Elkins Whisky has been a staple of Mile High Bourbon for a long time. One of our earliest reviews came from their Colorado Whisky, and it still remains one of my favorite bottles and distillery trips. Estes Park’s first Legal distillery, Elkins’ has made a name for itself by being consistently excellent in their releases, with the honey whiskey really being a standout in the flavored whisky category. Today, we finally have the review of the Single Barrel Bourbon, now that I have been able to pick up a bottle.
Mashbill:
At least 51% Corn.
Age:
1 Year
Proof:
93 Proof (46.5% ABV)
In the Glass:
Color:
Amber/Bronze tint but completely clear.
Without Water:
Nose:
Sweet corn and vanilla notes both jump out right away. Some earthy and straw notes come through on the nose as well.
Palate:
Right up front it is light and sweet, with some vanilla notes that move into a sweet, heavier brown sugar and toasted oak mid palate. A very clean mouthfeel.
Finish:
The finish gets a little more dry, with some dark cocoa notes and more of the toasted oak, even some tobacco notes. It lingers for a long time.
With Water:
Nose:
The brown sugar really jumps out with water added. Even a little burnt wood, and some dark fruits.
Palate:
More earthy notes come through, but more chocolate and brown sugar as well. There is almost a more oily thick mouth feel, which seems counter intuitive.
Finish:
Candied fruits and caramelized sugars quickly move into a long tobacco and oak that lingers for a surprisingly longer time than without water.
Final Thoughts:
Elkins distillery has a way with all of their whisky to make it uniquely Colorado, and the Single Barrel Bourbon continues that tradition. All of the Elkins’ whiskies tend to go their own way, to carve their own path in the whisky world, and consistently do it very well.
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