Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof

My bottle is a Master Distiller’s Select. Nose: A rich banana cream pie aroma emerges, followed by hints of vanilla wafer, caramel, chocolate-covered marshmallows, and a touch of cherry and sweet cinnamon spice. Palate: The initial taste mirrors the nose. I detect unripe banana, shortbread cookie, vanilla cream, and browned butter. The sweetness is complemented by baking spice, a more prominent cherry than on the nose, and a delightful chocolate-covered marshmallow/pretzel note reminiscent of modjeskas. It has a decent, though not as viscous as hoped, body. A very dessert-like bourbon that I greatly enjoy. Finish: The finish is light with minimal oak presence, offering a gentle fade of the aforementioned flavors. This is likely the main area for improvement in the whiskey. Final Rating: 8.6/10

🥃 Our most recent Old Forester Single Barrel selections are here, and this collection offers a wide spectrum – from the well-balanced, easy-drinking 100 Proofs to the powerful and impressive Barrel Strengths. Each one was personally chosen by our group, and every bottle showcases a unique aspect of Old Forester’s character, richness, and individuality. 🟤 Old Forester Single Barrel — 100 Proof Rick K1 — 100 Proof Lively and zesty in the glass. Fresh and bright. The smell is of lightly cooked sugar, precise and direct. Fresh cherry notes emerge and spread out nicely. Towards the middle, it becomes wonderfully richer. It gains notes of toasted cashew and cinnamon. A truly wonderful, pleasant texture. This feels substantial yet also giving, with dried apple and a traditional cherry conclusion, featuring a smooth, soft feel throughout.

From Warehouse I, Floor 3, bottled at 90 proof. Nose: Notes of cloves, vanilla, oak, peppermint, tangerine, and caramel (after airing). Palate: Flavors of orange marmalade, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, peppermint, with a hint of lemon. Finish: An oily texture with fading peppermint notes. This expression is primarily driven by spice and fruit, with some candied undertones. It was somewhat disappointing because I had a fantastic Single Barrel sample (from a different barrel) a few weeks before trying this bottle. While it was a letdown, it was still decent. It also effectively demonstrates the variations between single barrels. Although I wouldn't buy another bottle from this specific barrel, I would certainly try a different one.

The nose presents wonderful oak, brown sugar, and a sugary coffee creamer essence, with a hint of banana taffy. The palate offers cherry cola, granulated sugar, banana candy, and brown sugar. The finish is dominated by oak, with hints of clove and sweet caramel that linger, providing a pleasant, mild warmth with notes of pecan and cinnamon. Before a certain individual departed Old Forester, she indicated that the 100 proof barrels came from shorter aging periods. This was exclusively selected by a wine group from warehouse G, which I believe is one of two warehouses that do not undergo heat cycling. Its best quality is its overall balance, delivering great oak, sweetness, and spice throughout the sip.

From Warehouse K, floor 8, this expression presents a dark copper hue with a subtle amber tint. A few slow-moving legs are visible. The aroma suggests it's undoubtedly an Old Forester, featuring a strong rye presence and abundant spice. Dark caramel, ripe and tart fruits are present, along with a faint hint of cardboard and a touch of ethanol. Initial sweetness is present but fades quickly, with notes of butterscotch candy emerging later. The texture is somewhat thin, but the finish is substantial and long, showcasing prominent wood notes. It lacks balance, with flavors present but feeling somewhat disconnected.

Nose: Sweet dried fruits, banana peel, vanilla, burnt brown sugar or a hint of caramel, earthy or herbal notes, and cherry cola. Taste: Sweet dried fruit aftertaste, spice, very oaky and woody, with a toasty character.