Calumet Farm 16 Year Single Rack Black Bourbon

Sweet, light cherry, oak but not over oaked

Oak and vanilla on nose. Cherry, citrus, oak, some char and a nice spicy finish.

3.5 stars - Very good, 750 ml bottle What is the difference between a good whiskey and a great whiskey? This whiskey is very similar to Remus Repeal Batch II, a total oak and cherry bomb. It is very good, clearly old, and unique. But is it legendary? I feel this is a two note wonder, but I need at least three or four major notes to be complex enough to climb into “great” territory. At half the age, I would give the advantage to Bookers for that reason.

I was excited when I found this for $139 at TW. Many strong reviews here hopes were high as this was 3rd most I ever spent on a bourbon(Cowboy/Balmo higher).The nose on this is wonderful with smoky vanilla, overcooked caramel and a bouquet of sweet seasoned antique wood. I would surmise this is what walking down the staircase on the Titanic smelled like. A drop of water can coax out a hint of grassy dill from the rye content. The mouthfeel is thinner than expected leading palate of rich baking spice and scorched caramel with some vanilla coconut milk. Then it hits you....the oak. This is an oak bomb crashing down on you like Lucille on poor Glen. Some cinnamon and stacks of old newspaper settle in there at some point too but the barrel keeps on rolling. Finish is of course massive oak fade with a nice buttermilk surround and some lingering smoky caramel. If you enjoy STRONG oak influence in your bourbon do not pass go just buy it now. I feel a bit overwhelmed by it but really like some parts of the experience. I let this breathe for a while after I opened before review to see if it would mellow and it did a smidge. There is no denying the quality here and overall refinement. If that pushes your buttons you will probably love this. Im realizing I prefer younger heavy flavor bomb bourbons aka Cowboy/Bookers/1920(or do I). Still I cannot give this too low a score as I have enjoyed my bottle and appreciate what it offers but at $150ish probably wouldnt rebuy.......88/100......YMWV