The world of bourbon is a tapestry woven with tradition, innovation, and the occasional stroke of genius. Among the myriad expressions vying for attention, Old Elk Infinity Blend Bourbon stands out as a compelling narrative of legacy, craftsmanship, and evolution. Crafted by master distiller Greg Metze, whose 40-plus years of experience anchor this project, the Infinity Blend series promises a unique twist on the bourbon experience—one that pays homage to the enthusiast-driven “infinity bottle” trend while delivering a commercially refined product. In this 2,000-word review, we’ll dive deep into the origins, composition, flavor profile, and overall merit of this limited-edition release, with a focus on its flagship iterations from 2021 to 2023. As Grok 3, built by xAI, I’ll approach this with a critical eye, synthesizing available data and offering an analytical perspective for both seasoned sippers and curious newcomers.
The Genesis of Infinity Blend
Old Elk Distillery, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, isn’t your typical bourbon powerhouse. Founded by Curt Richardson, the entrepreneur behind OtterBox, and helmed by Greg Metze—a veteran of MGP fame—Old Elk blends innovation with a reverence for whiskey-making heritage. Metze, who spent 38 years at MGP (formerly Seagram’s) refining his craft, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His tenure at MGP saw him develop some of the industry’s most celebrated sourced bourbons, often under other labels. At Old Elk, he’s finally stepping into the spotlight, and the Infinity Blend series is his magnum opus—a testament to his blending prowess and a nod to the bourbon community’s DIY spirit.
The concept of an “infinity bottle” is simple yet profound: enthusiasts blend remnants of various whiskeys into a single vessel, topping it off over time to create an ever-evolving, personal concoction. Old Elk’s Infinity Blend takes this idea and scales it up, crafting a commercial product that incorporates a portion of the previous year’s blend into each new release. Launched in 2021, the series builds on itself annually, promising increasing complexity as Metze layers his signature high-malt bourbon with sourced Kentucky stocks. It’s a bold experiment, one that bridges the gap between at-home tinkering and professional artistry.
The Evolution of the Blend
Let’s break down the key releases to understand how Infinity Blend has evolved:
- 2021 Release: The inaugural batch set the stage with a blend of 60% Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon (6 years old, 51% corn, 34% malted barley, 15% rye), 24% 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon, and 16% 11-year-old Kentucky bourbon. Bottled at 114.9 proof, it carried a suggested retail price (SRP) of $149.99. This was Old Elk’s first limited-edition foray, designed to showcase Metze’s ability to marry disparate components into a cohesive whole.
- 2022 Release: Building on the debut, the 2022 iteration incorporated 18% of the 2021 blend, alongside 15% 7-year-old Old Elk Straight Bourbon, 52% 7-year-old Old Elk Wheat Whiskey, and smaller portions of 13-year-old (9%) and 12-year-old (6%) Kentucky bourbons. Bottled at 114.1 proof with an SRP of around $150, this release leaned heavily into wheat whiskey, reflecting Old Elk’s growing confidence in its own distillate.
- 2023 Release: The third chapter featured 15.3% of the 2022 blend, 40% Old Elk High-Malt Bourbon, and 44.7% Old Elk Straight Wheat Whiskey, with a dash of 10-year-old wheat whiskey for good measure. Bottled at a slightly higher proof (exact proof varies by batch but typically around 115), it maintained the $150 SRP. This blend further refined the wheat-forward profile while preserving the infinity concept.
Each release builds on its predecessor, theoretically increasing complexity as older components mingle with fresh barrels. But does this ambitious framework translate to the glass? Let’s explore the tasting experience, drawing from aggregated insights and critical analysis.
Tasting Notes Across the Years
Since I can’t sip bourbon myself, I’ve synthesized tasting notes from reputable sources like Breaking Bourbon, Drinkhacker, and Bourbon Banter, cross-referencing them to paint a vivid picture. Here’s how the Infinity Blend unfolds:
- 2021 Release
- Nose: Vanilla, aged oak, caramel, and a hint of Bananas Foster greet the senses, accented by cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of blackberry. It’s traditional yet distinctive, with the high-malt bourbon lending a fruity sweetness.
- Palate: Spice leads the charge—cinnamon and black pepper—followed by vanilla cream, caramel, and dry oak. The Kentucky bourbons add depth, though some tasters note a youthful graininess that belies the aged components.
- Finish: Medium to long, with lingering spices, vanilla sweetness, and a tannic oak dryness. It’s satisfying but not revolutionary, earning praise for balance over boldness.
- Verdict: A strong debut that showcases Metze’s blending skill, though some critics argue it lacks the standout character to justify its price.
- 2022 Release
- Nose: Rich caramel, roasted nuts, and baking spices dominate, with undertones of malted barley and honey-dipped Red Hots. The wheat whiskey influence is pronounced, adding a nutty, earthy layer.
- Palate: Butterscotch and almond hit first, softened by the wheat’s suppleness. Mid-palate brings cherries, sweet tobacco, and burnt orange peel, while the back end offers raisins and smoky nuts. Rye and cinnamon spice linger with a gentle heat.
- Finish: Long and smooth, with a slow burn that balances sweetness and spice. It’s complex and approachable, tempering the wheat’s sugar with bourbon heft.
- Verdict: A step up in complexity, the 2022 release benefits from the infinity component and wheat dominance. It’s a crowd-pleaser, though it doesn’t quite match the 2021’s intensity.
- 2023 Release
- Nose: Damp oak and cigar box open burly, softening into cream soda, cinnamon apples, and oatmeal pies. It’s expressive and elegant, with a sweet-savory interplay.
- Palate: Wheat whiskey shines with butterscotch and almond, joined by caramel, black pepper, and subtle fruit (raspberries, red apple). The texture is soft yet crisp, with a smoky nuttiness rounding it out.
- Finish: Lengthy and robust, delivering a delicious slow burn. The balance of flavors—sweet, spicy, earthy—makes it a standout sipper.
- Verdict: The most refined yet, the 2023 release feels like Metze hitting his stride. It’s a worthy addition to any bar, justifying its SRP with sophistication.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Infinity Blend series is a fascinating experiment, but it’s not without flaws. Let’s dissect its merits and shortcomings:
- Strengths:
- Craftsmanship: Metze’s decades of experience shine through. Each release is meticulously balanced, avoiding the pitfalls of over-sweetness or harshness that plague lesser blends.
- Concept: The infinity idea is a brilliant hook, appealing to enthusiasts who value creativity and continuity. Incorporating prior blends adds a layer of intrigue that grows with each year.
- Versatility: From the spice-driven 2021 to the wheat-forward 2023, the series offers diverse profiles that cater to varied palates, all while maintaining a cohesive thread.
- Weaknesses:
- Price Point: At $150, Infinity Blend competes with heavyweights like Four Roses Single Barrel or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Some tasters, like those on Reddit’s r/bourbon, argue it’s overpriced for what’s essentially a 6- to 13-year-old blend, especially when alternatives deliver more potency for less.
- Identity: The 2021 release, in particular, struggles to distinguish itself, feeling like a “Plain-Jane” bourbon to some. The reliance on sourced Kentucky juice early on dilutes Old Elk’s unique high-malt character.
- Consistency: While the evolving mashbill is the point, it risks alienating fans who prefer a predictable profile. The shift to wheat whiskey dominance might not resonate with traditional bourbon lovers.
Comparisons and Context
How does Infinity Blend stack up against peers? Compared to Barrell Craft Spirits’ Infinite Barrel Project—another take on the infinity concept—Old Elk feels more structured. Barrell’s offering is wilder, blending whiskeys from multiple regions with less predictability, while Infinity Blend stays rooted in bourbon tradition. Price-wise, Barrell often sits closer to $80-$100, making it a better value proposition for some.
Against Old Elk’s own lineup, Infinity Blend outshines the flagship Blended Straight Bourbon ($48.99, 88 proof), which lacks the depth and proof to compete. However, a Four Roses OBSK Private Selection (10 years, 118 proof, ~$75 secondary) reportedly trumps the 2021 release in flavor and value, highlighting the competitive landscape Infinity Blend enters.
Value Proposition
At $150, Infinity Blend isn’t cheap. For collectors and fans of Metze’s legacy, it’s a worthy splurge—each release is a snapshot of his artistry, preserved in liquid form. The 2023 iteration, in particular, earns high marks for its complexity and refinement, making it a “bottle” recommendation from outlets like Bourbon Banter. Yet, for budget-conscious drinkers or those prioritizing bang-for-buck, alternatives abound. It’s a luxury pour, best savored on special occasions rather than as a daily dram.
Final Thoughts
Old Elk Infinity Blend Bourbon is a bold statement—an evolving tapestry of flavor that marries innovation with tradition. Greg Metze’s fingerprints are all over it, from the high-malt foundation to the deft integration of Kentucky stocks. The 2021 release laid a solid groundwork, 2022 added wheat-driven nuance, and 2023 refined the formula into something truly memorable. It’s not perfect—the price stings, and early iterations lack a defining edge—but it’s a series worth watching.
For bourbon enthusiasts, Infinity Blend offers a front-row seat to a master distiller’s journey. It’s a sip of history, a blend of past and present, and a promise of more to come. Whether it belongs on your shelf depends on your wallet and palate, but one thing’s clear: Old Elk is carving a niche, one infinity bottle at a time. As of March 5, 2025, with my knowledge continuously updated, I’d say this is a project to toast—not just for what it is, but for what it could become. mntfg8i
