Plus, it’s a lot of fun. Top reviews for Old Forester Bourbon: — Great flavors — Great tasting bourbon and a reasonable price. Doesheritage impact quality, or is it just about what ends up in the glass? This Bourbon is carefully distilled at Old Forester distillery, United States. As greater regulationcame to the bourbon industry, the Bottled-in-Bond act required spirits callingthemselves “bourbon” to come from a single distillery in a single season, and tobe bottled at 100 proof. You can find it in the Beam family, but few other places. Chances are, you and your companions will enjoy it just as much as bourbons that cost twice as much. The Old Forester brand is more than 150 years old and its signature Bourbon is proof that with time comes expertise. If you're searching for style, inspired craftsmanship, and a transformative piece of art that also elevates the flavor profile of your favorite wines and spirits, look no further. Privacy Policy. The other labels (1870, 1897, 1910, and 1920) all reference years momentous to the Old Forester story. "Nothing like a #fridaynight pour of @oldforester#oldforesterbourbon to get the weekend started.”, “I love it when a great bourbon and a decanter come together. Old Forester Statesman was originally released in July 2017 as a companion to the movie, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” This release is made from the standard Old Forester mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley and is said to be comprised of hand-selected casks from the warmest places in the warehouse. OLD FORESTER BIRTHDAY BOURBON, 10-YEAR-OLD STRAIGHT BOURBON. If you’re looking for a dailysipper that’sa little different, there are plenty of expressions to personalize your homebar. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. In fact, although the bottling represents a single (undisclosed) day of production at Old Forester, there’s not just one 150th Anniversary Bourbon, there are three of them, all denoted by batch number on the label. Vital Stats: Old Forester 2020 Birthday Bourbon is 98 proof, made from 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley and aged 10 years.Suggested retail price is $129.99 and distribution is nationwide, but … Founded by a former pharmaceutical salesman named George Garvin Brown, the original version of Old Forester was sold to pharmacie… Old Forester 1920, at 57.5%, is the highest proof expression in the series. Whenever a product has a movie tie-in, it’s probably a safe bet that the product is going to be subpar. The original bottler and distiller of Old Forester Bourbon is George Garvin Brown, the great-grandfather of the family who still runs the Brown-Forman distillery conglomerate. “Old Forester has endured nearly 150 years of uninterrupted history and has survived prohibition, world wars and changing consumer tastes,” said Old Forester President Campbell Brown. Therefore, in 1897, Brown purchased a distillery and partnered with a former salesman and bookkeeper, George Forman, who owned a 10 percent share in the company. This Old Forester Bourbon review won’t get into other expressions available, but later blog posts will. Early Times Distillery began its journey as JTS Brown and Bro. And like many American products, bourbon whiskey has found its way around the world and into the restaurants, bars, and homes of millions of people. We never skip steps to cut costs either. Nothing will get you warmed up like a nice glass of bourbon.”. Historic and well respected in the community, it’s considered by many to be the benchmark for a good bourbon. Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. The 2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is offered at a suggested retail price of $129.99. Since 2002, Old Forester has released a limited-edition “Birthday Bourbon” on Sept. 2, George Garvin Brown’s birthday. Through the shuffling of brands and distilleries, almost all bourbons have ended up as part of a half dozen companies. It’s a friendly and approachable bourbon. It’s not particularly hefty in proof, so it pales next to its big brother, Old Forester Signature, which I greatly enjoy. Because a single distillery (and family) runs the brand, they can put out bourbons that reflect significant moments in their history. Please support me on Patreon! Old Forester Statesman Review Out of all of the polarizing whiskey that has rolled out of Old Forester in the last 5+ years, there seems to be little fanfare over Statesman. It was first seen on shelves back in 1870, and the rye-rich bourbon continues to be enjoyed today. There’s still a 100-proof available for people who like full-bodied bourbon with some kick, but this Old Forester Bourbon review will focus on the most common label, the 86-proof. But there’s nothing “wrong” with it per say, just some things that would … Type: Straight Rye Whiskey Distillery: Old Forester Proof: 100 proof Age: Not stated Retail: I paid $24 Appearance Dark bronze. All in all, if someone asked me to give an opinion of Old Forester 86 in just one word, I’d say “bourbon.” I don’t mean that as a joke. Win a $250 Shopping Spree: Review a product for a chance to win. Tasting Notes: Old Forester 2020 Birthday Bourbon. The company name changed to Brown-Forman, and though Forman died a few years later, releasing his share back to Brown, the name remained the same. This kind of consistency in bourbon production is special. Brown was the founder of the Brown-Forman corporation which owns a number […] It’s not particularly long aged, so it’s slightly young on the palate, and not as much oak as I’d prefer. Initially, Old Forester was bottled at 90 proof. Christopher Null. Brown-Forman marked the 150th Anniversary of their foundation brand, Old Forester, this year by releasing three batches of cask strength bourbon. Remarkably, it’s the same family andname making the bourbon today, 150 years after the original bottling of OldForester by Brown. Old Forester Bourbon was the first to be sold in America in sealed glass bottles, to avoid any unsavoury folks tampering with their carefully-considered recipe. And just last year, Brown-Forman added a rye recipe to its lineup of whiskey expressions for lovers of spice. Visitors can learn more about Old Forester’s history at the newly opened Old Forester Distilling Co. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. ©2021 Brown-Forman Distillers. A favourite among bartenders, this Bourbon is made up of 70 percent corn, 18 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley. For the first twenty-seven years of its history, OldForester was sourced from three different distilleries. After Prohibition, it decreased to 86 to adapt to the current style of lighter-bodied bourbons. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky Review: Details and Tasting Notes In Old Forester’s Words: 1910 Old Fine Whisky , Old Forester’s fourth and final expression in the Whiskey Row Series, is a double barreled Bourbon creating a smooth mingling of sweet oatmeal raisin cookie and milk chocolate, caramel corn, and evolving spice that lead into a refined, charred oak finish. Since 2002, Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon has been a favorite amongst whiskey enthusiasts, receiving a multitude of awards and recognition throughout the years. Jim Murray called it the “Best bourbon aged under 10 years,” in his 2006 Whisky Bible. Nose – 97 out of 100 Points. What does legacy mean to you in bourbon? It’s affordable enough to be your daily sipper, yet it’s a bourbon sophisticated enough for special occasions and company. We recently reviewed their Birthday Bourbon and bottled-in-bond bourbon, both higher-priced expressions; this one, Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon, is their middle-shelf release, priced at around $20. Old Forester 86 is pretty standard in terms of bourbon flavors. Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Review (Jigz Liquor + Bourbon Sippers) Cork Pop – 5 out of 5. To commemorate the big anniversary, Old Forester put together a new release that is separate from the Birthday Bourbon called, naturally, Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon. But don’t just take our word for it! Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon Batch 3 Review When Old Forester initially announced the specs on their 150th Anniversary Batches, I must admit that I was skeptical. Instead, our decanters are made the hard way because quality takes effort and that’s what you deserve. Old Forester Whiskey Row Series spotlights a point of history in the Old Forester Distillery. 1. With a new brand-wide bottle label refresh in tow, Old Forester has changed and that is most apparent with Old Forester Signature 100 Proof. The color is honey amber. A small-batch cask strength bourbon that comes from barrels originally selected…, 2006 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Review, 2015 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Review, Old Forester Bottled In Bond (1957) Review, Old Forester Signature Review (100 Proof) - The Whiskey Jug, Old Forester Signature Review (100 Proof) ‹ Site Name, Whiskey Review: Old Forester Bourbon - The Quasify Life. Each decanter is handcrafted and hand-blown, formed into designs limited only by imagination. Currently, the President and Managing Director of Brown-Forman is a fifth-generation Brown. There’s still a 100-proof available for people who like full-bodied bourbon with some kick, but this Old Forester Bourbon review will focus on the most common label, the 86-proof. Medium viscosity with thin but long legs. In the past century, most whiskey distilleries and brands shuffled owners like a deck of cards. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Whiskey Review: Old Forester 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Old Forester is a bourbon that deserves its name. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Old Forester. That’s why Old Forester is perfect for keeping the party going. After Prohibition, it decreased to 86 to adapt to the current style of lighter-bodied bourbons. It’s got the vanilla, caramel, oak, and corn. On the palate, you’ll find spices, chocolate, and roasted nuts. If you’re accustomed to pouring out a few fingers of $40 bourbon for friends, we challenge you to decant[1]  some Old Forester and offer it up instead. The ‘old’ in Old Forester isn’t just a marketing ploy. Old Forester kept producing through Prohibition, for medicinal reasons, and in World War II they distilled high-proof alcohol for the war effort. Based on 370 votes, the average rating for Old Forester Bourbon is 7.2/10. But the brief barrel time doesn’t impact the quality of the spirit. Old Forester Bourbon has this oaky, roasty, and sweet caramel, vanilla, and gently smoked grain up front, followed by dried citrus peel, apple, candied fruits, cinnamon, and hints of licorice afterwards. The long finish is just dry enough to make you want another sip. Review: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2012 Edition; Old Forester Statesman $60. Bourbon is as American as baseball, apple pie, and Jazz—and it might even be more delicious! 2. Hard to beat this at the price point. There’sno better way to find out what kind of bourbon you love than by plenty oftasting. Subscribe below to get an email each time we write a new post (typically 1-2 times a week). Even if that party is just a quiet night with a nice glass of bourbon on the rocks. It’s a friendly and approachable bourbon. With the Bottled-in-Bond Act, the proof increased to 100. Nose This nose is much bolder than I A little background. founded by George Garvin Brown in 1870 believing in a market for "medicinal quality whisky." OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. This Old Forester Bourbon review will discuss the straightforward history of the brand and the myriad of expressions the distillery now produces, and present some Instagram influencers as excited about Old Forester as we are. At around $20 a bottle, there’sno reason not to try Old Forester. Tell usin the comments. Finally, it has a mid-level price-point, around $20 for a 750 ml bottle. Enjoy reading The Whiskey Jug? It’s no stranger to shortlists for the best bourbon, and in 2019, it took the gold from the International Spirits Challenge and San Francisco Spirits Challenge. The Whiskey Row series includes the 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond, and 1910 Old Fine Whisky. BUY IT NOW. Some bourbon slaps you in the face the minute you open the bottle. The first is that the 46 is aged longer which mellows it out more while adding more …, Booker's Small Batch Bourbon is my favorite product Jim Beam puts out. Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. Still sporting the brand’s typical flavor profile, the bourbon overall tastes much more rich and full-flavored. This Old Forester did just that. Old Forester is not only America’s first bottled bourbon, it’s also America’s longest continuously distilled bourbon. The flagship Old Forester bourbon comes in at 86 proof and is the flagship bourbon having been around for well over 150 years. “AMERICA’S FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON” is a trademark. It definitely smells young and is generally light, but it’s not all that bad. A fun fact: Old Forester is one of the oldest bourbon distilleries in the US, having existed before and through prohibition. Good whiskey, great value. Old Forester Bourbon is adored for its spicy, cherry, pralines and chocolate flavor notes. Give these Instagram accounts a follow to hear more about Old Forester and other great affordable bourbons. First created around 1871 it was sold exclusively in sealed bottles starting in 1873 and marketed by a pharmaceutical salesman by the name of George Garvin Brown. Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon Review Scroll down to content Both the crown jewel and establishing brand of the mighty Brown-Forman Corporation, Old Forester was created in 1870 by pharmaceutical salesman George Garvin Brown. Rating 8.5/10. It almost has a cloudy look, though there is no visible sediment floating anywhere. But, thanks to barrel aging, it softens into familiar flavors of vanilla and orange (perfect for an old-fashioned!). In a pattern similar to the Birthday Bourbons , Master Taster Jackie Zykan selected a 150 barrel set of Old Forester that was distilled and laid down in the same daily batch, ricked up together in the same part of the warehouse. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content company. Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your home bar or shopping for something elegant for that special loved one, our decanters are always a timeless gift. You’ll notice notes of buttered popcorn and toast with jam. This includes Old Forester Bourbon at 86 proof, Old Forester 1870 at 90 proof, Old Forester 1910 Fine Whisky at 92 proof, Old Forester Statesman at 95 proof, Old Forester Signature at 100 proof, Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, and in 2020, an expanded single barrel program with a 100 proof option. There are 2 main differences between Maker's 46 and Maker's Mark. Old Forester starts with a bite to remind you that Kentucky bourbon is, at its heart, moonshine. The oldest bourbon in continuous production, it was first sold in 1870 (the first bourbon to be sold exclusively in a sealed bottle) and it continued production through prohibition as one of only 10 brands authorized for medicinal production. Our recommendation is to start with the traditional 86-proof bourbon andthen do a side-by-side comparison with the other labels. Many distilleries shut down through Prohibition, changed ownership, and lost recipes. If you’ve read our other bourbon reviews, our Old Forester Bourbon review tells a different story. 8.5. Old Forester, the nation’s oldest continuously-operating whiskey distillery, produces a range of bourbons, from the high-end to the everyday. First, the nose is playful and sweet. By the start of the 2000s, distilling conglomerates like Sazerac, Beam, Diageo, and Brown-Forman owned almost all American bourbon produced today. The second the cork popped — WAM! Granted, they age the 86-proof just four years. Months prior to the release of this special bottling came the Old Forester …