Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2018

Appearance: Attractive amber hue, streaks indicating alcohol content, leaving residue all over. Smell: Bananas dominate even before I raise the glass, there are bananas. Then a perfumed rye character, but also a touch of rubbing alcohol. At one point, the scent reminded me of the original Old Spice. More sweetness emerges with swirling. The alcoholic aroma transforms into a fruit and nut combination. Taste: A peculiar initial flavor, I'm uncertain of its identity. It's like a blend of banana nut and dark fruits. As the whiskey rests on the tongue, those perfumed rye notes become more prominent, along with some oak. Then, more banana appears. Finish: Banana flavors accompanied by oak, a moderate bitterness, and a persistent taste. A slight warmth, nothing extreme. Overall: I can't say I'm enthralled by this whiskey; it's certainly more distinctive with the fruity elements I'm detecting and some nuttiness, but it doesn't quite resonate with me. With water: The aroma gains a bit more spice alongside the bananas, and the alcohol recedes, revealing a hint of maple (perhaps influenced by suggestion). The palate is similar but less intense; the bitterness and alcohol presence are softened, allowing that maple flavor to come through. Worth a try, but likely not a bottle purchase given its cost.

Sampled this in two ways: - Undiluted straight from the bottle - Diluted with a few drops of water...Undiluted... Nose: Sweet cherry, almond, and vanilla – reminiscent of alcoholic cherry cordial candy. The 110 proof alcohol is present but not overpowering. Initial taste: Charred oak, alcohol, and deep complexities emerge rapidly. Notes of bitter chocolate, deep cherry, thick toast, and smoke appear once the alcohol's intensity subsides. Finish: Remarkable lingering sensation in the mouth, finishing with incredible complexity. Hints of Earl Grey tea with honey and smoke, perhaps a touch of lemon. Cherry and malt provide a rounded conclusion....With a few drops of water... Nose: Increased notes of almond, vanilla, and sweet oak. Less cherry prominent. Taste: Beautifully evolves with dilution, flavors unfolding gradually. Notes of baking spices, cherry, toasted oak, bread, and sweet malt. Finish: Still astonishing how long it lasts. With dilution, it finishes noticeably sweeter, leaning towards toasted malt with a deep cherry coating the entire palate.

Aroma- Raspberries, cherry cobbler, blackberries, caramel, toasted oak, lemon Palate- Berries, sweet cherries coated in sugar, salted caramel, vanilla, oak, brown sugar, spice, lemon Finish- long and creamy texture with notes of spice and mouthwatering cherry cobbler Absolutely delightful. Astonishingly intricate, delicious flavors and one of the most remarkable aromas on a bourbon I have ever encountered. Each time I partake, I discover new flavors and complexity. Cherry cobbler best characterizes the aroma and taste of this one. Absolutely worth the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. One of the rarer spirits that might even be worth the secondary market price as well.

Aroma: apricot, quite fruity from a distance, vanilla, orange, marker-like scent(?), almond, cherry, and oak Body: not substantial, light, goes down easily Palate: mild spice and citrus notes Finish: a warmth that appears late and is intriguing but not intricate. Note: I truly desired to adore this spirit, but ultimately, it was easy to consume and straightforward. I do like it a great deal, but perhaps it lacks the robustness or distinctiveness to be included in the 'love it' collection. Nevertheless, I would purchase it.

The initial aroma is the best from this brand recently, featuring sweet cherries. The mid-palate is superb with the slightest suggestion of banana, and the texture is where the value lies. A very creamy coating of the mouth. The finish endures with enjoyable stone fruits. An absolute triumph with the elevated proof this year!

It's good. Not exceptional. I tasted it in a blind and ranked it fifth out of six. Light fruit notes are present on the aroma. It has a light mouthfeel. Easy to drink. The finish is where this one excels. It lingers for a long time for a bourbon of this proof. Initial apricot with spice on the back end. I am uncertain if this one merits the price or the buzz.