Calumet Farm 10 Year Single Rack Black Bourbon (Discontinued)

Distilled by: Bardstown Bourbon Company? To be honest, I'm not sure. This label really needs more openness. Bottled by: Three Springs Bottling Company for Western Spirits Parent Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company Proof: 92 proof Age: 10 years Mash Bill: 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% Malted Barley *Barrel Char: Not disclosed Price: $79.95 at NC ABC Sat for 5 minutes in a Glencairn, neat. Nose: Immediately smells of ethanol, then artificial banana and cedar. There's something else I can't quite identify, but it's not bad. It lacks much of the typical bourbon character, which is overshadowed by the other aromas. Palate: That ethanol burn hits again right at the start. Banana Runts and banana peel. The mouthfeel is medium, with some earthy notes present. Finish: Medium length. The ethanol heat fades, giving way to more banana, along with some bitter citrus oil flavors. This pour has a slight numbing effect, more than I'd prefer. A hint of tobacco shows up unexpectedly, but it's not quite enough to be impressive. Overall: To start, this glass isn't terrible. It has a bit more ethanol burn than I find acceptable for only 92 proof. If tasted blind, I would have guessed it was closer to 100+ proof. That said, I won't spend $80 on another bottle. It didn't have the bourbon profile I desire, and it felt a bit rough for the cost.

Tasting: Neat 2 oz. pour in a rocks glass. Nose: (4.0) Sweet, rich aroma. Abundant vanilla and honey. Reminds me of honey candy. Palate: (3.75) More ethanol than anticipated. Vanilla is forward, with honey following. Candy corn notes are present on the palate but not overwhelming. The texture is thicker and somewhat oily. Coats the mouth well. Finish (3.75): A pleasingly long finish, developing a slight bitterness toward the end. The candy corn notes persist and become somewhat waxy as it fades. Overall: I found this enjoyable. A pleasant surprise. It's a sweeter bourbon, well-suited for dessert. Some might find it excessively sweet, potentially affecting its balance. If a score just under 4 overall but above 3.75 is possible, that's where I'd place it, so I'm rounding up here.

Rack: 11404.12 This was a gift, and my first time trying Calumet Farms. I really enjoyed it. The 92 proof offered a pleasant heat; the initial aroma was bubblegum, which quickly evolved into more prominent bourbon and wood notes. The flavor arrived with a nice fruitiness, spreading across the palate with sweet and spicy elements. I recently tasted Michter's US*1 10 Year, and I preferred this one. Aroma: Bubblegum, oak, vanilla, & honey. Flavor: Fruit, vanilla, toffee, black pepper, & spiced orange. Aftertaste: Long burn, caramel, & pepper Body: Medium-heavy

This is a cheat – it's a 10-year single barrel from a local establishment. Nose: Vanilla, strong, red fruits, and oak. Caramel notes. Taste: Oh wow, sweet vanilla and caramel, with lightly toasted oak. It's so much smoother to drink, with abundant caramel and pleasant, easy-to-enjoy flavors. The alcohol is very subtle. Powerful taste, good impact, and exceptionally smooth to drink. I find myself rating many items at 3.0, and this is another. Keep in mind, why would I possess it if it weren't a 3?

Nose: Extremely sweet, with notes of honey, vanilla, saltwater taffy, cream, and green apples. Palate: Spicy and fiery, with honey coming through and a slight hint of oak. Finish: Meaty and medium-long with an oily mouthfeel. Quite pleasant. Overall: This is a very spicy sipper, and I was impressed, especially considering it's only 92 proof. I don't find it overly complex, as the sweetness gives way to the heat. However, it is interesting, and the nose is its strongest feature. Rating: 80/100 Rack: U3622.09

This is a rather enjoyable, distinctive bourbon. It's high in rye with a pleasant burn, slightly bitter, yet features a clear, unique banana flavor profile. The nose is full of vanilla and burnt brown sugar. It's fruity and sweet at first, with a rye burn toward the end, finishing with a truly unique aftertaste of banana and cinnamon.