Old Carter Rye
Overall Score: 8/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Old Carter (Sourced)
Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey
Company: Old Carter Whiskey Co.
Release Date: 2023
Proof: 115.6
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Dark Mohagonee
MSRP: $200 (2023)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the Old Carter Rye (Batch 11) opens with a wave of rye spice, reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread dough. Sweet notes quickly follow — think cherry pie filling, grape, plum, and fig newtons. There’s even a subtle hint of blueberry pie and cotton candy, adding a dessert-like charm to the nose.
The mouthfeel on the palate is luxurious, buttery, and incredibly smooth. It’s like sipping on a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned, with a burst of orange and maraschino cherry syrup. Grape and fig flavors lead the charge, followed by a touch of tartness and a mild leather note. The sweetness is prominent but well-balanced, making each sip feel indulgent without being overwhelming.
The finish continues the cherry and fig newton flavors, with a lingering wafer-like sweetness. While the rye spice remains present, it mellows into a pleasant warmth. It’s a full, enjoyable finish, though not particularly bold or long-lasting compared to the palate.
Old Carter Rye (Batch 11) is a rye lover's dream. The layered sweetness, rich fruit notes, and creamy mouthfeel make it a standout pour. While the finish may lack the same complexity as the nose and palate, it’s still incredibly enjoyable. At its $200+ MSRP, this bottle offers a memorable sipping experience.
However, given its popularity and secondary market sale price, it might be worth seeking out at retail to get the best value. Whether you’re a seasoned rye fan or someone looking to explore bolder flavors, Old Carter Rye delivers a smooth and flavorful ride.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8.5/10
Value: 4/5
THE NOSE:
It's what I imagine rye bread dough to smell like.
It's also sweet like simple syrup and cotton candy. Cherry pie filling.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is impeccable, just butter. It's silky and smooth.
It's like a fig newton but much sweeter and fruitier. I like my old fashioned with rye whiskey and this drinks like a perfectly balanced old fashioned.
I got a bit of orange and the maraschino cherry syrup.
THE FINISH:
The maraschino cherry flavor continues to build along with the wafer part of a fig newton.
It's a really pleasant and full finish.
BUY OR PASS?
I really love this pour. It's complex, balanced, full of flavor, and wonderful from start to finish.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 2/5
THE NOSE:
The rye spice is front and center, reminding me of fresh artisanal rye bread.
Then come the sweeter notes—grape, plum, and even a touch of fig newtons.
There’s a bit of blueberry pie in the mix too, which adds a rich, dessert-like vibe.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is sweet and syrupy, like the filling of a blueberry pie.
Grape takes the lead here, followed by tart fig and a subtle leather note, which works surprisingly well.
It’s bold and flavorful without being overwhelming.
THE FINISH:
The finish is enjoyable but not as exciting as the nose and palate.
There’s nothing bad about it, but the flavors don’t linger long or stand out much.
BUY OR PASS?
Rye lovers seem to go absolutely crazy for this bottle, and I can see why. It’s rich, flavorful, and brings that classic rye character in a big way.
For me, it’s good but not life-changing—I don’t seem to catch the complexity that hardcore rye fans rave about. If you love rye, you’ll probably adore this bottle. If rye isn’t your go-to, it’ll be a good pour but might not blow you away.
