Old Elk “Wheat N’ Rye” Blended American Whiskey (108.4 Proof) is one of the more innovative releases in the American whiskey category—bridging two traditionally opposing styles into one seamless, highly drinkable blend. By combining the softness of wheat whiskey with the spice of rye, it delivers a whiskey that is both approachable and complex, with a bold proof that enhances flavor without overwhelming the palate. This is a modern, well-engineered whiskey designed to appeal to both bourbon drinkers and rye enthusiasts alike.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

Created by Old Elk Distillery and Master Distiller Greg Metze, Wheat N’ Rye is part of the brand’s Master’s Blend Series, focused on pushing mash bill boundaries and redefining traditional categories.

This whiskey is a carefully constructed blend of:

• 7-year-old straight wheat whiskey
• 6-year-old straight rye whiskey

The resulting mash bill composition is approximately:

• 57.6% wheat
• 38% rye
• 4.4% malted barley

Each component whiskey is itself made from a high-percentage grain mash bill (95% wheat and 95% rye respectively), giving the final blend both clarity of flavor and structural precision.

Bottled at 108.4 proof (54.2% ABV), the whiskey is designed to showcase the full interplay between the two grain styles—sweet and soft from the wheat, bold and spicy from the rye.

The concept behind Wheat N’ Rye is to create a “harmoniously sweet and spicy” whiskey—one that combines two contrasting profiles into a single, balanced expression.

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Critics Reviews

"A bold whiskey with a bouquet displaying harmonious aromas of clove-studded orange, toasted cinnamon, black cherry compote, well-oiled antique oak, and ginger cookie. Although high proof, the palate is silky and luxurious with a resonating finish of black pepper."  95 Points 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

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Tasting Profile

Nose
Honey, caramel, toasted grain, baking spice, and light citrus.

Palate
Rich and layered with toffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and peppery rye spice, softened by a creamy wheat backbone.

Finish
Long and balanced with lingering sweetness, spice, and gentle oak.

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Quick Overview

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Cocktail Recipes

Wheat & Rye Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Old Elk Wheat N’ Rye
• ¼ oz demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Preparation

1. Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled.
2. Strain over a large cube.
3. Express orange peel oils and garnish.

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Modern Manhattan

Ingredients

• 2 oz Old Elk Wheat N’ Rye
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters

Preparation

1. Stir with ice until well chilled.
2. Strain into a coupe.
3. Garnish with a cherry.