Old Elk bourbon comes from Fort Collins, Colorado, a city known for its vibrant craft beer scene. However, it's important to note that Old Elk does not currently have its own distillery in Fort Collins. They do have plans to build a distillery in the future, but for now, they are sourcing their bourbon from the renowned MGP distillery in Indiana.
MGP, or Midwest Grain Products, is a distillery that has gained a solid reputation for producing high-quality spirits. They have been in operation for over 170 years and have honed their craft to perfection. Many well-known whiskey brands source their bourbon from MGP, and Old Elk is no exception.
Now, you might be wondering why Old Elk doesn't just disclose that their bourbon is sourced from MGP. Well, the truth is, transparency in the whiskey industry can be a bit murky. Some consumers have a bias against sourced whiskey, believing that it lacks originality or authenticity. So, to avoid any potential prejudice, Old Elk has chosen to market their bourbon as their own, without explicitly mentioning MGP.
But let's not dismiss the quality of Old Elk bourbon just because it's sourced. Blending is an art form, and Old Elk takes pride in their ability to hand-select and blend different batches of MGP bourbon to create a unique and flavorful product. They have a team of experienced professionals, including master blenders and a renowned sommelier, who work tirelessly to ensure that each bottle of Old Elk bourbon meets their high standards.
I've had the opportunity to try Old Elk bourbon myself, and I must say, I was quite impressed. The bourbon displays a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice. It has a smooth and velvety mouthfeel that lingers on the palate, leaving a warm and satisfying finish.
One thing that sets Old Elk apart is their use of a unique “slow cut” proofing process. This involves slowly adding water to the bourbon over a period of six weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and harmonize. The result is a bourbon that is incredibly smooth and well-balanced, with no harsh or overpowering elements.
While Old Elk bourbon is currently sourced from MGP, it's important to remember that sourcing whiskey is a common practice in the industry. Many well-known and highly respected whiskey brands do it, and it doesn't necessarily mean that the quality is compromised. In fact, sourcing allows smaller brands like Old Elk to enter the market with a product that meets their standards while they work towards building their own distillery.
Old Elk bourbon comes from Fort Collins, Colorado, but is currently sourced from the MGP distillery in Indiana. While some may view sourcing as a negative aspect, it's important to recognize the skill and expertise that goes into blending and creating a unique flavor profile. Old Elk takes great care in selecting and blending their bourbon, resulting in a high-quality product that stands on its own merits. So, whether it's sourced or not, Old Elk bourbon is definitely worth a try for whiskey enthusiasts looking for something new and exciting.