Distillery: Old Elk Distillery
Region: Fort Collins, Colorado
Aging: 6+ Years and finished 1.5 Years in Sherry Casks, 1.25 Years in Armagnac Casks, 3-8 Months in Port Casks, and 3-6 Months in Cognac Casks
ABV: 55.3%
Proof: 110.6
Mash Bill: 51% Corn, 34% Malted Barley, 15% Rye
Non-Chill Filtered: No
Price: $120
Appearance: Dark Amber
Old Elk Cigar Cut Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel, dark fruit, cherry, plum, vanilla, citrus notes, toasted oak, nutty, graham cracker
Palate: Almond, rich oak, caramel, creme brulee, citrus zest, dark fruits, heavy black cherry
Finish: Long, beautiful finish with a bold, buttery, and oily mouthfeel that coats your entire mouth with each sip. It’s honestly one of the longest finishes I’ve experienced with whiskey lasting at least 60 seconds or more.
Leaves you with rich oak, caramel, and vanilla followed by an entire array of flavors that it will take me weeks to decipher.
Is Old Elk Cigar Cut an Approachable Whiskey?
Old Elk Cigar Cut packs quite a punch.
It’s got big bold flavors in addition to its long finish.
This is a whiskey that should be reserved for experienced whiskey drinkers.
Is Old Elk Cigar Cut Complex?
Old Elk Cigar Cut is extremely complex.
It has many layers of flavors.
I’m going to have to sit with this one for a few sessions to really break down what flavors I’m getting (which is a good thing).
I get the usual caramel, toasted oak, and dark fruits you’d normally get with a bourbon finished in Sherry Casks, but then I’m also getting an almond nutty flavor, buttery creme brulee, and a whole variety of fruits.
In all honesty, as I’m tasting this whiskey, I’m having a hard time pinpointing exactly all the flavors I’m finding which is a sign of this whiskey’s complexity and quality.
My first instinct is to compare it to the Dalmore Cigar Malt Whisky which is quite a pricey Scotch around the $150-$180 price range.
In that comparison, I think the winner would be this Old Elk Cigar Cut which says a lot because I really enjoyed the Dalmore Cigar Malt.
Is Old Elk Cigar Cut a go-to whiskey?
I can see why they call this one the “Cigar Cut” because it should be reserved for a special occasion or to be enjoyed with a nice cigar.
Is Old Elk Cigar Cut priced accurately to its quality?
At first, I was hesitant to pay the $120 price tag for this bottle of bourbon, but this bottle of Old Elk Cigar Cut absolutely delivers on its price tag.
Conclusion for Old Elk Cigar Cut Finished Bourbon
I’m going to continue to update this review each time I have a pour from this bottle because it is just so complex and enjoyable with every sip.
There aren’t many whiskeys that leave me guessing on what’s so enjoyable about it, but everything about this pour just “works”.
If you see a bottle of Old Elk Cigar Cut on the shelf you should absolutely buy yourself a bottle.
It’s one of the most enjoyable and complex whiskeys that I have tasted and reviewed.
Update: I have recently reviewed the Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon and it is equally as good as the Old Elk Cigar Cut, if not better. Granted, it also costs $200, but it’s great to have both of these bottles because they are absolutely delicious.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
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Thanks for reading and cheers!
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