Old Carter 13 Year Straight American Whiskey Batch 4 (2020 Release)

Rating: 18/23 At 69.8% ABV, this is the highest proof spirit I've ever had intended for drinking straight. I'm interested to see how the high alcohol content impacts it. Nose: Rum. That's my initial impression. It possesses that characteristic funky, sweet molasses quality. Notes of maple, brown sugar, banana, and vanilla are present. It doesn't feel watery or excessively sweet, but I'm detecting surprisingly little oak influence. Perhaps it will emerge after a few minutes of aeration. Aeration introduces a subtle nuttiness and some background oak notes that are difficult to pinpoint. Alternatively, the oak might be masked by the fumes from this intense pour, which have irritated my nose. The nuttiness and oak combine to impart a mature richness that remains sweet. I begin to detect hints of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The complexity is good, and the balance is very pleasing. With dilution, more mature oak notes become apparent, along with typical bourbon characteristics like vanilla and cinnamon. Palate: It's fiery, yet surprisingly smooth to drink. I would have estimated the alcohol content to be over 60%, but I'm uncertain if I would have identified it as a strong navy strength rum or a thin overproof rum. It presents a very tropical flavor profile. It starts with banana, followed by molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, oak, and a hint of mild char. The molasses is what truly gives it a rum-like character. There's considerable heat and some spice in the ginger spectrum with underlying clove notes. I detect subtle hints of citrus, perhaps the faintest squeeze of lemon or lime. It lacks a bold, rich flavor but is quite full-bodied and decent due to the high proof. This benefits from dilution. Adding water reveals a dry tartness that pairs well with the oak. Banana and molasses flavors persist, along with notes of orange and lime. I might even discern some of those rum-like effervescent qualities. Vanilla is also more prominent. The spices remain intense, with ginger leading, followed by clove, and then cinnamon. It's still not as rich as I anticipated, and its profile is perplexing. I enjoy it, but I'm unsure what to make of it. When compared directly to Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 and Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve, this spirit exhibits a rum-like molasses flavor. Finish: Bitterness from the oak, effervescence, and molasses notes, alongside lime-like tartness. Not a lot is happening, and it feels a bit thin. - Conclusion - If tasted blind, I would have assumed this was some form of navy strength or overproof rum. I'm quite baffled by it. Initially, I was a big fan, but as I continued tasting, I perceived more imperfections. It remains a very enjoyable drink, but it doesn't strike me as exceptional. My initial inclination would place it in the same category as Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 (18) and Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve (19). It's definitely superior to Booker's Country Ham (17) and close to Old Carter 13 Single Barrel #98). If I had to make a choice initially, I would have leaned towards a 19. Now, I find Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve and Old Carter 13 Single Barrel #98 to be slightly superior. Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 also seems like a comparable option, so I'll settle on an 18. Thank you to a friend for another rare sample!

Neat. Sample. So I have confirmation since my last tasting that these are Light Whiskey blends. Makes sense. MGP Light Whiskey has its own distinct profile. From memory, this doesn't smell much different than the other batch. Just that great butterscotch, honey, and graham cracker. Overall, I do think this batch leans darker. Again, the proof on these is close to 140 and it's just not hot. Deceiving. Very silky mouthfeel. All brown sugar up front. Transitions to more of a rich dark caramel than a butterscotch, and the honey is really strong. Getting some buttered corn on the finish. Detecting this nice sourdough pretzel. It’s so strange. I love sipping this and I will rate the pour well because it is very enjoyable. But these are so expensive, and I can’t see myself actually purchasing one to drink regularly. I have a J Mattingly Light Whiskey single barrel that was about $60 to $80 cheaper than these, and I don’t see the value for the Old Carter label. Light Whiskey is such a peculiar category for me. I enjoy it while drinking it, but I never crave it.

I had the good fortune to sample a Very Old Carter 27 in Kentucky and later managed to acquire a bottle of this. While not quite the '27, it shares many of the same characteristics. It bursts from the glass with power, close to 140 proof, so be aware friends of mine who are not accustomed to high-proof whiskey found their palates overwhelmed by this potent spirit. The aroma hints at its proof but offers notes of apricot jam, toast, caramel, and the unusual flavor of chalky candy. Upon sipping, it delivers everything from the nose and much more. I found it hard to keep up, simply enjoying the experience. The finish is a sunset ride of velvety, long, malty fruit that lingers for minutes, beckoning another taste of this untamable yet fun beast.

My first taste of Old Carter has me hooked. It's among my top five whiskeys ever. I've given pours to both newcomers and seasoned bourbon drinkers, and they were all surprised by the flavor profile and how the high proof drinks easily. I know it's not technically bourbon, but its flavor profile significantly surpasses any bourbon. This is a game-changer.

Fantastic! The taste is wonderfully intricate, and with each sip, a new discovery unfolds. I considered the Old Carter American Batch 3 to be excellent, but this surpasses it.

During a tasting with several Old Carter bottles, this one was the clear winner. Truly amazing whiskey that I can confidently say is superior to Pappy 20 year old.