This expression from Calumet Farm is named after a famous thoroughbred who won the Triple Crown in 1948. Citation was the first horse to win 16 races in a row and the first to earn one million dollars in prize money. Hence being named the latest in the Calumet Farm’s lineup as their 16 year bourbon. Citation is sourced from Barton 1792 distillery from a batch using 19 barrels, is non-chill filtered and bottled at 106 proof. Let’s get to it!
Taken: Neat in a Glencairn glass, rested about 10 minutes.
Distillery: Sourced by Barton 1792/NDP: Western Spirits Beverage Co.
Proof: 106 (non-chilled filtered).
Age: 16 years.
Batch Size: 19 Barrels.
Rack # W 4005.09 Batch 5172.
Mash bill: 74% Corn/ 18% Rye/ 8% Malted Barley
Price: $150.00
Nose
Crème brûlée, brown sugar, luxardo cherry’s, mixed berries, orange peel, dill, chocolate, baking spice and oak char. I love the rich oak notes and fantastic balance. Especially with the sweet and fruity notes. This is an incredible nose that you would expect from a bourbon of this age.
Palate
Medium viscous mouthfeel. Though I’m still getting many of the same notes from the nose, such as crème brûlée, luxardo cherry, mixed berries, orange peel, dill and dark chocolate with a delicate amount of baking spice, the overall profile is more subdued than I anticipated. Though still very delicious, the “wow” factor of the nose is not quite there on the palate. This is a super easy drinker but possibly a higher ABV% would elevate this palate while still being a fantastic sipper.
Finish
As baking spice fades, notes of chocolate and cherry linger with emerging tannins of subtle leather. As time goes by there is some dryness with oak and baking spice still lingering to create a long and subtle finish.
Conclusion
There are many things I love about Calumet 16, but it doesn’t quite live up to my preconceived expectations. So maybe that’s on me. The pluses are it tastes incredibly good with qualities you would expect from a 16 year bourbon. It exceeds the $10/year value criteria and is widely available. The downside is the lack of intensity on the palate and finish. There are other bourbons in the same price range that are more memorable to me, such as Lucky Seven 14 year “The Proprietor” (which is also Barton sourced), Bardstown Discovery 7 & 8 and Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club, to name a few.
Unfortunately, the tradeoff of Calumet 16 being offered at a higher proof would also raise the price and decrease availability. As it is, Calumet 16 is still an excellent and lovable bourbon that may not have the “wow” factor I was hoping for, but still delivers an excellent example of a well-crafted mature Kentucky bourbon that is widely available at MSRP.
Rating
8/10
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | Perfect.
