Old Carter Rye Whiskey Batch 8
Old Carter Rye Whiskey Batch 8 – 95/5 Straight Rye | 115.8 Proof | 1,607 Bottles
Old Carter Rye Whiskey Batch 8 is a rare, collector-grade straight rye whiskey from Old Carter Whiskey Co., founded by Carter and Theresa Beam of the legendary Beam family dynasty. Released in June 2021, Batch 8 was produced from a 95/5 straight rye mash bill — 95% rye, 5% malted barley — and bottled uncut at a powerful 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) with only 1,607 bottles produced.
Like all Old Carter releases, Batch 8 is bottled uncut and unfiltered directly from hand-selected barrels, delivering the full, unadulterated intensity of a high-rye whiskey at natural barrel strength. This is rye whiskey in its most honest, expressive form.
Batch 8 Specifications
- Mash Bill: 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley — high-rye straight rye whiskey
- Proof: 115.8 (57.9% ABV) — uncut, at natural barrel strength
- Bottles Produced: 1,607
- Release Date: June 2021
- Style: Uncut & unfiltered Kentucky straight rye whiskey
- Producer: Old Carter Whiskey Co. — Carter & Theresa Beam
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Bold rye spice, dried fruit, toasted oak, caramel, and a hint of dark chocolate — intense and expressive at full barrel proof
- Palate: Full-bodied and powerfully layered with cracked pepper, cinnamon, dried cherry, caramelized grain, and a rich, complex oak influence that only an uncut, high-proof rye can deliver
- Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with lingering rye spice, dark fruit, oak, and a deep, satisfying barrel-proof heat
Pairing Suggestions
Best savored neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature — a few drops of water will open the aromatics significantly at this proof. Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, charcuterie, aged Gouda, and smoked meats. Also exceptional as the base for a premium Manhattan or Rye Old Fashioned for those who want to experience it in a cocktail context.
Key Highlights
- ✔ 95/5 straight rye mash bill — bold, spice-forward rye character
- ✔ 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) — uncut at natural barrel strength
- ✔ Only 1,607 bottles produced — released June 2021
- ✔ Uncut & unfiltered — bottled straight from hand-selected barrels
- ✔ From Old Carter Whiskey Co., founded by Carter & Theresa Beam
- ✔ Tagged Rare — extremely limited availability
- ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a 95/5 rye mash bill?
A 95/5 mash bill means the grain recipe is 95% rye and 5% malted barley — one of the highest rye content mash bills possible. This produces a whiskey with bold, assertive rye spice, dried fruit, and pepper character that is distinctly different from lower-rye or bourbon-style mash bills.
Who is behind Old Carter Whiskey Co.?
Old Carter Whiskey Co. was founded by Carter Beam and Theresa Beam. Carter is a member of the legendary Beam family — the dynasty behind Jim Beam and many of Kentucky's most celebrated whiskeys — bringing generations of distilling expertise to every Old Carter release.
Should I add water to a 115.8 proof rye?
At 115.8 proof, a few drops of still water can open up the aromatics and soften the heat, revealing additional layers of fruit, spice, and oak. Start neat, then add water gradually to find your preferred expression.
Is Batch 8 a good collector's bottle?
Yes — with only 1,607 bottles produced and a specific June 2021 release date, Batch 8 is a highly collectible Old Carter expression. Its uncut, batch-specific character and the prestige of the Beam family name make it particularly sought after by rye whiskey enthusiasts.
Where can I buy Old Carter Rye Whiskey Batch 8?
You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.