Calumet Farm Small Batch Bourbon (15 Year & 8 Year Blend)

It starts off on thin notes of oak and vanilla. Sitting with the whiskey longer, peppercorn and rye spice appear along with a more oak notes. A hint of brown sugar tries to add a bit of balance, lower proof (86) probably kill the deeper flavors. No bite and very smooth though. Calumet Farm Small Batch Bourbon tries to differentiate itself in the marketplace by using a 15 year bourbon in their small batch blend. It’s prominently stated on the front of the bottle before its 8 year old bourbon component. This would lead one to believe that the blend contains a large amount of 15 year old bourbon. However, the sip suggests otherwise. Average at best and cost on the higher side of an average bourbon. Guaranteed to be mainly 8 yr old with a smattering of 15 yr old.

A floral hit my nose at first. Nice surprise as my nose has issues! LOL… A very smooth and savory flavor with hints of fruit and floral, oak and simply mellow. Deserves a better overall rating than just 3.5!

This was very standard for what I would picture as a bourbon with a rye mash bill. It was sweet, grassy, smooth, oaky and enjoyable. Nothing in particular jumped out or was overly complex but a solid dram.

Super average. I paid $60 for this and have had many sub $40 bottles that were as good or better. Don’t get me wrong, this was pleasant enough, just not worth the elevated price tag.

Decent for price. Way better than the 8. But it feels loke the blend didnt really want to ‘mix’. Meaning it tastes like a 15yr and an 8yr. Honey, sugar, oak. Finish lacks.

On the the nose i get vanilla and caramel. First sip offers black pepper and vanilla. Ice softens burn and adds char and leather.