Old Carter ‘Very Small Batch 18’ Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Mark Carter is a beverage guy through and through. He started in wine, building Carter Cellars in Napa Valley and pulling down some incredible critical scores. But interestingly, through key connections in the hospitality world—heading up an innkeeper’s trade association, he met the son of a Kentucky friend and ended up resurrecting the long-dormant Kentucky Owl bourbon brand. That thing became a cult classic before Carter sold it in 2017.

But here’s the thing: by then, Mark was completely hooked on whiskey. Not just drinking it, but the actual process of producing and blending it. So instead of walking away, he started Old Carter Whiskey Co. to keep doing what he loves—making great whiskey and celebrating Kentucky bourbon culture. These have brought in a cult-like following on their own and make for some of the best bottles made today.