Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey

Cask-Finished Whiskey Blend | 55.85% ABV | 111.7 Proof | 750mL | USA | Port, Sauternes, Sherry & Rum Cask Finishes

Process & Profile

Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey brings together high-malt bourbon, straight rye, and straight wheat whiskey in a blend shaped by four finishing-cask styles. Developed by Melinda Maddox, this expression explores Port, Sauternes, Sherry, and Rum casks, creating a fruit-forward variation within Old Elk’s Cigar Cut collection.

The base whiskeys mature for at least six years before receiving additional aging in their respective finishing casks. Blending these components combines different grain foundations with the character developed through secondary maturation. The result layers caramel, honey, vanilla, tropical fruit, and spice with a substantial, rounded texture.

Bottled at 111.7 proof, Island Blend offers a detailed tasting experience for drinkers interested in cask-finished American whiskey. Its name reflects the warmer, tropical direction of its finishing-cask selection. Despite the Cigar Cut name, the blend contains no tobacco or nicotine.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Caramel, honeycomb, vanilla, and biscuit-like notes, accompanied by pear and tropical fruit.

• Palate: Honey and vanilla meet rye spice, herbal accents, and ripe fruit, with a rich, coating texture.

• Finish: Honeyed sweetness with a bright citrus accent.

What Makes It Special

• Three whiskey foundations: Combines Old Elk high-malt bourbon, straight rye, and straight wheat whiskey.

• Four finishing-cask styles: Features components matured further in Port, Sauternes, Sherry, and Rum casks.

• At least six years of initial aging: Secondary maturation follows the base whiskeys’ time in their original barrels.

• Developed by Melinda Maddox: A blend drawn from Old Elk’s cask-finishing program.

• 111.7-proof presentation: Bottled at 55.85% ABV.

• No tobacco or nicotine: The Cigar Cut name describes the collection’s inspiration, rather than an added ingredient.

How to Enjoy

Begin with a small neat pour in a tasting glass and allow it a few minutes to open. Revisit the aroma as the caramel, fruit, and herbal notes develop, then add water gradually to find your preferred balance.

A large ice cube offers a cooler serve with slower dilution. For a food pairing, try dark chocolate, toasted pecans, or dried apricots alongside the whiskey’s honeyed fruit and spice character.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey a bourbon?

   It contains bourbon, but the complete expression is a whiskey blend. Its components include high-malt bourbon, straight rye, and straight wheat whiskey.

2. Which cask finishes are used in Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey?

   The blend brings together whiskeys finished in Port, Sauternes, Sherry, and Rum casks. These finishing styles distinguish Island Blend within the Cigar Cut collection.

3. Does Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey contain tobacco or nicotine?

   No. Old Elk confirms that its Cigar Cut blends contain neither tobacco nor nicotine. You can enjoy the whiskey on its own without a cigar pairing.

4. How old is Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey?

   The base whiskeys are aged for at least six years before additional maturation in finishing casks. The finishing periods differ among the components.

5. Where can I buy Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey?

   You can purchase Old Elk Cigar Cut Island Blend Whiskey directly from The Barrel Tap.