Calumet Farm 18 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

A little background

Mash Bill
74% Corn
18% Rye
8% Malted Barley

Proof: 118
ABV: 59%

Price: $499 USD MSRP

From the brand: To mark the 100 year anniversary of Calumet Farm, this Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is offered from the depths of our private reserve. Crafted at peak convergence for flavor and a robust, traditional Kentucky profile, this bourbon truly shows the patience and dedication it takes to be a champion.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Dark cherries, figs, caramel, vanilla, dry leather, baking spice (dominantly nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove), and seasoned oak.

Palate

Dark caramel, figs, baking spice, leather, toffee, and oak.

Finish

Baking chocolate, pipe tobacco, baking spice, dark fruit, and dry seasoned oak.

In closing

Calumet Farm 18 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a fantastic release with a ton of wonderful qualities, easily placing it among the top bourbons of the year. The experience is rich and deep from the start, with a nose of dark cherries, figs, and caramel, complemented by baking spice, dry leather, and seasoned oak. On the palate, it is full and layered, delivering flavors of dark caramel, figs, toffee, and spice. This complexity culminates in a long, robust finish with baking chocolate, pipe tobacco, and a prominent, dry seasoned oak presence that speaks directly to its 18 years of aging. While the beautiful bottle presentation adds to its allure, the price of $499 makes it a significant investment. Given its oak-forward nature, which may not appeal to all palates, this is a bourbon best tried before you buy. For those who appreciate a truly complex, oak-driven expression, this is undoubtedly a bottle I think you’re going to love!

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Calumet Farm. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.