My daughter is getting married in September of next year. So, I have started looking into a special bourbon that I would open on the day of the wedding. In discussions with friends / fellow bourbon enthusiasts, one of the bourbons that came up was Calumet Farm’s 16 year Single Rack Black Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This bourbon is currently available to me for $135 at my local TW. While the price is excellent for a 16-year old bourbon, it's still quite expensive compared to my usual purchases. One of my bourbon friends, who happened to have this bourbon on hand, offered to send me a 1-ounce sample to try.
Calumet Farm is a relatively new brand that emerged in 2012, but it carries a deep history with Kentucky dating back to the 1920s. Calumet Farm has long been known for breeding thoroughbred racehorses and is now owned by the Western Spirits Beverage Company, renowned for sourcing whiskey for their various brands.
Usually, finding a 16 year old whiskey is no easy feat, especially at this price point, so I couldn't resist giving this sample a try. While the exact source of this whiskey remains undisclosed, it is widely believed to be sourced from Barton 1792. This assumption is based on Calumet's statement that the whiskey was barreled and aged in Bardstown, KY, with a mash bill consisting of 74% Corn, 18% Rye, and 8% Malted Barley.
The nose of this whiskey is filled with sweet oak, accompanied by a strong grape note. Caramel and chocolate also make an appearance. On the palate, the flavors mirror the nose, with an oily mouthfeel, and a sweet oak funkiness. The finish is long, oaky, and sweet.
Overall, this whiskey is priced below the benchmark of $10 per year aged, making it a definite candidate for a purchase as a special occasion bourbon. Calumet Farm's 16 Year Single Rack Black Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey hits all the marks I look for in a bourbon. I'm going to try to taste a few more candidates before making a decision, but this is definitely in the running!
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