Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon

Captains log, September 4th. Day 4 of this 30 day mission. Thus far I’ve canvased some of the first bourbons that brought me to know and love this spirit. Tonight the crew has been restless and I’m content to grab the 1.75 liter bottle kept away from most of my collection. The mixer. I’m a big fan of what OF us done with the whiskey row series. Unlike that series’ BiB expression this 100 proof bottling is something over 4 years of age (likely 5-6 due to the sheer volume produced). The nose hits first with sour green apples and caramel. This fall festival in a bottle elutes ethanol, rye spice, pepper and has maybe a bit of popcorn but no nuts or oak to speak of - very grain forward. More grain and some bite on entry. The finish is short and caramel forward while warming the chest. There’s a fairly flat rye bread from start to finish without much fruit, although cherry syrup shows up on the finish by the second or third sip. Wait, end of the dram - back if the mouth - that ripe banana funk that screams Brown Forman. The notes are there but just young and muted, but not tame. This is really in no way bad, and neither is $20 for nearly a half gallon. I’ll have to try it against the 86 proof version one day but this is likely the one to grab. For now this goes back under the sink until the masses are allowed to gather again for warm bourbon Apple cider.

Oak and Cherry. Decent pour for the money

Poured neat. First notes remind me of homemade banana nut bread. The sweetness comes out right away, along with cinnamon and other baking spices. Taste doesn't stray far from those first impressions, but the higher proof brings more of the spices out on the finish. Slightly bitter with some smokiness as the flavors start to fade. This is a very enjoyable budget bottle.

Nose - creamy vanilla, toffee, nutmeg, spearmint, milk chocolate, sweet barrel notes, cherry, high ethanol burn. Taste - spearmint, caramel, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, chocolate, spicy oak, brown sugar, cherry, moderate alcohol bite, finishing reasonably quick with minty, brown sugar, and oak flavors. Solid bourbon flavors and a good value. I’m not sure if this will replace my ‘house’ bourbon, EW BiB, but it would definitely be a decent option to keep on hand for mixing and light sipping.

I give this 3 stars for what it is. Very affordable and enjoyable bourbon. I keep it as my burner whiskey. You can always find it and it’s great in a cocktail or on the rocks. My bars always got this bottle in it