Old Carter Rye Whiskey Batch 8
Old Carter Rye Whiskey Batch 8 is a 57.9% ABV (115.8 proof) Kentucky straight rye whiskey in a 750mL bottle — a 95/5 straight rye mash bill bottled uncut and unfiltered at natural barrel strength, with only 1,607 bottles produced for the June 2021 release from Carter and Theresa Beam's Old Carter Whiskey Co., available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 57.9% (115.8 proof) — uncut at natural barrel strength
- Size: 750mL
- Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
- Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey — uncut and unfiltered from hand-selected barrels
- Bottles: 1,607 produced; released June 2021
- Producer: Old Carter Whiskey Co., Louisville, Kentucky — Carter & Theresa Beam (Carter Beam is a former Kentucky Owl co-founder)
- Age: no age statement published for Batch 8
The Beam Family's Own Label
Old Carter is Carter and Theresa Beam's own house — Carter carries the Beam family name (the dynasty behind Jim Beam) and co-founded Kentucky Owl before striking out with his wife in Louisville. Every Old Carter release is a numbered small batch at its own proof, and Batch 8 is the rye at full power: 95% rye, uncut, unfiltered, 115.8 proof. The official distiller note calls it "round rich and creamy rye... chocolate rye/pound cake, long mouth-coating finish." Browse our rye whiskey shelf, explore the Old Carter range, or compare more barrel-proof whiskey.
Tasting Notes
Retailer notes: crème brûlée, root beer and red hots, candied bacon, leather, tobacco, and toasted hazelnuts — bold rye spice over a rich, creamy body, with an exceptionally long, mouth-coating finish. At 115.8 proof it is intense neat and opens considerably with a few drops of water.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn at room temperature — start neat, then add water a few drops at a time to find your proof. It also anchors a premium Manhattan or Rye Old Fashioned, and pairs with dark chocolate, charcuterie, and aged Gouda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 95/5 rye mash bill?
95% rye and 5% malted barley — one of the highest rye contents possible, producing a bold, spice-forward whiskey distinctly different from bourbon-style mash bills.
Who is behind Old Carter Whiskey Co.?
Carter and Theresa Beam of Louisville, Kentucky. Carter is a member of the legendary Beam distilling family and a former co-founder of Kentucky Owl.
Does Batch 8 carry an age statement?
No — the batch number is a release number, not an age. No age statement was published for Batch 8.
Should I add water at 115.8 proof?
A few drops of still water open the aromatics and soften the heat, revealing more fruit, spice, and oak — start neat and add gradually.
1,607 bottles and counting down — order Old Carter Rye Batch 8 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.