Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon

While this website often criticizes a certain publication for its selections and scoring, and labels it a glossy magazine, I admit to subscribing. I enjoy receiving it quarterly, appreciating the visuals of distilleries and bottles. The sections featuring editor's picks and budget-friendly or collectible spirits are appealing. I read the reviews, even if I find the scores inflated or inaccurate. In essence, I browse it more than read it thoroughly, but for its annual cost, it's a worthwhile magazine for a whisky enthusiast. It serves as a conversation starter regarding their annual Top 20 list, which focuses on new or updated whiskies and considers price, availability, and affordability. It's like a popular band one might pretend to dislike to fit in with a certain crowd, but secretly enjoy for its groove. Recently, a feature asked master distillers about their personal go-to whiskies when relaxing after work. The most frequent answer was Old Forester 100 bourbon, even among distillers of other spirits. This struck me as significant. A review from 2019 indicated this bourbon was much improved over an earlier iteration and suggested it was quite comparable to more expensive specialty bourbons from the same distillery. I have a fondness for Old Forester 100 Rye and previously enjoyed OF 86. The endorsement from master distillers prompted me to try it. Although it wasn't immediately available in my state, I purchased a bottle once it arrived. I can see why distillers favor it. While not groundbreaking, the flavor profile is solid for the price. The nose, palate, and finish are all well-executed. It's versatile enough for mixing or sipping neat. I won't be stocking up on it, preferring to do so for their Rye, which I generally favor over bourbon and consider superior to OF 100 Bourbon. However, this bourbon is quite good and a safe purchase. Compared to other bourbons, this one emphasizes cherry, caramel, and berry notes with a subtle milk chocolate hint, rather than corn, oak, and vanilla. If you enjoy Eagle Rare but find it unavailable or overpriced, this is a comparable alternative, potentially indistinguishable in a blind tasting. This makes the disparity in ratings between it and Eagle Rare seem humorous, suggesting either an underestimation of this bourbon or the influence of older reviews predating its recent improvements. Unlike a comment suggesting no difference between the 86 and 100 proof versions, I find them significantly different; the 86 is diluted and bland, whereas this version is much more flavorful. Although the finish isn't lengthy, the palate flavors are satisfying for the price point. It's uncommon to find a sub-$30 whisky with a long, complex finish. Therefore, the aggregate score of 3.5 seems appropriate, especially considering the hype surrounding Eagle Rare, which I find overrated. This score should reflect the bourbon's consistent quality. The fact that experienced whisky makers keep it on hand highlights the balance of price, quality, and versatility it offers.

NOSE: Corn, grass, honey, cinnamon, a spice resembling paprika, more honey, vanilla frosting, milk chocolate, a hint of smoke (hickory?), very faint oak, and buttery roasted corn. MOUTHFEEL: Initially creamy, but subsequent sips felt slightly diluted. TASTE: Honey, candied orange slices, red pepper, oak, and lemon. I'm accustomed to less intensity on the palate compared to the nose, but this is a significant difference. FINISH: Long, starting with oak, then black pepper, walnuts, and a touch of jalapeño in the throat. SUMMARY: I appreciate the metal screw cap on this bottle. A cork doesn't enhance the spirit, and a cap is more convenient. This is a good bourbon. However, it lacks the characteristic notes I expect from bourbon - bananas, caramel, and butterscotch. And I'm uncertain if it's considerably better than the 86 proof version. The proof is higher by 14 points, but I don't believe the flavor is proportionally improved. RATING: Fine (just above good, the third tier down).

Color: Attractive deep copper-amber Nose: Standard bourbon aroma of oak and maple brown sugar. Missed the typical "banana" note often found in this brand's products. Palate: (Consumed with ice) Immediately sweet; Not very spicy; Medium body; First sip gives an instant warming sensation in the chest; Tastes like cherry cough syrup; Vanilla. As the ice melts, oak becomes more prominent, along with a slight bitterness... nothing too overwhelming, though. Finish: Medium duration with a surprising zing of spearmint. Clever! (See what I did there?) Final thoughts.... A great pour for the cost. I'm a big admirer of Old Forester and this brand overall, and it met expectations. I can easily see this becoming a regular in my budget collection. Side note: The OF 86 Proof was also good, but in a different way. If forced to pick, I'd slightly favor this 100 Proof version.

Sampled neat. Rich copper hue in the glass with thick, coating legs. The aroma is of caramel, creme brulee, sweetness, and burnt sugar with vanilla. Quite nice, with subtle oak in the background. On the palate, sweet sugar and dark dried fruit emerge, alongside tart cherry. Leather and dry oak follow. The texture is thin, which is a letdown. The finish features that oak and cherry turning somewhat bitter, with hints of mint, sweet grass, and cinnamon, plus a distinct but short-lived funky note. An ice cube really enhances the sweet creaminess hinted at in the aroma, and softens the musty wood notes on the end. Easy to drink at 100 proof, with enough body for cocktails. Easily found and reasonably priced. Enjoyable sipping once accustomed to the finish. A solid daily value bourbon.

NEAT NOSE - Typical bourbon scents. Brown Sugar, oak, and vanilla. PALATE - Thin texture. Very smooth and balanced with brown sugar and vanilla. FINISH - Medium length finish, with oak being most noticeable, accompanied by a very strong banana note. I'm surprised I didn't detect the banana on the nose given how prominent it is on the finish. BUY? - Yes. Hard to regret at its price point. BUY AGAIN?? - For a daily drinker, yes, but I should taste this blind against Wild Turkey 101 sometime to compare preferences..

Nose: Once you get past the proof, you'll find sourdough bread along with grains and a hint of spearmint. Palate: Vanilla and oak, baking spices, caramel. Finish: Short to medium, mostly spicy with a little tannic bitterness after a few sips. This is an improvement over the classic 86 proof, offering a bit more complexity and strength, making it a good budget sipper and an ideal base for cocktails.