Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon

Ah, the classic Old Forester. This brings me back to a simpler time. I've enjoyed this bourbon for a while, and at typical, noisy dive bars (or really any bar that doesn't market itself as a "whiskey bar"), there are a few dependable choices I know I can rely on. These include Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, and Woodford Reserve. No matter how basic the selection, every bar is likely to have at least one of those. But I've never actually written a proper tasting note for it. And it certainly deserves one. The nose carries many classic bourbon scents but is unique in its own way. Sweet corn syrup and slightly burnt caramel dominate the other aromas, which include a little brown sugar, some charred oak barrel, and just the faintest hint of apricots. The palate begins innocently and very sweet. That corn syrup and caramel blend well to start things off. The balance of corn syrup to other flavors here works much better than Four Roses, which I find leans heavily into sweetened corn syrup. A little dried apricot sweetness introduces the mid-palate, which is spicier and drier than the front. Tannic oak and leather mingle with orange pith. The spiciness and dryness carry through to the finish, leaning towards dry. That tannic oak remains, but brings with it some charred sugar, a bit of tongue-tingling black pepper, and the zesty, bitter orange pith persists until the end. Yeah, this is a solid bourbon. For its price point, this classic can be enjoyed in any manner you choose and would perform well in any setting. In the "budget bourbon" category, I believe this is second only to Buffalo Trace but is much easier to find and at a more affordable price.

I'm on a quest to discover excellent, moderately low-proof bourbons for my regular rotation. While I appreciate the higher-proof annual releases, I can't consume them as frequently or in the same quantities as I'd like. So... First up is Old Forester 86. I've been interested in it for some time, but you know how it is... Color: Medium Copper-Amber Nose: A classic sweet bourbon aroma with caramel and a hint of cola(!). Palate (tasted with one ice cube): The mouthfeel is somewhat light, but not weak. The cola note from the nose reappears as cherry cola! I'd even go so far as to say it resembles Black Forest cake. It's balanced in sweetness and spice. As it goes down, there's a gentle warmth that quickly fades. It's certainly not 'complex,' but it's remarkably good, and I rank it alongside similarly priced bottles like Old Granddad BiB and Wild Turkey 101. Finish: Short, with a subtle sweet leather note. Of the Old Forester range, I've tried the 1897, 1910, and 1920, and now this one. I don't believe those 'Whiskey Row' expressions can be compared to their 'entry-level' offering. However, for its price and overall flavor profile, it has earned a place on my lower shelf. I will repurchase it.

The aroma is somewhat subdued, not very sweet, with more of a leathery and minty scent, reminiscent of new car air freshener or watered-down pine cleaner. On the palate, it initially falls a bit flat, offering a mild baking spice like light cinnamon. The texture is a bit too thin for my preference. The finish is also underwhelming, with a slight rye bite that quickly fades. Overall, it's a decent bourbon for those who prefer lower proof options and can serve as a good mixer for cocktails, possessing that characteristic bourbon flavor.

Following my enjoyment of banana bread notes in Larceny, I sought out other affordable whiskeys with similar characteristics. Old Forester 86 met my expectations. The aroma includes notes like banana bread and cherries, and the palate strongly features banana bread. Around the mid-palate, there's a mild but noticeable kick from the rye content. This is definitely a permanent addition to my collection. For an entry-level, budget-friendly bourbon, it's remarkably good and offers excellent value.

Aroma of bourbon and mild, sweetened apricot. As others have noted, I detect an overall floral character in the flavor. While it possesses a traditional bourbon taste, I'm pleased to say I don't perceive any rye notes! It has a sweetness, similar to candied orange. I believe I also detect some baking spice. Although not definitively smooth, it goes down easily enough to qualify in that regard. Score based on neat tasting.

Definitely in the solid value category. The aroma is mostly oak with a hint of spice and a touch of pine. The spice is more prominent in the taste, with a slightly harsher finish. A bit of sweetness develops on the palate. It's a standard whiskey, not special, but a good choice for the cost.