Old Carter - Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Batch 6
$175
Old Carter – Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Batch 6
Proof: 106.5
Age: NAS (Possible 10-15 Year Blend)
Distillery: Unknown Distillery (KY Sourced)
Type: Very Small Batch KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash: Unknown
Website: Old Carter Whiskey Co.
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Caramel, Honey, Musty Charred Oak, Plums, Raisins, and Tanned Leather. There’s also a Rickhouse Musk which I love.
Taste/Palate: Rye Grain and Spice take charge, Cinnamon, Caramel Chews, Marshmallow, and Dark Fruits chime in.
Finish: A heavy coated mouthfeel is worth a mention with a long lasting finish. Prior to the finish it seemed on the drier side. The spice is still very present. Cedarwood, Leather, Tobacco Leaf, and sweeter notes carry though, but upstaged by the spice and mature characteristics.
Verdict: This one comes off hot vs the proof. This isn’t a bad thing, but I wouldn’t characterize it as “smooth”. It punches above it’s weight class regarding proof. There is a lot to unpack on this one. You can revisit a sip over and over and pick out something new. It’s a very solid blend with a lot to offer. If you like a dram that delivers a bit of bite with many onion layers this is the one for you.
MSRP: $175 Price Ceiling: $200. (The most I’d pay for this bottle)
The Story: First, let’s not confuse “Old Carter” with “Old Charter”. I have seen in many forums where people ask how this brand went from a $10 plastic twist off to charging an arm and a leg. “Who do they think they are”. People have walked away from one of these hard to find bottles due to easy to confuse similarities in brand names. Now into the story… Old Carter was on my radar for quite some time. It’s hard to get your hands on them due to limited state availability and very small batches. Word has it there are Old Carter “Pop-Up” drops where they pitch a tent and purchase at that time. These are very elusive. This particular batch is bottle 2239 out of 2497. Less than 2500 in the entire batch. They go from batch to batch with different sources and different blends. If you stumble upon Old Carter one will almost never taste the same as the next.
The Distillery’s Story: “A truly special whiskey is the culmination of a few key characteristics: Experience. Teamwork. Quality in every step. And last but not least, passion. At Old Carter Whiskey Co, it’s our promise to ensure you can taste our expertise and inspiration with every unique release, and in every sip.
Old Carter is the passion project of “flavor chaser” partners Mark Carter and Sherri Carter, whose beverage industry roots trace back to award-winning careers in the California wine business. After resurrecting the long-dormant bourbon brand Kentucky Owl in 2011, the two were irreversibly hooked on the art of whiskey making and blending. Kentucky Owl sold unexpectedly in 2017, but by then Sherri & Mark were so enamored with the vibrant spirit of Kentucky’s whiskey community, they made a commitment to carry on their love affair with whiskey by making a statement of their own, right in the Bluegrass. And Old Carter Whiskey Co was born.
Headquartered in Louisville, the Old Carter team produces Straight Ryes, Bourbons and American Whiskies in locations throughout Kentucky. Each bottle is personally crafted by Mark and Sherri, who create every blend and select every single barrel program release together.
For some, whiskey is a business. For us, it’s a labor of love.”
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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