A little background

Old Carter Whiskey Co. is the brainchild of Mark and Sherri Carter, the producers of fine Napa Valley wines under the name Carter Cellars. According to Mark and Sherri, “Old Carter Whiskey Co. is focused on creating totally unique, very small-batch, straight rye and bourbon whiskies. “We create our spirits from the heart, each one a single expression of what we love.” From selecting barrels, creating new blends, and handwriting each individual label by hand, the Carters do it all. Since the first releases in 2018, quite a few different batches of Old Carter have been released, ranging from less than 100 bottles per batch to over 2,000. This review is for the 2021 release of Old Carter Bourbon Batch 9, a high rye bourbon whiskey that was bottled at 116.3 and carries a retail price of $175 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Rich oak with faint cherry, hints of vanilla, and sweet corn.

Palate

Rich and heavy mouthfeel with a rush of brown sugar and vanilla. Sweet corn and rye spice follow on the mid to back palate.

Finish

Spicy rye and corn on the finish with a low heat that settles in your chest. Rye tingles hit the tongue with aromas of dried fruit and vanilla coming back in between sips.

In closing

I enjoyed the Old Carter Bourbon Batch 9. The dark color really hints at the age of the bourbon with subtle aromas of an MGP product. The highlight of this bottle is the palate. The viscosity is thick and rushes your taste buds with brown sugar and vanilla up front with corn coming through on the mid to back palate. The corn really carries through to the finish giving nice balance and flavor through the entire experience. The finish lingers with a low heat which is enjoyable given the subtle rye tingles on the tongue. Overall, the 2021 release of Old Carter Batch 9 is well done, enjoyable, and right in line with other Old Carter releases. I would like to have more of that dried fruit, vanilla, and rye spice to complement the corn but I’m not complaining. For $175, this bottle demands perfection. Although it’s surely enjoyable, it’s tough to say it lives up to previous batches or the hefty price tag.

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