When our team works so hard to make whiskey, we proof it by adding small amounts of water over weeks, not days. This keeps the liquid cool and protects the delicate flavors. This is the reason our whiskey is called Slow CutTM, and each sip shows how good it is.
Old Elk Bourbon has become one of the most coveted bourbons on the market. With its smooth taste, balanced flavors, and elegant packaging, it’s no wonder Old Elk has developed an enthusiastic cult following. But with high demand comes low supply. So is Old Elk truly difficult to find? Let’s take a closer look at why this bourbon has drinkers on the hunt.
The Appeal of Old Elk Bourbon
Old Elk was founded in 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado by Master Distiller Greg Metze. Using locally-sourced ingredients, including limestone-filtered water, Old Elk aims to produce a standout craft bourbon.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Old Elk so appealing to bourbon aficionados
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Small batch: Old Elk is produced in limited quantities, not mass-produced. This adds to its craft, exclusive feel.
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Flavor profile It’s a wheated bourbon, meaning wheat instead of rye is used in the mashbill. This gives it a smooth, easy-drinking taste
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Award-winner Old Elk products have won numerous awards at spirits competitions. Their accolades boost the brand’s credibility.
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Sleek bottle: The bottle shape and label design give Old Elk an elevated, sophisticated look. It feels like a special spirit.
With its small-batch production, standout taste, and striking packaging, it’s no wonder Old Elk has developed a cult following. But does this mean it’s a unicorn bottle that’s near-impossible to find in stores?
How Limited is Old Elk Bourbon?
There’s no doubt Old Elk has an aura of exclusivity. But a closer look at their distribution shows it’s not necessarily as rare as the hype suggests:
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Old Elk is currently distributed in 47 states across the US. It’s widely available, though less prolific than mega-brands.
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While they limit output to retain quality, Old Elk has been ramping up production to meet demand. They’ve expanded their distillery capacity.
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Certain limited releases, like store picks and single barrels, are more exclusive. But the core lineup —Bourbon, Rye, Wheated Bourbon —are regularly available.
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Old Elk focuses primarily on the US market. So while they’re not super rare, the appeal of a domestic-focused craft brand fuels demand among American whiskey fans.
Where to Find Old Elk Bourbon
Wondering where you can get your hands on a bottle of the good stuff? Here are some tips to track down Old Elk bourbon:
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Check local liquor stores — both big chain retailers and smaller independent shops. Old Elk targets liquor stores as their primary retail channel.
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Look for store picks — these are limited edition, store-selected single barrels. You’ll have to ask the staff if they have any, as they won’t be on the shelves.
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Search restaurant whiskey menus — higher-end restaurants and bars are more likely to carry it.
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Check duty free shops when traveling, especially in their Colorado hub.
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Enter contests — Old Elk sometimes gives bottles away as prizes. Sign up on their website for alerts.
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Buy online — various online spirits retailers will ship Old Elk products if your state allows it.
While hunting for certain limited Old Elk releases takes effort and luck, their core bourbon, rye, and wheated bourbon are more readily available if you know where to look.
Tips for Snagging a Bottle of Old Elk
Trying to be the first to snap up a bottle when stores get Old Elk in stock? Here are some tips to up your chances:
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Call around to stores on delivery days and ask if they’re receiving any Old Elk selections.
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Build relationships with store owners — those you know well may hold bottles for their best customers.
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Ask to be put on waiting lists for hot, limited-release items like single barrels.
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Time it right — arrive right when stores open or are unpacking deliveries to beat the crowds.
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Shop in less densely populated areas — competition may be lower outside big cities.
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Follow Old Elk’s social accounts — they’ll announce new releases.
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Join bourbon hunting groups — fellow members will share news of sightings.
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Purchase in airports on the way to new states to take advantage of lower demand.
It takes some work, but with insider knowledge and perfect timing, you can land that prized bottle of Old Elk for your collection.
Is Hunting for Old Elk Worth the Effort?
At the end of the day, is Old Elk bourbon truly so exceptional that it warrants an epic quest to obtain it? Here are some final thoughts:
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There are similarly excellent, more available craft bourbons you can enjoy on the regular without such a chase. Don’t overlook them in your pursuit of Old Elk.
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For enthusiasts who love the thrill of the hunt, finding Old Elk can be a fun adventure rather than a frustrating ordeal. It’s about the experience.
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If you just want quality bourbon, Old Elk is nice but not so unique that you should pay outrageous secondary market prices. Be reasonable.
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For serious wheated bourbon fans, the smoothness and appeal of Old Elk may be worth going the extra mile to get a bottle in your collection.
While Old Elk is largely accessible, some special releases still require luck and persistence to find. Ultimately, decide if chasing this bourbon is worthwhile based on your budget, taste preferences, and passion for small-batch whiskey. The hunt for a whiskey should never feel like a frustrating chore.
proofed for taste, not for speed
When our team works so hard to make whiskey, we proof it by adding small amounts of water over weeks, not days. This keeps the liquid cool and protects the delicate flavors. This is the reason our whiskey is called Slow CutTM, and each sip shows how good it is.
Elevate your at-home bar with an Old Elk bottle and carefully crafted cocktail recipes.
find old elk bourbon near you
Use our store locator to find Old Elk Bourbon at your nearest restaurant, bar, or liquor store. Check back frequently as we are expanding locations.
Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. It was made by a master distiller with more than 40 years of experience making bourbon and a master entrepreneur known for his clever business ideas.
Episode 172: Who Is Old Elk ?
FAQ
What distillery makes Old Elk Bourbon?
Who owns Old Elk Bourbon?
Why are some bourbons hard to find?
What does Old Elk taste like?
What is Old Elk Bourbon?
When Old Elk approached Metze about five years ago, the goal was to create a “smooth and easy bourbon,” according to Metze. To accomplish this he lowered the corn content to the minimum 51% allowable for bourbon in order to make room for 34% malted barley providing sweet smooth characteristics, and 15% rye for some spice notes.
Where is Old Elk bourbon whiskey made?
Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s incredibly smooth and innovative Colorado bourbon whiskey is proudly crafted in our Fort Collins Colorado distillery.
What does Old Elk Bourbon taste like?
Old Elk Bourbon was intentionally designed to be an easy-smelling bourbon for a wider audience, and not for someone like me who wants more, regardless of age or price. Old Elk Bourbon starts with honey, toasted grains, funky vanilla, and toasted oak at first, followed by spicy cinnamon, apricot, red apple peel, licorice, caraway seed, and banana.
Does old Elk make better whiskey?
Old Elk says that it helps create a better whiskey because it minimizes the amount of heat generated when water and alcohol mix (in very large amounts that you would have batching whiskey, not when you add water to your glass of bourbon). I had no idea that was a thing, but that’s chemistry for you, and oh boy I was terrible at it in high school.