Old Carter Batch 4-CA Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Barrel strength. California allocation. Old Carter Batch 4-CA — a state-specific release from the label founded by Mark and Sherri Carter, the same team behind Kentucky Owl. Wax dipped, hand-labeled, uncompromising.

Old Carter Whiskey Co. was founded by Mark and Sherri Carter after building Kentucky Owl into one of the most acclaimed premium American whiskey brands before selling it. Old Carter is their next chapter: exceptional aged barrels sourced from multiple locations, bottled at barrel strength, wax dipped, and hand-labeled with minimal processing between barrel and bottle.

The "4-CA" designation identifies this as Batch 4 allocated specifically to California — Old Carter releases state-specific and retailer-specific batches that differ in barrel selection from the national releases. The CA allocation means this specific barrel selection was designated for the California market, making it distinct from Batch 4 releases in other states. Each Old Carter batch is a different selection — different source, age, and natural proof — making state-specific batches genuinely unique expressions rather than simply the same liquid with different labels.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with the concentration of barrel strength aging.
• Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and grain spice — the Old Carter barrel strength character at full intensity.
• Palate: Bold and complex — the specific barrel selection for this CA batch delivering Old Carter's signature direct, unprocessed bourbon character at natural proof.
• Finish: Long and warming — the hallmark of Old Carter's minimal-intervention approach.

Specs

• Producer: Old Carter Whiskey Co.
• Founders: Mark and Sherri Carter (creators of Kentucky Owl)
• Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Batch: 4-CA (California allocation)
• Bottling: Barrel strength, wax dipped, hand-labeled
• Size: 750ml

Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the CA designation mean? Old Carter releases state-specific batches with different barrel selections. The 4-CA designation means this is Batch 4 specifically allocated to California — a different barrel selection from Batch 4 in other states. It is a genuinely distinct expression, not the same liquid with different packaging.
• How does Old Carter differ from Kentucky Owl? Kentucky Owl (also founded by the Carters) is known for elaborate, complex blends at premium price points. Old Carter is more direct: single or small barrel selections at barrel strength in a stripped-back format that lets the specific barrels speak without elaborate blending architecture.
• Is Old Carter bourbon or American whiskey? Old Carter releases both straight bourbon and straight American whiskey depending on the batch. The 4-CA is straight bourbon — meeting all legal requirements for the bourbon designation.
• Is Batch 4-CA still available? In limited quantities. Old Carter CA-specific batches are produced in small quantities for the California market and not widely available outside that allocation.