Old Carter Straight Rye Batch 5 (2020 Release)

Tasted neat. This is a sample. It's the final Old Carter sample I have. All have been excellent, but the cost has been a barrier for me. This $200 price point is becoming more frequent, but it truly needs to be at the BTAC level for me to justify it. I was eager to try this Rye and see if it would be the one to make me commit. The nose is very citrus-forward, with orange and lemon zest. Dark honey and molasses are present. A hint of black licorice. There's considerable heat on the nose; I must approach cautiously, which is unusual these days. An intriguing layer of smoke and brine is also noticeable. It's a great aroma, but I'm not blown away at this point. Wow. Unbelievable. So much flavor, I was taken by surprise. The texture is oily, spreading throughout the mouth and leaving flavors everywhere instantly. I'm somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer volume of flavor that takes over the mouth the moment it hits and rolls across the tongue. Vanilla, orange, cinnamon, clove, and lemon zest immediately coat the tongue. It then transitions to a sweet cream frosting with more cinnamon, like a cinnamon roll. Another wave of orange appears on the finish, accompanied by black pepper and a hint of that brine. It slowly travels down the throat. Cinnamon and clove linger for a very long time. The aroma didn't prepare me for this. That was an incredible rye. Among the best ryes I've ever had. Every moment from taste to finish was exceptional. If I encounter a Batch 5, I might purchase it.

Smells almost like a bourbon. Great nose. After a while the Rye notes emerge. On the palate, sweet tea at the front. Complex, ends with a dark bitter chocolate note. Long finish, nice warmth. 1/8/21

The aroma is sweet, with notes of root beer. A robust rye flavor. Exceptionally smooth. A satisfying finish. A genuinely high-quality batch that justifies its premium price.

Rich and full of flavor. It's hot, but pleasant.

Strong and spicy