Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon 90 Proof

Pipe tobacco and slight leather and chocolate, with maybe a little - not unpleasant - mustiness on the nose. Rich mouthfeel, with a complexity I haven’t figured out yet on the first night’s tasting. Moderate heat with a lingering finish. Good complement to spicy food.

As a single barrel there will be some fine nuances but I definite got fruity notes like banana in the nose and an overwhelming Caramel presence throughout the flavor. The finish isn’t long but it’s only a 90proof dram.

Nose: Bananas and vanilla. Honey. Toasted grains. Floral soap. Oak. Stone fruits. Oranges and cream. Strawberries, raspberries. White chocolate. Palate: Bananas, vanilla, oak, brown sugar. Peaches, strawberries, blueberries. Whipped cream. Pepper. Thyme, basil - bit more of the rye spice poking through. Dill. Some barrel bitter and tannin. Mouthfeel is medium-light. Finish showcases brown sugar, vanilla, oak, and char. Flowers and flour. The ethanol helps carry things and bring some brighter characteristics, swells up, and then starts to fade away providing a subtle effervescence. The bottom and mid palate almost completely disappear and the flavor tends towards slightly bitter blueberries, peaches, and cream. That oak hangs on through that whole thread, with the barrel bitter hanging out pretty much the whole time. Other notes: Classic bourbon, leaning into sweet fruits. This is a BevMo pick - 4th floor in warehouse L. Decently balanced overall, the ethanol pokes its head out a little more than I'd like, though that does bring some life to an otherwise very mid-palate heavy party. There's not much low-end to build on here. Definitely an easy sipper that executes against the standard bourbon profile very well.

Las Vegas Liquor Outlet pick

Warehouse O, 1st Floor Colorado Liquor Outlet Store Pick

Store pick. Nose has a hint of ethanol, but strong brown sugar notes shine through. Overall taste is reserved vanilla and almond overshadowed by a strong cinnamon burn. Finish is short and nutty.