Old Elk - Infinity Blend (2021) - Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies
$159
Old Elk – Infinity Blend (2021) – Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies
Proof: 114.9
Age: Blend of 6 (60%), 11 (16%), and 12 Year (24%)
Distillery: The 6 year is Old Elk Product the 11 and 12 year are sourced – Blended and Bottled by Old Elk
Type: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies
Mash: Unknown
Website: Old Elk Distillery
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Fresh Cut Oak, Banana Cream, Blackberry, Crème Brule, and Pecan. Trailing behind there’s a healthy amount of spice that rounds out the nose – Cinnamon, All Spice, and Black Pepper.
Taste/Palate: The spices finished up the nose, but lead on the palate. Briefly the Cinnamon and Pepper pops and quickly transitions to Vanilla Custard, Light Caramel, Mature Oak, Cereal Grains, & Red Grapes.
Finish: The Spices linger on the tongue and cheeks while the entire dram slowly rounds out. The finale is reminiscent of a Port Finish. There’s a Barley Grain appearance similar to a Single Malt. Mature notes of Sweet Tobacco and Oak are present.
Verdict: There’s a lot to this. It took me two pours to pick everything apart. It’s not cheap by any means, but it delivers. I’ve been disappointed in general with this particular price category with other pours I’ve tried recently. I feel this one is worth the price, but full disclosure this one has some spice and heat. If that’s your thing this might be just for you.
Price Ceiling: MSRP (The most I’d pay for this).
The Story: I saw this on the shelf and had it in my hand months ago. I already had a couple bourbon purchases that particular week and didn’t want to overdue it on the budget. I passed on it that time around. I mean it isn’t cheap. After I passed on it I saw that other’s said it was very good and well worth it. Did I miss out? Should I have gotten it?
I went back to the same spot and there it was. Not sure if it was the same bottle, but it was there nonetheless. I grabbed it this time around and didn’t look back.
More relevant to the story behind this bottle. I says that it’s an “Infinity Blend”. It gives off the impression that it’s almost Solera aged where its constantly blended. This isn’t the case. This was carefully blended and the “Infinity Blend” seems to be more of an homage to the home bar Infinity Bottles.
It’s also important to note that this is Old Elk’s first run at the Infinity Blend product. It’s possible that a future release will have this version of the product blended in with a new blend. If that’s the case this might be the start of something new and interesting and will fit the designation of Infinity Blend more appropriately . Time will tell.
The Distillery’s Story: The story on Old Elk’s page is very limited. It sounds like there is a financial backer (Curt Richardson) that procured a master distiller (Greg Metze – 38 Years with Seagrams) to produce high quality spirits. I believe that the recipe and distilling directions are sourced out to be distilled (I believe by MGP) and then bottled by Old Elk. This isn’t the standard “sourcing”. Many distilleries go into a MGP or Dickel and pick out some barrels and label them their own. In this instance the juice is being cooked to their specification. Disclaimer: This is the impression I get with the limited info I’m able to find on the distillery and other sources on the internet.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Solid. It hit all of what’s expected.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
Click Image for About Us Page