Old Forester, out of Louisville, KY, promotes itself as the longest running bourbon on the market today. Owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation, Old Forester began production in 1870. The founder, George Garvin Brown, developed the idea of selling high quality whiskies in sealed glass bottles – making Old Forester the first to utilize this technology for whiskey. Mr. Brown also founded Brown-Forman in 1870, which has since acquired several whiskies including Woodford Reserve. Interestingly, roughly 40 members of the Brown family maintain approximately 70% ownership of the voting shares of the $3B corporation. Obviously, quite a history exists here. However, let’s see how it holds up with the Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon review!

Old Forester’s single barrel program utilizes one barrel per bottle of whiskey. The barrels (which produce between 200 and 240 750ml bottles) to be used are chosen by Master Taster Jackie Zykan. In theory, single barrel options can create a wide variance in taste between bottles since most distilleries blend barrels to form a consistency. However, given Old Forester’s sophistication that is not the case here. The bourbon uses their standard mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. With no age statement, the bourbon clocks in at 90 proof (45% ABV). With that, let’s see how Jackie did with this barrel, from floor 8 warehouse B.

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, the bourbon radiates a strong chestnut coloring and mostly maintains this color in the glass. Swirling it produces an intriguing mix of quick thin legs and slower forming thick legs. The bottle and labeling exude a level of class worthy of a heritage like that of Old Forester. Reminiscent of old-time medical tonics, the single barrel line may include the name of the purchaser of the barrel. Overall, a nice appearance in and out of the bottle.

Nose

Lifting the whiskey to the nose produces a slight, mellow pungency. A mix of citrus and wood takes form. Initially somewhat general, further exploration approximates it to grapefruit and pine. A soft citronella finally emerges. Nothing overly complex or layered here, but a nice flow develops. Both accessible and pleasant, the nose simply works.

Palate

Taking a drink of this Old Forester initiates a slightly warming effect in the mouth. Upfront, a sweet corn taste appears. A spice also begins to rise resembling cloves. The wood of the nose remains, although merging into an oak on the palate. Like the nose, the palate also doesn’t present a smorgasbord of flavors and notes. Rather, it dwells in a powerful simplicity that beckons toward the present and acceptance of your current situation (whatever that may be). Also like the nose, it works.

Finish

Moving along to the finish, a black pepper spice arrives with the oak from the palate persisting. Neither too long nor too short, the finish remains for what feels like the right amount of time. While generally smooth, a minor alcohol burn does materialize. However, it’s the type of burn that fits nicely with a bourbon as opposed to detracting from the experience. A theme emerges for the whiskey overall with the finish, it simply works.

Drinkability

This particular Old Forester works equally well neat or on the rocks. The bourbon suits a formal dinner party, bolo tie optional. Preferably using a decanter etched with pictures of wildlife, Old Forester Single Barrel bourbon evinces a rustic, country chic setting.

Food Pairing

Turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy and filling…serve this bourbon with Thanksgiving Dinner. Not only does it complement the food, but it also enhances the familiarity of such an occasion.

Facial Hair Rating

The Garibaldi look goes to Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon. Civilized yet retaining the spirit of a mountain man, Garibaldi doesn’t forget nor forsake its roots. Rather, it brings them into the modern era and blends the old with the new achieving a level of timelessness.

Overall

In conclusion of the Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon review, the theme throughout resounds – it simply works. Truthfully, given the prevalence of Kentucky bourbons on the market the profile sometimes attains a level of bland conformity. Consequently, it’s unfortunately easy to forget how good they can be. While not breaking any new ground, Old Forester Single Barrel easily fits the mold of daily drinker. However, it also contains a breakthrough quality without shattering paradigms, and is worthy of serving to demonstrate a very nice example of a Kentucky Bourbon.

Final Grade: A-

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