Old Carter American OC-5 W/Box 19 Year Single Barrel 141.2 Proof

Old Carter American Whiskey OC-5 W/Box 19 Year Single Barrel 141.2 Proof is a companion release to OC-6 — a separate short barrel from Old Carter Whiskey Co., also aged 19 years and bottled at barrel strength, this time at 141.2 proof (70.6% ABV) with 76 bottles produced. Founded by Mark and Sherri Carter (co-creators of Kentucky Owl), Old Carter releases its whiskeys when the barrels are ready — not on a calendar schedule. OC-5 is one of the highest-proof expressions they have released. Non-chill filtered, hand-bottled, with Sherri's hand-labeling on every bottle. Comes with original box.

At 141.2 proof, this sits at the upper edge of what can be bottled legally without dilution — meaning almost nothing was added between the barrel and the glass. The 19-year aging brings extreme oak depth, dried fruit concentration, and a tannin structure that rewards patience in the glass and demands respect in the pour.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Deep antique oak, dark caramel, leather, tobacco, dried cherries, bourbon vanilla — full ultra-aged complexity
• Palate: Dense and concentrated — dark chocolate, toffee, charred barrel, dried fig and dates, peppery heat underneath
• Finish: Extremely long, dry, and oak-forward with a sweet, warm fade

Product Details

Frequently Asked Questions

How do OC-5 and OC-6 compare?

Both are 19-year short barrels released simultaneously by Old Carter. OC-5 is 141.2 proof with 76 bottles; OC-6 is 140.6 proof with 56 bottles. They are separate casks with different flavor profiles — each is its own unrepeatable expression. Many collectors pursue both.

Is 141.2 proof drinkable neat?

For experienced whiskey drinkers, yes — but slowly and with patience. Let it rest in the glass for 10–15 minutes. A single drop of water will open the sweetness and reduce the alcohol heat considerably. At 19 years, the oak and fruit character is substantial enough to reward the effort.

What makes short barrel releases special?

Short barrels produce fewer bottles than standard barrels. Combined with 19 years of evaporation loss (the "angel's share"), the total outturn from OC-5 is 76 bottles worldwide. That's an exceptionally small number for any whiskey release, let alone a named single barrel from a highly regarded independent bottler like Old Carter.