Calumet Farm 16 Year Old "Single Rack Black" Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Ok ok! We're we go with the new narrative in KY, if you know where to look you can get good old bourbon without dispensing a mortgage payment. Some people might point to the old days when 15 year old whisky was $60 but there hasn't been a period in the last decade where we could readily get 15+ year old whisky from anyone in KY at less than $150. And to be honest I think this price point is super for the quality you're getting here. We must assume this product was distilled at Old Barton as it was the only working plant in 2006 in the area. Aging occurred entirely in Bardstown as well. This is a great old distillery that has many people clamoring for their higher end marks, so unless you're one of the unlucky few who specifically doesn't like the Barton profile, there's a good chance they you're going to dig this. Non-chillfiltred and high proof like all the single rack series, only 19 barrels in the batch. Let's taste it. The color is a gorgeous russet. The nose starts immediately with exotic dark woods, fresh charred oak, sweet dried plum, subtle floral and dark tea aromas. With some air, there's a strong vanilla note, caramel candies, red cherry and French roast. On the palate it's medium bodied and rather dry with a lovely dusty not. Darker and woody with a strong oaky flavor down the middle. This is definitely on the drier side of Barton and very woody. It loves air and I'd reckon the middle of the bottle will be exceptional. Right now, I like to give this 30 minutes of nosing before I dive in deep. A fun old bourbon whiskey at a totally reasonable price.