Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky

Chocolate roman candy toffee, vanilla, dried figs, hot caramel

salty and caramel. not as complex as 1920, not quite as good either. still a decent addition to my collection.

Grabbed a bottle from the distillery this week on a trip through KY. Big fan of 1920, so I was eager to see how it stacks up. Lots of indistinct baked-good flavors to pick over. I keep coming back to Irish soda bread (raisins!). It's not all dessert though, there are ripples of that heavily charred oak which I'm guessing will be a turn off for some, and probably also why they dialed back the proof. All in all it's its own thing, and worth the price of admission.

Color - copper brown. A quick swirl shows sparse legs in the glass Nose - maple syrup, vanilla, varnished oak Palate - maple, caramel and baking spices, with a fairly rich mouthfeel for the proof. Finish - pretty quick, some lingering spice but more subdued than I usually get from OF A few drops of water muted the maple/oak on the nose but brought out a hint of dark stone fruit and more vanilla. On the palate, the water brought out more sweetness, with the caramel coming to the front and lingering a bit on the finish. I liked this both ways, although I think the nose was better neat. I'm not really a huge OF fan. I like Statesmen and 1920 OK, but not nearly as much as other brands. To me this 1910 is a bit darker/richer, with the spice softened a bit compared to other OF expressions. For me that's a good thing. People who love 1920 probably won't like it as much due to its lower proof and lacking that bright/spicy character.

Nose (3.75): Brown sugar and plums. Slightly ethanol for proof but dissipated quickly. Sweeter than the 1920. Palate (4.5): Burnt brown sugar, raisins with some carmel and vanilla underlying. Very good sipping neat might not hold up as well in mixed drink. Finish (3.75): Plumbs and sugar and then the heat comes in. Kind of cinnampn-apple. Finish is quicker with good aftertaste. Higher proof may have sustained finish but all in all petty pleasing. If you like Statesman this has similar profile with nicer nose and a bit richer. I like it dead even with the 1920.

I WISH it was higher proof, but it is good stuff. Not up to snuff of 1920, but definitely has a unique richness; raisins, plum, and toasted marshmallow. Pleasant nose.