Port Cask Finish
Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels
Old Elk Distillery
Distilled in Indiana
Finished & Bottled By Old Elk Distillery
108.1 Proof
MSRP: ~$100
Review
Please enjoy our Old Elk Port Cask Finish Bourbon Review!
Port Cask Finish Bourbon Returns
The Old Elk Port Cask Finish Bourbon is one of the three new releases in Old Elk’s Cask Finishing Series. It joins the returning Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon and the new Rum Cask Finish Rye. Port Cask Finish had first been released in 2021 and due to its popularity, it is making a return engagement.
Similar to the Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon, Old Elk’s High Malt Bourbon serves as the base for the Port Cask Finish Bourbon as well. The High Malt Bourbon uses Old Elk’s standard mash bill of 51% corn, 34% malted barley and 15% rye. The bourbon is matured for at least 5 years, then finished in 59 gallon Port casks for another 10 months to a year. It is bottled at a barrel proof of 108.1, which is a much higher proof than is used for their standard 88 proof bourbon.
Tasting Notes – Old Elk Port Cask Finish Bourbon Review
Let’s taste it:
🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn
👉🏻Nose: Port, raisin, lightly burnt caramel, subtle cinnamon & cedar; moderate alcohol
👉🏻Taste: Brown sugar, caramel, port, cedar, with a mild tartness developing late…
👉🏻Finish: …and continuing into the finish to be joined by noticeable spice that grows then lingers; dark red wine then appears and continues throughout the long finish; moderate burn
Port and red wine flavors are present throughout the sip. The port itself is noticeable in the nose and taste, but in the finish it takes on a more full bodied red wine character. The wine and port flavors are not overpowering, but they are definitely discernible. There is also plenty of brown sugar, caramel, raisin and spice to balance things out, giving the Old Elk Port Finish Bourbon rich full flavors.
(photo courtesy of Old Elk)
Full Transparency
For full transparency’s sake, I have to admit that while I do like both red wine and port, I generally am not a red wine or port finished whiskey fan. Having said that, what my personal preferences are has nothing to do with Old Elk’s execution of this finished bourbon. Port Cask Finish is up to their usual excellent standards.
Popular Amongst Those Who Like Port & Red Wine Finishes
In fact, I was recently out of town and stopped into a liquor store. While there, I was chatting with the gentleman behind the counter. They had recently gotten the Port Cask Finish Old Elk in, and he said he loved it and had already finished a bottle and had bought a second. I have heard that sentiment echoed by others.
Conclusion
So, if you are one of the many who does enjoy port and red wine finished whiskeys, I think you will like this bourbon. It has the complementary mix of full flavors that we have come to expect from Old Elk Distillery. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Cheers!🥃
I hope you have enjoyed our Old Elk Port Cask Finish Bourbon Review! If you would like to learn about another whiskey from the Old Elk Cask Finishing Series, read our Old Elk Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon Review!
Thank you to Old Elk Distillery for graciously providing this sample!
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