Old Forester 1897 Bottled In Bond

This is in a weird spot with OF original 100 being $23. It also doesn’t do well against other BiBs. It’s solid stuff, but it is not a great value at this price point.

4.0 stars - Excellent; two bottles I am a bottled in bond man, myself. This is a very good whisky. I may stand alone in preferring it over the OF 1920. It seems 1920 is universally praised and 1897 is often panned. Which seems a bit churlish. Having several glasses side-by-side there are only minor differences. The aroma is very similar, 1897 is more bright and chocolate banana, 1920 has more dusty oak. The taste is similar, 1897 matches the aroma and 1920 is more syrupy (brown sugar and tobacco). Old Forester seems to acknowledge this minor difference with only a 10% price premium on 1920. I think American whiskey shines at 50% ABV. BIB: Rittenhouse, Henry McKenna 10 yr, New Riff, Old Fitzgerald and OF1897. Near BIB: WT101, Rowan’s Creek, and 4R SIB.

Very spicy

Nose: old, seasoned, smoky wood. Burnt sugar Palate: dark fruit, caramel, cinnamon spice Finish: dark chocolate. Medium, dry. More wood with a hint of anise. A 6 on the t8ke scale