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Calumet Farm 15 Year Old Bourbon Bottle Review (2024)

Calumet Farm 15 Year Old buying guide

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Calumet Farm 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a rare bottle sold by Western Spirits Beverage Company in Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

Thankfully, we could get ahold of one from the liquor aisle. Here’s our review on the Calumet Farm 15 year old bourbon. 

About Calumet Farm 15-Year-Old Bourbon 

Calumet Farm 15 Year Old Bourbon

Calumet Farm 15-Year-Old Bourbon is part of the Pedigree line at Three Springs Bottling Company and is their oldest bottle. It is made with a corn-heavy mash bill. 

It is a pretty strong whiskey at 105 proof, taken from a single, center-cut rack, which the brand refers to as “Single Rack Black.” 

Did You Know? 

Did You Know? 

Brief History

Calumet Farm started as an actual farm before they started their spirits label. It was established in 1924 in Lexington, Kentucky, as a thoroughbred breeding and training farm that housed a few notable horses. [1

Since horseracing and bourbon went hand in hand in Kentucky, a whiskey was named after the farm shortly. The label was released in 2013. 

Ownership

Western Spirits Company

Western Spirits Beverage owns the brand. Other bourbon labels owned by the company are Sam Houston, Bird Dog, and Lexington. 

Production Process

The 15-year-old bourbon does not come from a single barrel — instead, Calumet Farm batches single racks totaling 19 barrels. These barrels are aged in Bardstown for no less than 15 years. 

The final spirit is non-chill filtered for added character and depth.  

Mash Bill

Mash Bill Process

The brand uses 74 percent corn, 18 percent rye, and 8 percent malted barley. 

Tasting Notes

Palate

The 15-year aging period gives this whiskey plenty of spice, musty leather, and oak flavors. As the whiskey develops, more syrupy fruits come out. 

Fruit-forward flavors like dark red fruit compote, cherries, and apricots mingle with roasted nuts and a touch of tobacco leaf. Its bite is also a little bit stronger than what you would expect. 

Nose

It’s very buttery on the nose — we detected toffee, warm vanilla, and blondies. It also has a bit of oak, wood char, and peppery spice notes. 

Appearance

It has a deep copper color. 

Finish & Aftertaste

Calumet Farm Bourbon with glass

It has a long, slightly drying finish, with flavors of juicy raisins, dark chocolate, and scorched caramel sauce. 

Price & Value

We have to say the bottle is pretty steep (around $120 per 750ml) for the quality. There is nothing wrong with the 15-year-old bourbon per se, but the average buyer will find that other bottles with a high proof offer more complexity at half the price. 

We expect higher quality bourbon for the price, and this brand left us pretty disappointed. 

What Is Sourced Bourbon? 

Calumet Farm Bourbon 15 year old

It’s said that Calumet Farm sources their aged bourbons. A larger distillery (in this case, Barton) produces and ages the spirit for a new, smaller brand. 

While we think there’s nothing wrong with using sourced generic bourbon — after all, those big players do know how to produce great bourbon — some purists might scoff and say that it’s mass-produced garbage. 

Common Calumet Farm Price

Type Size Alcohol By Volume Average Price
Calumet Farm 15-Year-Old 750ml  52.5  Around $120 

Compared to Other Bourbons 

Compared to Other Bourbons 

Stellum Bourbon

Stellum is made from a blend of three Indiana bourbons. It’s a lot more savory on the palate, with fennel, rosemary, and thyme notes, unlike traditional Kentucky bourbons, which tend to be on the sweeter side. 

Stellum costs around $50. 

Blue Run Bourbon

It’s said that Blue Run sources their bourbons from Barton Distillery, but the brand has never actually confirmed it. Jim Rutledge, the brand’s “Liquid Advisor,” had done his magic on the bourbon inside to make it one of the best in the industry. 

Blue Run 13-Year-Old costs around $170. 

Yellowstone Bourbon 

Yellowstone Bourbon

Yellowstone celebrates traditional Kentucky bourbon with its sweet and spicy profile. It uses a blend of four and seven-year-old bourbons. 

The SRP for Yellowstone is around $50. 

Read: Who’s Making Yelowstone Bourbon?

Popular Calumet Farm Cocktails 

Popular Calumet Farm Cocktails 

Letters and Speeches

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1.25 oz Calumet Farm 
  • 0.5 oz Fino sherry 
  • 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur 
  • 0.25 oz lemon juice 
  • Cherries on a skewer 

Instructions: 

Pour all the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Strain and pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with the skewered cherries. 

Serving:

Wind Against Stone

Wind Against Stone on desk

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 oz Calumet Farm 
  • 0.5 oz VS cognac 
  • 0.5 oz Amaro 
  • 0.5 oz Oloroso sherry
  • Orange peel  
  • Ice 

Instructions: 

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir to combine. Strain and pour into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange peel. 

Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Calumet 15 sourced from?

Calumet 15 is sourced from various distilleries across Kentucky, each renowned for their expertise in bourbon production and adherence to high-quality standards.

Calumet Farm Bourbon, the producer of Calumet 15, carefully selects and blends barrels from different distilleries to create a unique and exceptional whiskey that reflects the best characteristics of Kentucky bourbon.

By sourcing whiskey from multiple distilleries, Calumet Farm Bourbon can access a diverse range of flavors and profiles, resulting in a bourbon that is rich, complex, and well-rounded.

While the specific distilleries contributing to Calumet 15 may vary, the whiskey is proudly crafted in Kentucky, the heartland of American bourbon production.

Who makes Calumet Farm Bourbon?

Calumet Farm Bourbon is produced by Western Spirits Beverage Company, a leading spirits producer based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Founded in 2005, Western Spirits Beverage Company is dedicated to crafting high-quality spirits that showcase the rich heritage and tradition of American whiskey-making.

Calumet Farm Bourbon is one of the brand’s flagship offerings, known for its exceptional quality, smoothness, and distinctive flavor profile. The brand pays tribute to Calumet Farm, a renowned thoroughbred horse farm in Kentucky with a storied history of breeding championship racehorses.

Calumet Farm Bourbon embodies the spirit of excellence and tradition associated with its namesake, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

What is the difference between Calumet small batch and 10 year old?

The main difference between Calumet Small Batch and Calumet 10 Year Old lies in their aging process and flavor profiles. Calumet Small Batch is a blend of carefully selected barrels aged for an undisclosed period, likely ranging from 6 to 8 years.

This expression is characterized by its smoothness, balance, and approachable flavor profile, making it suitable for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

On the other hand, Calumet 10 Year Old is aged for a minimum of 10 years, resulting in a whiskey with deeper complexity, richness, and maturity.

The extended aging period allows the bourbon to develop nuanced flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, along with a smooth and velvety texture.

Calumet 10 Year Old is often regarded as a more refined and sophisticated expression, ideal for savoring on special occasions or enjoying as a luxurious treat.

Is Calumet bourbon allocated?

Yes, Calumet bourbon is often allocated due to its limited availability and high demand among whiskey enthusiasts. As a premium bourbon brand, Calumet carefully selects and blends barrels to create exceptional whiskey, resulting in a limited supply of each batch.

Additionally, the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship contributes to its popularity among collectors and connoisseurs, further driving the allocation of Calumet bourbon.

While allocations may vary from one release to another, securing a bottle of Calumet bourbon can sometimes require patience and persistence, especially for highly sought-after expressions or limited editions.

Who owns Calumet bourbon whiskey?

Calumet bourbon whiskey is owned by Western Spirits Beverage Company, a leading spirits producer based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Founded in 2005, Western Spirits Beverage Company is dedicated to crafting high-quality spirits that celebrate the rich tradition of American whiskey-making.

Calumet bourbon whiskey is one of the brand’s flagship offerings, renowned for its exceptional quality, smoothness, and distinctive flavor profile.

Inspired by Calumet Farm, a historic thoroughbred horse farm in Kentucky, Calumet bourbon whiskey embodies the spirit of excellence and tradition associated with its namesake.

When did Kraft buy Calumet?

Kraft Heinz Company, a multinational food and beverage company, acquired the Calumet Baking Powder Company in 1929 as part of its expansion into the baking ingredients market. Calumet Baking Powder, known for its quality and reliability, became a trusted brand under the Kraft Heinz Company’s ownership and remains a popular choice for home bakers and professional chefs alike.

While Kraft Heinz Company is not directly involved in the production or ownership of Calumet bourbon whiskey, its acquisition of the Calumet Baking Powder Company illustrates the brand’s longstanding history and legacy in the culinary world.

What is Calumet Farms bourbon?

Calumet Farms bourbon is a premium Kentucky bourbon whiskey produced by Calumet Farm, a renowned thoroughbred horse farm with a rich history in the world of horse racing.

Crafted with precision and expertise, Calumet Farms bourbon embodies the spirit of excellence and tradition associated with its namesake.

Each batch of Calumet Farms bourbon is meticulously crafted using a blend of high-quality grains, pure limestone-filtered water, and traditional distillation methods.

The result is a smooth, flavorful whiskey with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, reflecting the distinct characteristics of Kentucky bourbon.

Where is Calumet Farm Bourbon?

Calumet Farm Bourbon is produced in Kentucky, the heartland of American bourbon production. While the exact location of the distillery responsible for producing Calumet Farm Bourbon may not be publicly disclosed, the whiskey is proudly crafted in Kentucky, a state known for its long-standing tradition of bourbon-making and favorable environmental conditions for whiskey production.

Kentucky’s limestone-rich water, distinct seasons, and skilled distillers contribute to the exceptional quality and flavor of Calumet Farm Bourbon, making it a beloved choice among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

Who makes the oldest bourbon?

Determining the oldest bourbon can be challenging due to the historical nature of whiskey production and the varying definitions of what constitutes the “oldest” bourbon. However, there are several contenders for the title of the oldest bourbon, each with its own claim to fame.

One such contender is Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, which produces the highly acclaimed Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve bourbon. Some expressions of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve are aged for up to 23 years, making them among the oldest bourbons available on the market.

Another notable contender is Old Forester, a historic bourbon brand produced by Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky. Old Forester boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1870 and offers limited-edition releases aged for extended periods, including the highly sought-after Old Forester Birthday Bourbon.

Ultimately, the title of the oldest bourbon may vary depending on factors such as aging duration, brand history, and production techniques. However, these contenders exemplify the legacy and craftsmanship of American bourbon-making, with each expression offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the whiskey industry.

Is single barrel or small batch bourbon better?

The debate between single barrel and small batch bourbon is often subjective and depends on personal preference. Each style has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different tastes and preferences.

Single barrel bourbon offers a distinct and individual experience with each bottle. Since it’s drawn from a single barrel, there can be significant variation in flavor, aroma, and complexity from one bottle to another. This variability can be exciting for whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different expressions and appreciate the nuances imparted by each barrel.

Single barrel bourbon allows drinkers to experience the influence of aging and barrel characteristics more directly, providing a glimpse into the specific qualities of each barrel.

On the other hand, small batch bourbon is crafted by blending a select number of barrels chosen for their complementary flavors and qualities. This blending process allows distillers to create a balanced and harmonious whiskey that showcases the best characteristics of each component barrel.

Small batch bourbons are often prized for their consistency and complexity, as well as their ability to offer a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. Additionally, small batch bourbons may exhibit greater consistency from batch to batch, providing drinkers with a reliable and enjoyable drinking experience.

Ultimately, whether single barrel or small batch bourbon is better comes down to personal preference. Some drinkers may prefer the uniqueness and unpredictability of single barrel bourbon, while others may gravitate towards the balance and consistency of small batch bourbon. Both styles offer an opportunity to explore the rich diversity of flavors and experiences that bourbon has to offer, making them equally worthy of appreciation.

Why is small batch bourbon better?

Small batch bourbon is often considered better by some enthusiasts due to the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in its production. By blending a select number of barrels, distillers can achieve a balanced and nuanced flavor profile that may be more complex than that of a single barrel bourbon.

Additionally, small batch bourbons may exhibit greater consistency from batch to batch, as skilled distillers carefully monitor and control the blending process to maintain quality standards.

Small batch bourbon’s appeal also lies in its ability to offer a well-rounded drinking experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. The blending process allows distillers to highlight the best qualities of each barrel while minimizing any potential flaws or inconsistencies. This results in a whiskey that is both flavorful and harmonious, with a complexity that evolves with each sip.

Overall, small batch bourbon is prized for its craftsmanship, balance, and versatility, making it a favorite among whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Why is it called small batch bourbon?

The term “small batch bourbon” refers to bourbon that is produced in limited quantities, typically by blending a small number of carefully selected barrels. While there is no strict definition of what constitutes a small batch, the term generally implies a focus on quality over quantity, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The exact number of barrels used in a small batch can vary depending on the distillery and production methods, but the result is often a whiskey that is highly sought after for its unique flavor profile and exceptional quality.

The term “small batch” is used to distinguish these bourbons from larger, more mass-produced offerings, highlighting their artisanal nature and commitment to excellence.

Where is Calumet 16 distilled?

Calumet 16 is distilled at Western Spirits Beverage Company’s distillery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This facility is known for its dedication to crafting high-quality spirits, including bourbon whiskey.

Located in the heart of Kentucky, the distillery benefits from the region’s favorable environmental conditions, including limestone-filtered water and a temperate climate, which contribute to the exceptional quality and flavor of the bourbon produced there.

Calumet 16 is meticulously crafted by skilled distillers who adhere to traditional techniques and modern innovations to create a premium whiskey worthy of its distinguished name.

Who started Calumet Farms?

Calumet Farms, a historic thoroughbred horse farm located near Lexington, Kentucky, was founded by William Monroe Wright in 1924. Wright, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, established Calumet Farms with the vision of breeding and raising champion racehorses.

Under his guidance, Calumet Farms quickly rose to prominence in the world of horse racing, achieving unparalleled success on the racetrack and earning numerous accolades and championships.

Over the years, Calumet Farms became synonymous with excellence, producing legendary racehorses such as Whirlaway, Citation, and Alydar.

Today, Calumet Farms remains an iconic institution in the horse racing world, preserving its rich heritage and tradition for future generations to admire and enjoy.

Final Verdict: Calumet Farm 15 Year Old Bourbon

The Calumet Farm Bourbon is not bad — it’s just a bit underwhelming. 

The 15-year-old label is good bourbon, but we were looking for something impressive. The nose is nice and buttery, rounded out with just enough sweetness and spice, which is inviting nonetheless. 

However, we demand great bourbon with that price and could probably get a better bottle elsewhere. 

Reference: 

  1. Historic Calumet Farm back in Kentucky Derby with 3 entrants
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