Calumet Farm 14 Year Single Rack Black Bourbon (March 2006)

The marketing immediately catches the eye... a stylish bottle that will stand out... maybe a Pappy imitation is contributing to this. A boozy, cherry-prominent aroma, which carries over into a taste that's like cracking open a dry peanut shell with a shriveled cherry inside; you consume both simultaneously... (it's becoming difficult to enhance standard bourbon flavors)... this transforms into a vanilla and oak finish. This seems to have a higher proof than indicated, which is a good thing, but unfortunately, it doesn't deliver at its price point. If the price were reduced by $20 increments, the rating would increase by 1/4 star per increment. It's good, and perhaps superior to many bourbons I've tasted, but we've significantly passed the point of diminishing returns. 5.0 - Buy every bottle you can find immediately. 4.0 - Must get at least one bottle before you pass on. 3.0 - A solid choice, must try at a bar, or get a taste from someone you know. 2.0 - Didn't enjoy it, but you might. 1.0 - Your taste buds might be as refined as my dog's, and he tends to himself intimately.

This bottle wasn't mine. I enjoy those occasions. Someone I know from work wanted to compare this to Sam Houston 14. My notes are late, but I can say they are identical. I'm certain of it. Both were barreled in March 2006. This was a mix of 19 barrels at a lower proof than the SH, which was a blend of 3 barrels and an extra 5-6 proof. For the same cost, I'd always pick the Sam Houston. Or I'd get neither. Honestly, knowing what I know now, I'd get neither. This was a watery, aged, and aggressive oak, decaying banana note, and artificial vanilla beverage. If you like heavily aged Barton and IW Harper but desire more wood and funk, then spend the money on this. I've never encountered you, but you might exist.

Just strictly about value this 14 year pour doesn’t justify the price. The nose had dark walnut and some baking spice that's reflected onto the palate. Oak forward palate that has a slight bandaid note I have noticed in some red wines. Its an okay bourbon that doesnt offer the experience for a 14 year old juice and its priced unaccordingly for any value.

Nose is deep, sugary, and full of fruit with a touch of tartness. An aromatic spice sits atop a very sweet, fruit-punch like flavor. The spice persists through the finish, which also endures. Lacks the woody astringency I'd anticipate given its age. It doesn't necessarily justify its cost, but it certainly offers a compelling tasting experience.

👃 Amazingly sweet aroma: dark brown sugar, dark chocolate, leather 👅 Mouthfeel is a bit thin initially, but thickens. Lingering spices with a bit of fruitiness. Longer finish. This is a good dram; the aroma is more appealing than the taste, though—a bit of a mismatch.

Spicy and smooth. A fantastic bourbon with notes of cinnamon, caramel, oak, and vanilla. Smooth from the first taste to the last and warms as it goes down. A slight bite that disappears as it goes down. Perfect for sipping. Do not dilute.