Old Carter 12 Year Batch 3 Straight American Whiskey is a 2020 release barrel strength blend from Mark and Sherri Carter, sourced from Indiana and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky. Despite the 12 year age statement, the batch is built primarily from 15 year barrels married with 12 and 13 year barrels of the same recipe, the same mash bill that powers the legendary Old Carter 27 Year. At a monstrous 138.1 proof and just 2,487 bottles, this is one of the most highly rated and sought after small batch American whiskies the Carters have ever released.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Old Carter Whiskey Co. |
| Founders |
Mark & Sherri Carter |
| Type |
Straight American Whiskey |
| Format |
Small Batch, Barrel Strength |
| Batch |
Batch 3 |
| Bottle Count |
2,487 bottles |
| Age Statement |
12 Years (mainly 15 year, with 12 and 13 year barrels) |
| Mash Bill |
Same recipe as Old Carter 27 Year (high corn) |
| Distilled In |
Indiana (MGP) |
| Bottled In |
Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Released |
April 2020 |
| Filtration |
Non chill filtered, uncut |
| ABV |
69.05% |
| Proof |
138.1 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Packaging |
Bottle only, hand labeled |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep mahogany with rich russet highlights.
Nose: Crackling creme brulee, root beer, red hots, caramel buttercream, candied bacon, and burnt orange rind.
Palate: Deep caramel, leather, tobacco, baking spice, dark chocolate, and dense oak. Drinks remarkably composed for the proof.
Finish: Long, warm, and lingering, with toasted hazelnuts and warming barrel heat.
FAQ
Why does the label say 12 years if some barrels are 15 years old? Federal law requires age statements to reflect the youngest whiskey in the blend. Old Carter Batch 3 includes 12, 13, and primarily 15 year old barrels of the same recipe, so the age statement defaults to the youngest component at 12 years.
What's the connection to Old Carter 27 Year? Batch 3 shares the same mash bill as the Carters' 27 Year Straight American Whiskey, giving collectors a younger, higher proof glimpse of that same recipe at a fraction of the secondary price.
Is 138.1 proof drinkable neat? Reviewers consistently note that despite the hazmat level proof, Batch 3 drinks well below its strength thanks to the depth of the mature oak. A few drops of water open it dramatically. Pairs naturally with the lighter Old Carter Batch 5 Rye for a side by side contrast.
Where can I buy Old Carter 12 Year Batch 3 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
