Old Elk
Old Elk is a craft distillery based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known primarily for its bourbon and blended whiskeys. The brand was established with a focus on approachable, smooth spirits, drawing on the expertise of master distiller Greg Metze, a veteran of the whiskey industry with decades of experience.
The distillery emphasizes a high-malt mash bill and a proprietary slow-cut proofing process, both of which are central to its house style. Old Elk offers a range of expressions built around wheat, malt, and other grains, aiming to deliver a rich, mellow character across its lineup.
Old Elk is a craft distillery based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known primarily for its bourbon and blended whiskeys.
Read more about Old Elk
Old Elk is a craft distillery based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known primarily for its bourbon and blended whiskeys. The brand was established with a focus on approachable, smooth spirits, drawing on the expertise of master distiller Greg Metze, a veteran of the whiskey industry with decades of experience.
The distillery emphasizes a high-malt mash bill and a proprietary slow-cut proofing process, both of which are central to its house style. Old Elk offers a range of expressions built around wheat, malt, and other grains, aiming to deliver a rich, mellow character across its lineup.
Background and House Style
Old Elk was founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, and brought aboard master distiller Greg Metze, who previously spent many years in the whiskey industry before joining the brand. His experience helped shape Old Elk's recipes and production philosophy.
A defining feature of Old Elk's approach is its use of a comparatively high proportion of malted barley in its mash bills, which the brand credits with contributing to a smoother, more balanced flavor. Malted barley provides enzymes and a distinct grain character that differentiates Old Elk from bourbons built almost entirely on corn.
The brand also highlights a slow proofing method it describes as a gradual reduction in strength over time, intended to avoid the harshness that can come from adding water too quickly. This attention to proofing is part of the house identity.
The Range and What to Expect
Old Elk's core lineup centers on bourbon, along with blended whiskey and other grain-based expressions. Buyers can expect straight bourbon offerings alongside blended and specialty releases that showcase different grains and finishes.
In addition to its flagship bourbon, Old Elk has released expressions built around wheat and rye, as well as blended whiskeys. Limited and cask-strength or single-barrel releases have also appeared, offering higher-proof and more concentrated experiences for enthusiasts.
Because availability of specific expressions varies by season and market, it's worth checking the current product listings on this page. Flagship bourbon is generally the most widely available, while limited releases may be offered in smaller quantities.
Buying and Serving Old Elk
Old Elk whiskeys are well suited to neat or on-the-rocks drinking, where the brand's emphasis on smoothness and balance can be appreciated. The bourbon's malt-forward profile also makes it a versatile base for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.
When selecting a bottle, consider proof and style: the standard bourbon offers an approachable entry point, while cask-strength and single-barrel releases deliver more intensity for those who prefer a bolder pour. Blended expressions can provide a different flavor balance worth exploring.
We ship Old Elk nationwide where permitted. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place, and once opened, keep them tightly sealed to preserve flavor over time.