Too much rye to be a true bourbon
John,
Really smooth, woody, nice legs. A solid bar staple and I’d but it again!
Ethan,
High taste of alcohol off the bat which then mellows out along the center of the pallet.
Kurt,
Great bottle, especially for the price. Very good neat. Sweet, corn, a little spicy, and a lasting finish. I’d buy this again for sure.
Shawn,
Darn good. Nice balance overall. Recommend for sure.
Jahti,
Very smooth, I highly recommend this. Would definitely purchase again.
Ivan,
This is a very drinkable bourbon and I'm more of a single malt guy.
James,
Easy drinker. Basic and smooth
Michael,
One of my new favorites.
David,
Good but a bit of a bite.
IAN,
It's honestly one of my favorite bourbons around
Ray,
I accidentally drank a drink at a bar one time that was being used as an ash tray. Old Elk reminded me of that night. It tasted like it had been filtered through cigarette ashes. I tried it with several friends and no one finished their drink it was that bad.
Robert,
I'm not a huge Bourbon fan to begin with, but this one wasn't bad. First dram was a little shocking, reminded me of Jack a little. Second dram was a little less intrusive. Over the rocks on the second was definitely a little easier to take. Not a bad sipper, although I think I might like it better as an Amaretto Old Fashioned.
Nathan,
Very smooth. Has a sweetness that made it easy to sip on.
Abdias,
Although I’m pretty new to to whiskey/bourbon I can say this blend is possibly a good one to try on your way in to exploring different whiskys. Also not a bad price for the quality of it.
Jonathan,
Good offering from my friends at Otterbox!
Shawn,
Overall a solid, but uninspiring Bourbon. The best I can say is that this is good. I would not seek it out again, but would not turn it down if offered a sip..
Daniel,
Super smooth. Can have it straight up or in the rocks
Solomon,
This is a great example of why I tell my friends you never have to spend $100 on a bottle of bourbon - you can find gems like this that are just as good as many bottles I've had that were much more expensive.
Especially for the price, this is an extremely good bourbon. Can't remember the last time I had a bourbon with such a sweet profile. Addicting to sip. The negatives are that the oak comes a little strong, and its a little harsh but it gets away with this in part because the honey is equally forceful. If I could do 7.5 I would do 7.5.
Jeff,
Excellent spirit. This is the first of the old elk I have had. After this one and the complexity of this bourbon I have gone on to other old elk bottles. Smooth as can be I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes a good bourbon.
Lauren,
The malted barley gives it such a unique flavor. It’s rich, sweet, and smooth. Great to drink straight and makes a solid old fashioned.
Dan,
Very smooth. Great sweet finish. Great to sip. Gets better the more you drink. Give this one a chance.
Palani,
Smooth with a pretty carmel, vanilla, and a spice head. A gorgeous drink to appease those of us with sweet tooth’s. Not so fruity on the front end with a little on the finish makes you think of a roasted dessert almost. Fun. Kind. Smooth. I’ll have 5 shots in a large glass to sip on all night please.
Adam,
Smooth drink. It has a bit of a bite but the aftertaste makes up for it. Differently a must in the liquor cabinet.
Cari,
This was my first bottle from Flaviar, and I think it's the best bourbon I've ever tasted.
It's smooth, clean, and warm. The nose is irresistible and the mouthfeel is pleasant. I can't wait to try some chocolate pairings.
elijah,
Tough to drink
Ryan,
Very smooth!
Ryan,
Got this in the mail last night and tried a dram! Very smooth and drinkable, normally I find bourbon harsh but this goes down easy. Not mind-blowing but definitely one I'll buy again!
dj,
Wow, great bourbon. Super smooth. I like the slight hint of vanilla.
fernando,
Agreed. Smooth bourbon. Definitely buy again.
Brian,
Tasty, but a bit of a rough finish.
Jonathan,
My favorite bourbon I’ve had so far, most likely because I’m more of a scotch guy and this bourbon has more malted barley than the typical bourbon.
Brian,
This is a wheelhouse bourbon for me. I'll be getting more bottles of this in the future. Very smooth easy drinking.
Janet,
Smoky and smooth
Darin,
Very smooth. Vanilla comes through nicely.
Bryan,
Very well done bourbon. Going to buy again.
Matt,
Very smooth and easy. Almost no punch with a hint of cinnamon.
Gregg/Connie,
A bit strong or harsh in flavor… But even though it’s not quite so smooth… The flavors are nice.
Casey,
Smooth, easy finish, and great either on the rocks or in mixed cocktails.
Matthew,
Spicy, maple to me, definitely vanilla. A lot of bite out of the bottle, but very smooth with a splash of water.
Evin,
I'm not a huge bourbon drinker as I usually prefer Scotch. However, this was pleasantly surprising with how incredibly smooth it was with a deep flavor profile I wasn't expecting.
Alex,
Good bourbon. Hits all the notes I expect, cherry, oak, little bit of smokey spice. What surprised me was the vanilla being prominent towards the end, and caramel throughout. Very nice.
Robert,
Was expecting much more.. It was just ok
Blake,
Smooth and easy to drink, but nothing special. A little too pricey for what it is, but I would definitely buy it again if I found it for $10 cheaper.
Chris,
Was very surprised how much I liked this, never remember seeing it but certainly glad I know to look for it in the future.
Nathan,
Great bourbon
Matthew,
Great bottle to intro me to Flaviar. This is not one I have ever seen so I was really unsure about it. Really glad that I got it and I will buy it in the future.
Alex,
It’s a outstanding bourbon that suits all pallets! Enough spice and rye after notes to satisfy bourbon drinkers who enjoy a stronger whisky while the overarching vanilla and caramel that accompany the profile from nose to finish appeal to the more mild profile fans. Either way, a new favorite for me a must try!
Kevyn,
This Old Elk is definitely my new favorite. It’s sooo damn smooth! Not too sweet and no harsh bite, but yet I was able to taste the flavor profiles. For this to be the first bottle I received, I’m so excited for what’s to come.
Dan,
Was very surprised. The more I tasted, the more I liked. Love the label and the look of the bottle. It was very easy to drink. I purchased without trying and was not disapointed.
Nicholas,
Very accurate flavor profile and very delightful lingering taste. Flavors popped even more when I let it sit in the decanter for a few days, smooth and easy drinking.
Greg,
Butter and brown sugar, cream, and vanilla. A perfect dessert! This one follows the flavor spiral pretty closely, down to the oaky finish.
James,
I would buy again
David,
Absolutely amazing flavor. Complex and enjoyable. One if the best I have had especially in this price range.
Thomas,
You are exactly right with that. In this price range it is the best by far.
Curtis,
Smooth and tasty
Rodney,
Like it.
Craig,
Loved this. Ultra smooth with great peat and Smokey flavor.
Sean,
Very smooth and I like the notes of caramel
Francisco,
Great with just whiskey rocks. It’s also well-suited to be the bourbon in a Kentucky Colonel (bourbon and Benedictine).
Anthony,
Good bourbon, sweet without being overpowering, hints of vanilla
David,
Across nose, palate, and finish, clear bourbon notes of vanilla and caramel. In that way, it's a solid bourbon. Unfortunately, it seems cut too much...the mouthfeel is silky in a thin way and evaporates. I have a feeling that even another 10 proof points would make a huge difference in this product, and 20 would be perfect.
Matt,
Supremely smooth! Makes a great old fashioned.
James,
Solid bourbon. Nothing special just smooth
Gregory,
Pretty good Bourbon. Flavor is good but a little pricy.
Yuliya,
Smooth, no burn, smoky and sweet
Daniel,
Very smooth and sweet, short finish. Overall delicious.
Robert,
My foray into good Bourbon is limited to Jefferson's (regular and ocean cask strength), as well as Woodford Reserve double oaked. The Old Elk is not as strong or flavorful ... but it is eminently smooth and easy to drink, something to keep on hand for that casual pour.
Alan,
Smooth and tasty. I’d drink again.
Brian,
A solid bourbon. Giving it the ol Kentucky chew you can taste that vanilla and caramel. Just a little spice and smooth finish. Add a little ice or splash of water and you get a sweet citrusy flavor. A respectable dram.
Tom,
Very good bourbon! The caramel and the vanilla really come through at first. A subtlety sweet finish. Definitely worth a try
Todd,
Smooth and smoky. It does taste a little watered down in the end. Overall nice but not my favorite
Justin,
Very, very smooth and buttery. With just a hint of spice at the end. One of my favorites.
Brent,
I liked it enough to buy again, but didn't fall in love with it.
Paul,
Like it, but a little thin, due to (possibly) higher percentage of corn in the mash bill than what I prefer. Doesn’t seem to be much wheat, so it seems short on caramels vanilla flavors, and a short finish.
John,
Good, but a little bitterness to it for me
Daniel,
Delicious and very smooth. Nothing special about it - just a good glass of bourbon. Good enough neat, and seems like it would be good in a cocktail too. A little too pricey to be a regular for me, but glad to have tried it.
John,
Smooth and long finish.
Aaron,
Had this one on the rocks, it is a great sipper.
Steven,
I've had many bourbons, old elk wasn't my favorite, but still not in my bottom. A little sting in the back end. Will make nice old fashioned.
Steven,
Solid drink, slowsipper. Light whiskey burn great flavor.
Ivan,
it's ok
Dan,
Better than most, I tried. Very smooth on the rocks.
David,
Smooth, sweet, and chocolatey.
Stephen,
Found this by accident, didn't know it was my lucky day. Very smooth. I'll be adding a few more bottles to my collection.
Patrick,
One of my favorite bottles, a constant go to..
Jacob,
Absolutely loved it. I will be buying it again.
Jason,
Very smooth with good vanilla and caramel flavor. Really enjoyable.
Michael,
Real nice malty smooth. Loving it
Ivan,
Too watered down. Wanted to like this but tastes like watered classic bourbon.
Terry,
Smooth and sweet. Easy to drink neat. One of my favorites. Bought this two years ago before my first elk hunt. Great hunt and great bourbon.
Ivan,
too watered down
Matthew,
Warm flavor with classic brown sugar and molasses on the palate. Easy to sip and good flavor.
Jason,
Delicious sweet caramel spicy goodness
Jason,
Delicious sweet caramel spicy goodness
David,
Very good taste. Great sipping
Adam,
This is the bourbon that really opened my eyes to the joys of sipping bourbon. I know its not wise, but I originally bought this bourbon because I liked the bottle. Boy was I surprised when I poured my first glass and realized that not only was the bottle cool but the bourbon inside was even better!
Jeremy,
I bought this because of the name and the cool bottle top, but really enjoyed this bourbon. I felt it had the bite I like in bourbon but was smooth enough to really enjoy sipping it neat. I will be buying this one again!
Catherine,
I really enjoyed this bourbon. Very good for sipping!
Erik,
A barely-legal (only 51% corn) and high barley bourbon, definitely brings something different to the table compared to your typical craft bourbon.
Robert,
Not my favorite. It had a strong after taste that I was not in favor
Todd,
Very good. Trust the spiral
Thomas,
I thought this was an excellent all around bourbon. Very good for an affordable everyday go to drink.
Gabe,
A very good bourbon
Frank,
It’s ok. Wouldn’t get it again.
Ronald,
nice start hard finish, good bourbon
Hal,
Excellent, smooth bourbon. If you like bourbon, you’re going to love this. One of my favorites.
Dane,
It just wasn't good... at all. Very young with a strong burn that lacks any real flavor.
Joshua,
Not to sound cliche but Old Elk is one of the smoothest bourbons I have had in a while! My wife actually likes the taste of this one so if you have a noob you're introducing to the world of whisk(e)y this may be a great jumping off point!
Chris,
Smooth and easy to drink
Matt,
Excellent taste with a little bite. Sweet tasting caramel at the start, little burn and great finish. I really like this bourbon, great value too!
Ara,
Kind of thin but easy to drink. Get cinnamon and chocolate on the palate. Not much of a finish.
Tony,
Excellent whiskey. Nice and thick, with a touch of smoke and sweetness mixed together. Very pleased, will get again.
Mark,
Smooth start and excellent finish. One of my favorites!
Clark,
I think I need some spice rum I'm all out
Clark,
Very good but could be sweeter
Alexandro,
Smooth, sweet, and easy to sip.
Aaron,
A smooth fireside chat between spicy and sweet.
Donal,
Very smooth , sweet and soft flavors
Travis,
Really really good whiskey and worth a shot. A smooth and sweet taste. Very easy to sip on straight.
Brandon,
This is one of the first non-Kentucky bourbons I have enjoyed. It's pretty mild, pretty flavorful and pretty estery. Well balanced, very enjoyable. A little pricey, but I would consider getting another bottle in the future.
Leslie,
A so so bourbon; I don’t remember much about it except that it would not make my home bar. Breckinridge is much more my taste
Josh,
While a good flavor, it is extremely mild which made it difficult for me to distinguish the different flavors. A little weak for me but if you like a milder drink this would do the trick
Clay,
Was always a big fan of Woodford Reserve, but I find my self choosing Old Elk these days instead. Smooth, rich, and a great finish.
Shaun,
Very smooth. Nice flavor with a tiny bit of spice on the finish.
BOB,
Smooth bourbon with creamy vanilla and caramel flavors up front. Finishes sweet with a hint of oak.
John,
Favorite bourbon I have tried so far.
Matthew,
Smooth with great flavor. Drink at room temp neat.
John,
Smooth yet full. Fine finish and well priced. A pleasant surprise from Colorado.
JOHNNY,
Outstanding! Very nice
Marc,
Absolutely enjoyed it!
Harland,
I didn't like it at all. To harsh not my taste at all
DIANNA,
Smooth & Excellent
Steven,
Good Solid hearty Bourbon taste
Alvaro,
Solid overall. Flavorful and smooth.
Tad,
This is a very pleasing Bourbon. Still learning the Flaviar rating system, but I can see buying this again soon.
Steven,
Great !
Matt,
Initially sweet, then met by a good amount of spice. Many characteristics that make it feel like a Rye.
Pierre,
A smooth whiskey with a hint of spice. To much of a rye harshness to be an every day for me but I did enjoy it in boulevadiers
Michael,
The sweetness starts the build up, a nice spice the finishes smooooth. Me happy :)
KEITH,
Very nice mild and smooth
Troy,
Solid 'go-to' bourbon. Delicious. Got better over the first week as it opened up. Goes in smooth and on the way down reminds you just enough you just sipped some good bourbon.
Richard,
A smooth, sweet slow-sipper, perfect for a quiet night in.
Donald,
Nice whiskey. Bit harsh for me. Definitely would not turn down a glass of it. I would put it high middle of whiskeys I have tried here.
Erin,
Delicious & sweet
Kris,
Smooth flavor!
Andrew,
Good smooth all around sipper, a little sweeter than you might expect, bottle about half gone I’ll think I’ll have another ;)
Luis,
Leads you in with vanilla, with a hint of caramel... but doesn’t disappoint! A smooth drink with long legs - easy to sip on a Christmas evening.
Amanda,
Vanilla up front, spicy at back. Smooth all the way through with subtle dark fruit notes throughout. Easily drinkable. No harshness or sting at all. Can’t knock this whiskey for anything.
Chet,
A nice surprise, very smooth & drinkable
Adam,
I thought it was excellent. I will have a bottle of this in my cabinet at all times.
Nathan,
Good, solid bourbon but wasn't anything extraordinary.
Eric,
Very nice and easy. Smooth burnt caramel and vanilla with a bit of spice. The smooth finish is great. Excellent neat or with a rock.
Patrick,
Fantastic.
Kevin,
A great building spicy finish. Smooth to start.
William,
It was very smooth tastes slight notes of oak
Kimberly,
Really like it. Clean and smooth. Have had it neat, but will try on the rocks next. Wouldn't want to mix, too tasty.
Calaway,
Smooth with a great finish. Packed a wallup and created a very cheery atmosphere for all that sampled this fine example of American craftsmanship.
Bill,
Delish and smooth
Riley,
Sweet, smooth, good short and sharp aftertaste. Good neat or with rocks. Nothing extremely mind blowing, but a darn solid bourbon
Sean,
Smooth, but less flavor than I like. Not noting caramel and only getting a faint vanilla very late after a sip. Good sippin', but not near the top of the list.
ANNE,
Not stunning, but good. Smooth with decent oak, but not a whole lot going on. Just not that flavorful; no lingering finish.
Ivan,
Old elk just became one of my favorites. Starts very sweet, and then a mild oak taste hits without being too woody or bitter.
Cooper,
Really good bourbon.
Matt,
Sweet corn and spice nose. Caramel and vanilla notes, spicier on the finish.
Ray,
Lots of vanilla, caramel, and oak with spicy finish. A very smooth and tasty bourbon.
Michael,
Really enjoyed this. I put this in my stash bourbon, meaning if your in my house I would have to really like you a lot to give you a shot of this!!!
Jim,
Very smooth. Good everyday sipper.
Kevin,
Went down very smooth but there was a peculiar film or after taste left in my mouth. Will try it over ice or with a few splashes of water to see if it mellows out the sweetness a bit. Over ice was nice! Cut the sweetness and filmy after taste. Highly recommend over ice.
Don,
Big oak flavor, spicy up front, decent finish. Good over ice. Will purchase again.
Kevin,
Old Elk was as advertised, smooth, sweet and spicy. By far the sweetest bourbon I've ever had. My palate was initially hit with a burst of sweetness followed by a blast of spice on the back end. Went down very smooth but there was a peculiar film or after taste left in my mouth. Will try it over ice or with a few splahes of water to see if it mellows out the sweetness a bit.
Over ice was nice! Cut the sweetness and filmy after taste. Highly recommend over ice.
Cory,
Wow! A rich, vanilla nose with a warm smooth finish of spice.
Troy,
Solid and well crafted. Starts out with a rather subtle flavor but quickly get a nice spicy hit. Pleasant lingering that makes you want a second.
Drew,
Balanced, smooth, grainy and a little sweet
David,
Very enjoyable bourbon. Very sweet with a nice smooth mouth feel. After the bottle has had a few pours it gets even better.
Bruce,
Lots of vanilla and caramel with a short finish. Good overall bourbon.
Jeramy,
This is damn good. Smooth, slightly sweet and a great finish
Harry,
This was a good bourbon. Ice cubes help mellow the heat and really releases the flavors.
Bret,
Solid bourbon, sweet vanilla and caramel turns into a nice, somewhat short, spicey finish. Some oak and rye in there as well. I have found similiar bourbons for better prices.
Harry,
This bourbon starts a little hot but mellows out nicely with an ice cube or two.
Jimmy,
It's a very smooth bourbon with a nice flavor.
Erik,
This was my first bottle from Flaviar... it did not disappoint. I like Old Fashioned drinks... and Old Elk seemed to work well with just about everything I have tried. I did have it neat, the first time and while it was smooth, I prefer it on the rock... with a little orange...
Fletcher,
Smooth, light on the nose, not too hot on the back end. Good enough to drink neat. Would compete with many of the high end Kentucky Bourbons.
Andrew,
Very good. Sweet and smooth, just a slightly odd backend.
Creston,
Solid taste with a hint of young notes but did open up after a bit.
Chris,
Very smooth, easy to drink neat. Fully enjoy this one!
Kat,
Amazing. My new favorite. So smooth.
Ian,
Solid bourbon. Easy to drink. Makes a good julep. I don’t find the flavors strong, they fall flat and don’t hang around too long.
Matt,
First time trying blended bourbon, complex but felt fully blended, I didnt taste 3 whiskeys I tasted one great one. Sweet with hint of corn and very little spice. Not heavy alcohol taste very approachable for most palates.
Paige,
What a pleasant bourbon this is! On the nose your typical caramel and vanilla shine through with hints of fruit. The palate was clean, oaky and almost nutty too. Spice was near perfect with the rye and finished smooth with notes of cherry, wood sweetness. Well done!
Wade,
Delicious spirit at the price. I particularly enjoyed the finish which has a healthy bit not overpowering kick
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