Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon (Batch 01)

Tasting- 2oz. Neat in glen cairn, and then with 6-7 drops of water. Appearence is a deep reddish amber, legs are fat and slow running. Nose- caramel bull's eye cream candies and dark red fruits are dominating. The nose also showcases plenty of oak. A bit hot to start, but the aromas are rich and decadent. A bit of water brings out the best this bourbon has to offer. Palate- cherries jubilee with a side of baked Alaska all covered in caramel. Neat it has some strong bite back at you. This batch is not playing! Then it gives way to some spiciness. A bit of nutmeg and perhaps allspice? Just a dusting of that as the fruit and caramel are forward. I can't get over the richness here. Water really helps tone down some of the ethanol and releases some nice cherry pie crust, but this is still a beast! This is bourbon from the barrel much like an older Booker's- unabashadely genuine. Finish- looooooong finish! That cherry pie and crust all coated in gooey caramel is definately for me! Overall- hands down the best thing I have ever had from Old Forester. I have had every Birthday Bourbon offering in the last 5 years, and have sampled President's choice 2019 (once) so you can judge my comparisons with your own OF inventory. This is what bourbon should be- sweet, oaky, a bit thick, rustic, and screaming "look at me!" This bottle reminds me of one of my favorites of all time- Booker's Center Cut.... but without the signature JB peanutiness. If you can get one- get one!

Great overall bourbon.

Similar in many ways to George t stagg with a high proof but pleasant cherry nose that hugs warm on the aftertone

Bananas and heat.