Old Forester barrel proof picks can be hit or miss for me. This is a release that frequently runs too hot for comfort and drinks a little younger than I typically prefer despite aging in heat cycled warehouses. That said, every once in a while one of these really surprises me. Given this is a flash review and I'm short on time, I'll let some of my previous Old Forester write ups give you a better picture of the brand backstory. Let's jump into this!
Company on Label: Old Forester
Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 70% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Barley
Proof: 128.5°
Age: NAS (well known to typically run in the 4-6 year range)
Further identification: This is a Warehouse I, Floor 1 single barrel pick done by Curtis Liquors in Massachusetts
Nose: Molasses, caramel and vanilla jumps out of the glass first and foremost. Red berry notes fill in the holes where the heavier aromas are pulled off the surface into my nostrils. Plum, raspberry and raisin build well over time. Maple and walnut tones grace the near empty glass.
Palate: On my first sip I find plenty of candied cherry, plum and sugary spice. The mouthfeel is thick, coating and sweet with red raspberries bubbling on the surface. Another sip continues to build upon the fruit forward base with a dash of bitters, orange peel and bright florals. It's quite the powerhouse of flavor, but the lower floor enabled this to be quite drinkable even at 128.5 proof. Sipping down near the bottom of the glass shows off caramel chews, cherry skins and peach rings. My last sip is a satisfying closeout to what would surely make a killer old fashioned.
TL;DR: A fruit sweet expression that surprisingly doesn't bust the palate
Rating: 3/5
(Decent. I can go either way on it.)
Well, this one didn't miss, but I can't get over the fact that it's ultimately too simple for me to really get excited for. Comparing this to a Depot Liquors Warehouse I, Floor 8 pick that rang in at 136 proof, this is a walk in the park & so much better than that liquid magma. Consider this completely passable & enjoyable, but not something the whiskey nerd needs multiples of.