# Finding Old Carter in North Carolina: A Hunter’s Guide

*By Shane Caulder · 2026-01-05*

Hunting for Old Carter in NC? From ABC lottery secrets to the latest price lists, here is everything you need to know to land this rare bottle.

If you’re a whiskey enthusiast in the Tar Heel State, you know the drill: the "good stuff" doesn't just sit on shelves. When it comes to **Old Carter**, we are talking about some of the most elusive, high-proof, and deeply complex juice on the market. Founded by Mark Carter, this brand has transitioned from a "if you know, you know" secret to a top-tier target for collectors.

But how do you actually get a bottle without paying secondary market prices? Because North Carolina is an ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) state, the path to snagging an Old Carter release is a bit different than in our neighboring states.

## How to Find Old Carter in NC

Finding **Old Carter Bourbon **requires a mix of timing, local knowledge, and occasionally, a bit of luck. Since the NC ABC Commission controls spirits distribution, Old Carter is treated as a "Limited Distribution" or "Allocated" item.

Several Old Carter expressions, including their **Very Small Batch (VSB) Bourbon** and **Straight Rye, **are listed in the system.

- **VSB Bourbon (Code 17552):** Retails for $237.95.

- **Old Carter Rye (Code 17534):** Retails for $220.95.

## Why Old Carter is Worth the Hunt

What makes **Old Carter **so special compared to other allocated brands? It comes down to the blending philosophy. Unlike many distilleries that aim for a consistent "profile" year after year, Mark Carter focus on unique, barrel-strength, and unfiltered batches.

- **Small Batch Sizes:** Many releases consist of fewer than 1,500 bottles globally.

- **High Proof:** These are almost always uncut and unfiltered, often exceeding 115 proof.

- **Complexity:** Known for "dark" flavors, think heavy oak, leather, dark chocolate, and intense spice.

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