Old Forester Rye

Vanilla. Pepper.

It smells like it's going to kick you in the face. It has a surprisingly balanced and oily flavor. There is certainly rye tartness, but it is subdued. The spiciness doesn't overwhelm. This might be the oiliest drink I have ever had. There's some off banana, but I kind of like it. There's kind of a toffee in here too. The balance is unusually, but it's quite good (if you like bananas, which is definitely a dicey stance to take). It's rich and also very sweet. I'm a bit conflicted about the bananas but I do enjoy this. It's fun, but perhaps not very practical given its odd laffy taffy flavor. It tastes a bit like buttered pancakes. It's really fun and super smooth. The banana suggests a lot of vanilla. The sweetness and smoothness are astonishing for a rye, though there is definitely plenty of numbing spice (clove?) to be found the more you drink. It's good in a quirky way, but I think I'd take Corsair or Pikesville over it if I were looking for a somewhat different rye. As it is, this is just a bit too confusing. It's a bit reminiscent of Jamba Juice even. Mega props to Old Forester though for delivering such a smooth drink with minimal alcohol flavor at such a high ABV. It's a bit like Woodford Reserve Double Oak. This is nicely complex and the banana does eventually fade, but it still isn't excellent. It's thoroughly sippable though. The balance is superb and I would recommend this, but I've been bitten by Woodford Reserve Double Oak before, so proceed with caution.

Not great on it's own, but makes a good Manhattan when you don't like them too sweet

Aroma is sharp in the nose with alcohol Taste begins smooth slightly sweet then the rye come on strong nicely. It finishes with a slight rasp.

Very interesting rye. I can taste the malt. It’s almost a spicy clove and then caramel. I like will keep it for a nice warm spicy cocktail.

Strong, sweet