Old Carter 13 Year Kentucky Bourbon Single Barrel #81 (2020 Release)

Score: 21/23 Nose: Woody, corn, and sourdough. It's incredibly full. A mild caramel, similar to Buffalo Trace, gradually appears, alongside some spice (clove, cinnamon). That caramel seems to get its character from a touch of orange. I detect a faint hint of the unusual aroma found in Del Maguey Arroqueño (though with far less smoke). Some savoriness transitions into leather. This nose progressively becomes quite intricate and pleasing. Palate: Robust with abundant wood, complemented by prominent vanilla and somewhat underdeveloped caramel. Fruit notes (cherry and orange) emerge and recede intermittently. This isn't a sugary spirit, but it's not entirely dry either. Some of that corn character remains, as does some sourdough bread. It's a pleasant spirit to savor and ponder. It possesses the intriguing complexity of Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8, yet feels considerably older and more mature, though also more subdued. Char is present, but the wood offers more than just that. Hints of creosote. The cinnamon sweetness and tannic cloves contribute further complexity and harmony. Adding water enhances the caramel, sweetness, and spices. It's enjoyable, and perhaps a couple of drops would be beneficial, but it truly excels without any modification. Finish: Cinnamon and cloves. Some char. It's much drier now. The finish is dignified, yet slightly reserved. On its own, it's not my favorite, but it complements the other elements perfectly, concluding the experience fittingly. - Verdict - I'd rank this higher than Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 (18) and likely above Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve (19) as well. Comparing it to Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof (21) becomes more challenging, but if forced to choose, I'd select the Old Carter. However, I believe Elijah Craig B520 (22) surpasses this offering. Considering these comparisons, I'm settling on a 21. I contemplated a 20 for a while and briefly considered a 22 until I tasted the Elijah Craig B520 alongside this one. A 21 it is. Still, I could envision elevating it to a 22 if I had another opportunity to taste it. This is an exceptional bourbon and, by a significant margin, my preferred Old Carter expression. It might secure a spot in my all-time top 5 and definitely ranks within my top 10. Look, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B520 was practically a steal at $70, so that's not a great benchmark for price. Typically, I'd happily pay considerably more for that level of quality. At $200, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a bottle of this. I might even actively search for it. My thanks to a friend for sharing this, along with the other Old Carter samples!

Old Carter appears to be a premium brand now, with bottles selling out quickly and fetching prices of $300 or more on the secondary market. I managed to acquire a few of their single barrel bottles for $200 each, but they sold out within days. I'm currently seeing this particular bottle listed online for $325, but let's open it and see how it tastes, much to the dismay of resellers. On the nose, you'll find milk chocolate-covered toasted pecans coated in thick caramel, followed by candied orange peel, cherries, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, leather, and rich oak. Barrel spices are present with a moderate ethanol burn. The palate echoes the aromas, with a medium body and a moderate ethanol bite. The finish is of medium length, presenting the same notes as the nose, leaning towards an almost overly bitter oak note but managing not to overpower the other flavors. This is a solid bourbon, but it doesn't quite justify the $200 cost. For that price, I was really anticipating some 'wow' flavors, similar to what I experienced with Garrison Brothers Cowboy, which I tasted alongside this one for comparison. I had hoped for a fuller mouthfeel and more pronounced, bolder flavors, but overall, it's a tasty drink that I will enjoy.

The batch wasn't specified, but it's fantastic as always.