Kentucky Owl Rye (Batch 3) Vs Old Carter Rye (Batch 5)

These are both the same retail price (#199), both about the same proof, and both amazing! So which one is the better one to buy?

KO) 114 proof.
The nose is full and funky, with oak, vanilla, leather, rye toast, chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg, clearly a rye, and very pleasant!
On the palate the mouthfeel is a little oily and coating, but a little thinner than some other barrel-proofs I’ve had. The taste starts with brown sugar, vanilla, and dark chocolate, followed by greener notes of rye/spearmint along with some cinnamon/allspice. 
The finish is pretty long, with those green rye notes lingering along with oak and a bit of caramel. The oak is present throughout, but without ever getting tannic/astringent. 
I like this a lot. Definitely my favorite KO rye that I've tried. The nose in particular is amazing! The only weakness is the palate is slightly less flavorful than the nose might lead to believe.

OC) 115.5 proof.
The nose on this one is definitely different! It’s a little more muted, and in fact I wouldn’t really know I’m smelling a rye. It noses more like a high-rye bourbon. It’s more mature with tons of caramel, oak, and some allspice, clove, and leather.
The palate is mouth-coating, full, and sweet, with caramel, honey, and vanilla. Then the flavors of the rye start to come through with some spearmint, pepper, and allspice, along with some oak.
The finish is long, with caramel sweetness along with pepper spice, alcohol heat, and an oaky, very slightly tannic end.
I also really like this one. It’s one of the best whiskey’s I’ve had this year!

VERDICT) I am disappointed (or happy, considering the cost), to say I cannot crown a clear winner here… If you prefer a more “bourbonesk” rye, then I would go with the OC. But if you are in the mood for more classic rye notes, then go with the KO.
They are both world-class bottles and I am happy that I have both of them!