Age: Not provided
Location Produced: Old Forester Distilling Co, Louisville, KY
Mash Bill: Unknown
Aroma (from manufacturer): Strong, sweet coffee laced with chocolate, creamy butterscotch and a hint of liquorice.
Taste (from manufacturer): Ripe apple and other sweet fruit, bakery spice (clove and nutmeg), and toasted oak.
Finish (from manufacturer): Sweet and light, with hints of oak and apple that linger a bit.
Proof/Alcohol: 100 (50% alcohol by volume)
Who is this for?: Forest rangers... old forest rangers? Mostly, people looking for a higher proofed bourbon at a lower price.
Cost (Ohio): $20.69 + tax
Let's start the review.
Taste - Score 20 out of 35
Immediately, I picked up strong alcohol notes... The Duchess backed this up, but also added hints of brown sugar.
Smoothness/Finish - Score 15 out of 25
Ugh, on the taste, the alcohol taste is confirmed... usually when I get this profile, it means the bourbon didn't spend enough time in the barrel to pick up the char from the barrels.
The finish also came across bitter... overall, this wasn't enjoyable neat.
Intangibles: Color/Appearance - Score 11 out of 15.
In the glass and in the bottle, Old Forster 100 has a nice dark brown color. It glass great in the bottle and in the glass. For a $21 bottle, it hits the has a nice label and the bottle shape is decent. My only complain is the twist off top. Even at this price point, I would prefer a cork.
Availability - Score 3 out of 5
This is a spirit that can be found with some effort. It's not impossible, but it does take calling ahead to make sure the bourbon is in stock.
Overall Value - Score 11 out of 20
When push came to shove on this, I had to add quite a bit of water to make this enjoyable. What I liked about the Old Forester 100 was that it came in a 100 proof bottle, but I don't think it was in the bottle long enough to bring out the full spirit. I didn't really love that this is one I'll pass on in the future.
Final Score: 60 out of 100 - Meh
Are you sure you reviewed the right bourbon? Old Forester signature 100 proof has a great reputation and I enjoy it myself. As stated this bourbon is 100 proof, your review says "Proof/Alcohol: 93 (46.5% alcohol by volume)".
ReplyDeleteIt's the right one. I wasn't a huge fan. Thanks for the comment. I have updated the proof in the review
DeleteYeah, I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one. This is fantastic bourbon and it consistently ranks high, one of my favorites for sure. I get literally nothing you described. Might wanna revisit this review someday as this is a great product from a great brand.
ReplyDeleteTo each their own, but I really question your sense of taste/smell. This stuff is a steal at $20ish, and is loaded with flavor. I need to blind this and OF1910, because it's every bit as delicious and banana-bready, but for half the price.
ReplyDelete