Old Elk Four Grain Private Blend - Loch & K(e)y - The Center Cut

[Scotch_Collector]

I recently picked up the Old Elk Four Grain Private Blend "The Center Cut" for Loch & K(e)y (a whiskey society in Massachusetts). 

 

It reminds of "cigar" blends in that is sweet and dense. The Tawny Port and Sauternes barrel influence, along with the high wheat content, is what really interested me. I have a few cigar blends from other distilleries and bottlers and I am not afraid of a "dessert" whiskey. This is definitely that, although the wheat influence is noticeable and there is nice balance between spice and sweetness. 

 

My one gripe is that the finishes run together. I have trouble differentiating between Sauternes, Tawny Port, etc. I definitely get some sweet and grape influences and it is nice pour. It is not sticky or overly sweet and I like the spice. 

 

This is the first Old Elk bottle I have bought, but I have tried the Port Cask, Sherry Cask, and three cigar blends including the Punch Cut. All are impressive if you want a sweet whiskey. 

 

Overall, a nice bottle even if the flavors are difficult to differentiate. 

 

8.25/10

 

[rzelinka]

19 hours ago, Scotch_Collector said:

I recently picked up the Old Elk Four Grain Private Blend "The Center Cut" for Loch & K(e)y (a whiskey society in Massachusetts). 

 

It reminds of "cigar" blends in that is sweet and dense. The Tawny Port and Sauternes barrel influence, along with the high wheat content, is what really interested me. I have a few cigar blends from other distilleries and bottlers and I am not afraid of a "dessert" whiskey. This is definitely that, although the wheat influence is noticeable and there is nice balance between spice and sweetness. 

 

My one gripe is that the finishes run together. I have trouble differentiating between Sauternes, Tawny Port, etc. I definitely get some sweet and grape influences and it is nice pour. It is not sticky or overly sweet and I like the spice. 

 

This is the first Old Elk bottle I have bought, but I have tried the Port Cask, Sherry Cask, and three cigar blends including the Punch Cut. All are impressive if you want a sweet whiskey. 

 

Overall, a nice bottle even if the flavors are difficult to differentiate. 

 

8.25/10

 

interesting blend. I like the whiskey's with higher wheat content in the mash bill. Was this one reasonably priced?

[Scotch_Collector]

On 5/28/2025 at 8:38 AM, rzelinka said:

interesting blend. I like the whiskey's with higher wheat content in the mash bill. Was this one reasonably priced?

Agreed. I have quite a few wheated bourbons as well as some nice wheat whiskeys. Dry Fly makes a nice cask strength wheat whiskey, or at least they used to. I have a 375ml of the straight wheat whiskey as well as one that is finished in PX casks. Really nice stuff. 

 

To answer your question, what does reasonably priced mean? I think it was fair for a whiskey that age and with those finishes and blend. Cigar cuts go for $100-$200 usually and I consider this in the same vein. It was $125 and in Massachusetts, where there is no liquor tax.