Info Shots

• Price: ~$150 (2022)
• Spirit: Whiskey
• Proof: 106 (53% alcohol)
• Noses (smell): Peanuts
• Palate (taste): Dry and slightly harsh. Standard oaky for being whiskey, but not much else
• Age Statement: 16 Years

Distiller information

Background

This is one of those interesting brands that started out doing one thing, in this case horse training for racing, and transferred into the world of bourbon.

William Monroe Wright established Calumet Farm in 1924 on a small farm in Lexington, Ky. After Wright’s death in 1933 his son Warren began to move the farm’s business toward Thoroughbred racing. After developing the farm’s stock and pedigree for a short time the Wrights hire famed horse trainer Ben A. Jones. Through dedication passion and hard work the farm began an unparalleled ascent eventually topping the horse racing world. This rise to glory would cement Calumet Farm as one of the most dominant names in horse racing history. Over the decades that came  the farm produced 2 Triple Crown winners, 8 Kentucky Derby winners and 8 Preakness winners. Calumet Farm is proud to have 11 horses in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.

https://www.calumetbourbon.com/history

The only issue I have with this is that on their site or history of the company, they never talk about how or why they ever got into bourbon. This is by all accounts an MGP product by the looks. Whether people accept or deny it, that what we here have come to believe as with most other MGP products.

If you want the story on MGP, I know there are tons of people who have told it better than me. So I’d suggest reading their blogs about it, before asking me to write one for that purpose.

Onto the Review

Temperature

Beyond the oak this ones not much else to discuss. I mean its really smooth and easy to drink, but that where I say the issue lies with this one.

Conclusion

I think this is a falicy of bourbon that you see now a days. Just because it is older does not make it better in some cases. I have tried some really nice and old spirits, but this one certainly disappointed me as the 10 year version of this is far and away a better price point than this is currently.

I would strongly stick away and not recommend people dropping a $150 dollars if you are seeking unique and impressive bourbons. This category of price is saturated with much better options if your considering spending this much money on a bourbon. A few to list are as follows:

• MacAllen 15 Double Oak ($150)
• Garrison Brothers Guadalupe ($150)
• George Remus Repeal Editions ($110)
• Bookers Editions ($100)
• Bookers Little Book ($150)

There are other options to go with in this category and paying for age in this case is just not what i would recommend with this bottle. If you happen to try and like this one, by all mean enjoy it. That what bourbon is all about. But for me this one is one expensive dud to say the least.