Old Elk Sour Mash 6 Year 750ML is a 105 proof (52.5% ABV) small-batch Colorado whiskey aged six years and built on a high-malt mashbill. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and another Gold at Whiskies of the World, cementing its reputation among American whiskey drinkers looking for complexity beyond the standard bourbon profile.

Quick Facts: ABV: 52.5% (105 Proof)  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery

Production & Heritage

Old Elk Distillery operates out of Fort Collins, Colorado, under the guidance of Master Distiller Greg Metze, who was named Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year at the 2024 Icons of Whisky Awards. The Sour Mash 6 Year uses a mashbill of 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye — a notably malt-forward grain bill compared to most American whiskeys. Each batch draws from only 30 barrels, keeping production deliberately small. The defining twist in this expression is its proprietary yeast blend: Old Elk experimented with different yeast strains on their flagship high-malt recipe, and the resulting fermentation character drives much of what makes the whiskey distinctive. The sour mash process — where a portion of previously fermented mash is carried into each new batch — provides consistency and added depth across those small runs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens floral and bright, with cherry, almond, and brown sugar arriving early. Given time to breathe, darker tones of charred oak, maple, coconut, and clove spice emerge, layered over a warm vanilla-caramel backdrop.

Taste: The entry is sweet and syrupy, with caramel and dark stone fruit leading the way. At mid-palate, warm baking spices and rye-driven peppery heat take hold, joined by chocolate, toasted oak, and a subtle nuttiness. The 105 proof carries weight without overwhelming, and the high malt percentage lends a smooth, almost creamy texture throughout.

Finish: Long and lingering, with leather, smoky oak, and residual brown sugar trailing off slowly. A gentle clove warmth stays on the palate well after the sip, making each pour rewarding to sit with.

How to Drink Old Elk Sour Mash

At 105 proof, this whiskey rewards neat pours — the higher ABV opens up with a few drops of water, amplifying the stone fruit and floral aromatics without diluting the finish. It also holds its own on the rocks as the malt-forward richness remains intact through dilution.

For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned, where the brown sugar and baking spice amplify the drink's classic profile. It also works well in a Manhattan, pairing its cherry and oak character naturally with sweet vermouth. A Boulevardier is another strong match — the whiskey's weight and leather notes stand up to Campari's bitterness without getting lost.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates malt-forward American whiskey
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Colorado distilling against Kentucky standards
• After-dinner sipping on cooler evenings when a warming, full-proof pour is welcome
• Building a home bar anchored by award-winning small-batch American whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Elk Sour Mash taste like? It leads with dark stone fruit, caramel, and brown sugar sweetness, then transitions into warm baking spice, chocolate, and toasted oak. The finish is long and leathery with a lasting clove warmth.

How does Old Elk Sour Mash compare to Basil Hayden's? Both target the premium easy-sipping segment of American whiskey, but Old Elk's 34% malted barley gives it a noticeably richer body and more complex flavor layering than Basil Hayden's lighter, rye-forward approach. Old Elk also bottled at a higher 105 proof versus Basil Hayden's standard 80 proof, delivering more intensity and depth.

Is Old Elk Sour Mash good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 105 proof, the high malt content creates a smooth, full mouthfeel that makes neat sipping approachable. A few drops of water further open the floral and fruit aromatics.

Where is Old Elk Sour Mash made? Old Elk Sour Mash 6 Year is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The distillery was recognized as Colorado's Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition.

What foods pair well with Old Elk Sour Mash? Dark chocolate truffles complement the whiskey's cocoa and brown sugar notes. Smoked brisket matches well with the leather and oak character. Aged cheddar cheese brings out the nuttiness, while pecan pie echoes the caramel and warm spice. Stone fruit desserts like a cherry tart mirror the whiskey's fruit-forward aromatics.

What sizes does Old Elk Sour Mash come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle at 105 proof (52.5% ABV).

Is Old Elk Sour Mash worth the price? Old Elk Sour Mash 6 Year positions as a premium small-batch expression with genuine production credentials — only 30 barrels per batch, a proprietary yeast program, and six years of aging. Its dual Gold Medal wins and the reputation of Master Distiller Greg Metze place it competitively among well-regarded mid-shelf to upper-shelf American whiskeys.

Why Old Elk Sour Mash?

The 34% malted barley in the mashbill is the single biggest differentiator here — it is significantly higher than most American whiskeys, which typically run 5–15% malted barley. That grain bill creates a body and texture you rarely find in this category. Combine that with a proprietary yeast strain specifically developed for this recipe, small 30-barrel batches, and six years of maturation, and you get a whiskey engineered for complexity rather than volume. Gold Medals from both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Whiskies of the World confirm that the approach translates into the glass, not just the marketing.