Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Review

Sitting down to think about the order of this review series, I considered kicking things off with this Old Forester 1870 Original Batch. It’s the modern update to the base release that kicks the proof up a touch. Seemed like a good place to start, but looking at the full lineup I had in front of me, it didn’t quite feel right.

In the end, I obviously decided to kick off with the dusty bourbons, move to an older single barrel and then start in on the newer core releases. I felt starting with the distant past, moving to the recent past and then moving through the current release would give a better perspective on the modern line and tie together everything I’ll be covering.

And speaking of covering, the one that I won’t be doing this week is the 1910 Old Fine Whisky… because I already did it. Now, let’s get to drinkin’ and dig into this 1870 Original Batch.

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Style: Bourbon (Straight)
Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Old Forester
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Cask
Age: 4+ Years
ABV: 45%

Price: $45 ($39 on sale)

White background tasting shot with the Old Forester 1870 Original Batch bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it.

“In 1870 George Garvin Brown created Old Forester on Louisville, KY’s, famous Whiskey Row. In honor of that milestone year in bourbon history, we have crafted a tribute – Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – the first expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series.” – Old Forester

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Tasting Notes

EYE
Amber

NOSE
Cherry-heavy dried dark fruit, oak, coffee cake, vanilla, brown sugar and touches of cinnamon.

Not super-expressive or dense, but the aroma is enjoyable.

PALATE
Caramel, dried dark fruit, oak, biscuity, maple frosting on a donut, cocoa and some baking spice.

Like the aroma, the palate is soft, easy and enjoyable.

FINISH
Medium -> Maple donut, oak, corn and dried dark fruit.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Decent balance, medium body and a velvety texture.

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – Overall Thoughts and Score

Aroma and palate sit on even footing with neither out-showing the other and it makes for a balanced and enjoyable experience. Though that parity can get a little monotonous after a while and on my final review glass I find myself a bit… bored.

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch is good, no denying that, but I really don’t see myself grabbing this on a regular basis to sip. But I do see myself going through the rest of this bottle via cocktails. It has a nice balance and even profile that lends itself perfectly to building tasty cocktails around.

SCORE: 3/5

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Review $45

Summary

Not bad, something I’d rather mix than sip, but that’s not a bad thing. A sip here or there with plenty of well-balanced drinks in-between is not a bad way for a bottle to go down.