Tastes

Oaky, woodsy, fruity left hook from Maker’s both maintains the flavor profile, & turns it on it’s head too—wonderfully unique.

Such an elegant pour. The overpricing & over hype can ding it—Elmer T Lee is not worth $400. But taken on its own terms, Elmer T Lee is still one of the best in its class.

The discovery series #4 is damn perfect, but #3 has everything in it I love about #4, with a fruity note that makes it even more drinkable.

Absolute flavor bomb, worth every penny anywhere near the vicinity of MRSP.

Rich, deep, so full of flavor it’s hard to believe the proof.

A big hype rarity that actually lives up to the hype, OF 117 is a gem. Somehow delicate & big at the same time, this is actually a perfect whiskey. While better than the OF 1920, it doesn’t murder it though—which is a testament to just how profound it is that Old Forester produces something that available and consistently great. But make no mistake—117 is extraordinary; the highest elevation of the OF flavor profile.

A bottle you buy precisely once. It’s pleasant & imminently drinkable, & contains all the basic colors of Old Forester. But the finish is short, & at the price there is simply no reason to not spend $5-10 more for the superior 1910 or 1920.

$23, and one of the most unique, flavorful ryes at any price point on the market. Absolute best value in whiskey, & one of the reasons Old Forester reigns supreme. Lemony, easy drinker where mellow sweet tones somehow add up to something bigger. Fun fact: I served this to a large group of relatively inexperienced bourbon drinkers alongside Blanton’s, and nobody picked Blanton’s over this.

I’ve never owned another bottle with such a split personality. Rich, creamy deliciousness up front, surprisingly bitter note on the back—a fatal flaw for a $140 bottle.

At $14, this is one of the all-time great values in whiskey. The density, complexity & age statement at the price point is unparalleled. Punches way above its weight class.