Old Forester Rye

Nose is complex. Lemon followed by a rye floral scent start it off. Then Clove takes over followed by allspice, sweet apple pie filling, Black tea and sweet oak. Taste is started by Brown Sugar, honey, rye muffin, cinnamon, allspice, black cherry, and a big wave of black pepper. Finish is sweet oak, dried apple chips, leather, tobacco and then the Clove and Sweet oak that you get in the nose go back and forth which lasts for awhile. It drinks right at 100 proof and the viscosity is medium but I really enjoy the complexity and don’t miss the anise flavor that comes on so strong on so many rye’s. As mentioned so many times on this site, a great value for a reasonably complex and versatile rye.

With all the bourbons they put out, it's a wonder that the rye is the first Old Forester product I've owned. It's a fairly new addition to their lineup. Not much else to say so let's check it out. Nose: Caramel, apple, black pepper. Clove, nutmeg, and allspice. Brown sugar and black licorice. Pumpernickel. Tobacco. Palate: Heaps of spice. Cinnamon, black pepper, clove, and nutmeg. Oak as well. Walnut and caramel. Brown sugar and cola. Mint chocolate and fudge. Apple and vanilla. Finish: Pistachio and mint chocolate. Brown sugar and apple. Cinnamon, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and allspice. Long finish. I've settled at a 4.25. The nose is solid, although not too complex. The palate and finish are delicious though ever-so-slightly boozy if you sip before it has a chance to open up. Overall, the whiskey is very good. Probably around a 3.75 good. But then factor in that it's $27 for a quality, 100-proof rye and you've got yourself an amazing value. Hence the half-star bump. I've already tasted a couple OF bourbons over the years. After working halfway through this bottle, I'm convinced it's high-time to dip into their bourbon selection. Looking forward to it.