Old Carter Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 14 123 Proof

Old Carter Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 14 is the fourteenth release in Old Carter's Straight Rye series — a small batch rye from Mark and Sherri Carter, the founders behind both Kentucky Owl and Old Carter Whiskey Co. Bottled at barrel strength 123 proof (61.5% ABV), non-chill filtered, with Sherri hand-labeling each bottle in their signature style. Old Carter's rye releases are among the most underrated in their catalog — overshadowed by the bourbon line in collector circles but consistently delivering high quality at meaningful proof levels.

Old Carter's rye mashbills are sourced from select Kentucky and Tennessee distilleries, with each batch blended and bottled when the Carters determine the barrels are ready — not on a calendar-driven schedule. Batch 14 brings the characteristic Old Carter approach to rye: concentrated, barrel-strength intensity with complexity that rewards patience in the glass.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Classic rye spice, caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, toasted oak, subtle mint
• Palate: Bold and rich — cinnamon, pepper, toffee, dried cherry, warm grain, oily mouthfeel
• Finish: Long and spicy with lingering sweetness and a satisfying rye heat

Product Details

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Old Carter Rye compare to their bourbon releases?

Old Carter's rye tends to be more spice-forward and grain-driven compared to their bourbon, which leans caramel and dark fruit. The rye releases are often slightly lower in proof than the bourbons but are no less complex. Batch 14 at 123 proof is firmly in high-intensity territory.

Is Old Carter Rye sourced or distilled in-house?

Old Carter sources its rye from select Kentucky and Tennessee distilleries, applying the same approach they use across the entire line — hand-selecting barrels, blending by taste, bottling at barrel strength, and having Sherri hand-label every bottle. The sourcing model is fully transparent and a core part of the brand identity.

What makes Batch 14 worth tracking down?

Old Carter rye batches are small — typically 1,000–2,000 bottles — and not widely distributed. Each numbered batch is unique and won't be exactly replicated. Batch 14 at 123 proof represents a particularly powerful expression in the series, and once it's gone it's gone.