Calumet Farms Single Rack Black 16 Year Bourbon 750ML

Calumet Farm Single Rack Black 16 Year Bourbon is a 106-proof (53% ABV), 750ml Kentucky straight bourbon aged sixteen years and bottled non-chill filtered. Named "The World's Best Bourbon Whiskey" at the 2025 WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition, this release draws from a tight 19-barrel batch selected exclusively from center-cut warehouse racks, producing a deeply concentrated and tannic pour that punches well above typical aged bourbons in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53% (106 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age Statement: 16 Years  |  Distillery: Sourced from Barton 1792 Distillery

Production & Heritage

The Calumet Farm brand takes its name from the legendary Calumet Farm thoroughbred racing operation in Lexington, Kentucky, and is owned by Western Spirits Beverage Company. The bourbon itself was distilled at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, using a mashbill of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley. What distinguishes the Single Rack Black program is that Western Spirits purchased young barrels and matured them at their own facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky — a more industrial-style, single-story building rather than a traditional multi-story rickhouse. This approach exposes barrels to different temperature cycles during aging, creating distinct maturation characteristics. The 16-year expression is drawn from just 19 barrels housed on center-cut racks (the middle tiers of the warehouse) and is bottled non-chill filtered to preserve full body and texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Coffee and instant hot cocoa powder surface first, followed by toasted almond, caramel, and layers of dusty oak. There is a subtle mustiness beneath, hinting at the extended barrel time.

Taste: The entry is thick with saturated oak and warm rye spice. Mid-palate, vanilla opens into dark fruit — cherries, cranberries — brightened by lemon and orange zest. Baking spices emerge toward the peak, with cinnamon and clove threading through manageable tannins, molasses, and a whisper of tobacco.

Finish: Long and layered, with freshly baked bread, toasted toffee, and a light cornmeal dryness that lingers. The oak tannins stay firm but never overpower, tapering into a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Single Rack Black 16 Year

At 106 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon rewards neat pours — let it open for five to ten minutes before sipping to allow the deeper fruit and spice notes to emerge. A few drops of water softens the tannins and amplifies the caramel and vanilla tones without diluting complexity.

• Old Fashioned: The saturated oak and baking spice stand up to sugar and bitters without losing identity.
• Manhattan: The dark fruit profile melds seamlessly with sweet vermouth, and the rye-forward kick maintains structure.
• Boulevardier: The bourbon's robust tannins and cocoa notes pair naturally with Campari's bitterness.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who collects aged, limited-batch releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing extended-age Kentucky bourbons
• Marking a milestone celebration with a bottle that carries weight and complexity
• Adding a rare 16-year-aged statement bourbon to a personal collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Single Rack Black 16 Year taste like? It delivers saturated oak, dark cherry, and warm rye spice with supporting notes of caramel, baking spice, and tobacco. The finish is long and dry, marked by toasted toffee and light cornmeal.

How does Single Rack Black 16 Year compare to Eagle Rare 17 Year? Both are highly aged Kentucky bourbons, but Eagle Rare 17 is a single-barrel, 101-proof release from Buffalo Trace that is nearly impossible to find at retail. Single Rack Black 16 Year, sourced from Barton 1792, is more accessible and priced lower while still delivering significant oak depth and complexity — Breaking Bourbon has noted it as a viable alternative for drinkers unable to source Eagle Rare 17.

Is Single Rack Black 16 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — at 106 proof and non-chill filtered, it has the body, concentration, and layered complexity that make it an excellent neat-sipping bourbon, particularly after a few minutes of rest in the glass.

Where is Single Rack Black 16 Year made? The bourbon was distilled at the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, and aged for sixteen years at Western Spirits' facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Single Rack Black 16 Year? Charred ribeye steak complements the heavy oak and toffee. Smoked brisket echoes the tobacco and molasses undertones. Dark chocolate truffles match the cocoa-powder aromatics. Pecan pie mirrors the caramel sweetness. Aged sharp cheddar contrasts the tannic dryness with creamy fat.

What sizes does Single Rack Black 16 Year come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Single Rack Black 16 Year worth the price? It positions as a premium aged bourbon that competes directly with ultra-limited releases costing significantly more. The 16-year age statement, 19-barrel batch size, and non-chill filtered bottling at 106 proof represent strong value in the aged bourbon category.

Why Single Rack Black 16 Year?

Winning "The World's Best Bourbon Whiskey" at the 2025 WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition and earning an A rating from Drinkhacker, this 16-year-old expression has drawn serious attention in the aged bourbon space. The unconventional aging approach — storing barrels in a single-story industrial facility in Bowling Green rather than a traditional rickhouse — produces a maturation profile distinct from what the same Barton 1792 distillate would yield in its home warehouses. At just 19 barrels per batch and with a true age statement that few producers in Kentucky are willing to commit to at this price point, Single Rack Black 16 Year earns its place as one of the more compelling high-aged bourbons currently available without a lottery or secondary-market markup.