Old Elk vs Weller Special Reserve: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:43 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Old Elk vs Weller Special Reserve in this head-to-head comparison and decide which wheated bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Old Elk vs Weller Special Reserve: Comparison

Old Elk Bourbon: A bold bourbon with a unique blend of cocoa, honey, and earthy notes, offering a viscous and satisfying mouthfeel. Its finish is memorable for cocoa and oak spice. Best enjoyed with a splash of water or on the rocks.

Weller Special Reserve: Renowned for its smooth and sweet wheated profile, featuring cherry, vanilla, and brown sugar, with a finish of oak and roasted peanuts. A drop of water enhances its sweetness.

The Verdict: “Old Elk appeals to those seeking a robust and earthy bourbon with a distinctive cocoa twist, making it a unique addition to any collection. Weller Special Reserve, with its wheated mash bill, offers a smooth, sweet experience, appealing to those who prefer their bourbon with minimal burn.”, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Both bourbons present unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with Old Elk offering complexity and Weller delivering on smoothness.

Related: Alternatives to Weller

Old Elk Bourbon: A Bold Ride with Hints of Cocoa and Leather

Nose: Old leather, caramel, earth
Palate: Cocoa, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, earth
Finish: Cocoa, cinnamon, oak spice
Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, rocks
Similar to: Maker’s Mark

Hold onto your taste buds, bourbon explorers! Old Elk isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you crave exciting flavors and a unique experience, it might just be your next adventure.

Here’s the deal:

The initial aroma: Earthy, with a touch of leather and caramel, followed by a hint of alcohol that fades quickly.
The first sip: A viscous, satisfying mouthfeel coats your tongue, carrying warm yet not harsh flavors of cocoa powder, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. An earthy undertone lingers from the nose, along with a subtle reminder of wheat through a light cereal note.
The finish: Medium to long, with a lingering warmth and echoes of cocoa, cinnamon, and oak spice.

But be warned:

Smoothness isn’t its middle name. This bourbon packs a bit of heat, but it’s not unbearable.
A drop of water might be your friend. It can tame the heat and unlock more caramel sweetness, making it more approachable.

The verdict? If you seek novelty and exciting flavor combinations, Old Elk deserves a taste. Its cocoa note is uncommon and intriguing, and the overall experience is certainly unique.

Bonus facts:

Made with 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley, giving it a wheated bourbon character.
Aged for at least five years and earned a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition.
Handcrafted using a slow-cut proofing process for smoother, more balanced flavor.

Remember, taste is subjective! Don’t let reviews hold you back. Give Old Elk a try and see if it becomes your new bourbon obsession!

Weller Special Reserve: A Wheaty Oasis in the Bourbon Desert?

Nose: Cherry, vanilla, oak, ethanol
Palate: Fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice, peanuts
Finish: Oak, spice, roasted peanuts
Alcohol content: 91 proof (45.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Blade and Bow

Calling all lovers of smooth, sweet bourbon! Weller Special Reserve, from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery, might just be your new best friend. Crafted with a wheated mash, it ditches the rye often used in bourbon, resulting in a silky-smooth experience.

Imagine:

A sweet aroma filled with maple honey, apple, and hints of aged leather.
Your first sip bursting with caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus.
A finish that’s warm, dry, and laced with spicy cinnamon candy and oak.

Sounds tempting, right? Here’s the skinny:

Smoothness? Check. This wheated wonder goes down easy, with minimal burn.
Want even more sweetness? Add a drop of water for enhanced oak notes.
Flavor profile? Sweet and smooth, with hints of dark chocolate and leather. Could benefit from more body, but it’s still a satisfying pour.

But before you jump in, a heads-up:

Some might find it a bit thin compared to other bourbons.
Remember, taste is subjective! What one person loves, another might not.

Fun facts:

Weller was the first bourbon to use wheat as a secondary grain back in 1849!
It’s aged for 4-7 years and won a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
It shares its home, the Buffalo Trace Distillery, with legendary brands like Pappy Van Winkle and Blanton’s.

Ready to see if Weller Special Reserve delivers for you? Give it a try and share your thoughts! Just remember, it might not be for everyone, but its smoothness and sweetness are undeniable.