From Sparrow’s whiskey list, Old Elk Rye is a refined Colorado straight rye, $28 by the pour, or $42 for a larger pour.
About Old Elk Rye
Old Elk is the Fort Collins, Colorado craft distillery led by master distiller Greg Metze, who spent decades distilling in Indiana before joining the team. The rye carries the same thoughtful approach that the brand is known for, including its slow-cut proofing process, in which the whiskey is brought down to bottling strength gradually over an extended period rather than quickly. That patience is meant to round off the sharper edges a rye can have, giving you a spirit with genuine spice but a notably smooth delivery. It is a standout pour for rye lovers visiting us on the Eastside.
Tasting Notes
A rye-forward whiskey delivers the peppery spice, warm baking-spice notes, and structure that the grain is loved for, balanced here by the caramel and vanilla that come from oak aging. Thanks to the slow-cut proofing, it lands smooth and composed rather than hot, a rye you can savor slowly.
What to Pair It With
Rye is a classic sipping and cocktail whiskey. Enjoy it neat, over a large cube, or stirred into a Manhattan or Old Fashioned in our 21+ lounge after dinner. Its spice is a great match for the American Wagyu steaks or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack from the Sparrow dinner menu. Our daily happy hour runs 3 to 5 PM with $3 off well drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Old Elk Rye made?
It is a straight rye whiskey crafted in Fort Collins, Colorado by Old Elk, with master distiller Greg Metze. It uses the brand’s slow-cut proofing process for a smooth character.
How much is a pour of Old Elk Rye at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland it is $28 by the pour, or $42 for a larger pour, served on our whiskey list in the Juanita neighborhood lounge.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu beside its sibling, the Old Elk Bourbon. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come sip it.