Old Fine, Prohibition, Birthday the Forester label is known for some headline making bourbons, and while the standard 86 proof and BiB are both drinkable enough, among those pricey if available bottles including the overpriced IMO, Statesman, somewhere nestled in the middle you find 1870. This bottle is going for around 40 in my area putting it just in range of some of the other starter small batches. What we have is a very decent bourbon, comparable to the standard small batch a lot of labels offer up, 1870 offers a great nose of orchard fruits, light sugars and just a hint of some rich red rum sweetness and spice. That light sugar starts with a bit of vanilla, a bit on the dry side it is after all only 90 proof, some middling starchiness gives way to the rye baking spice and mint. Just a hint of those red fruit sugars give notice and it all fades away nicely without any harsh or bitter finishings. It really is a good healthy sample of bourbon with out frills but also nearly free of any faults. It's an easy drinker. Adding to the versatility, this is a bourbon you can drink neat or offer in a Old Fashioned without flinching. If this really is the "original batch" bourbon out of Old Forester, you can easily see why they succeeded. If it came in, say in the 30ish range it could be in the "deal" category, but at least in my area Old Forester generally stays with the pricier brands. Cheers!