The Old Forester Signature is the grand son of the once beloved Old Forester Bottled in Bond; the Signature’s 100 proof bottling being a nod to that once classic dram. As a brand Old Forester has been around for over 140 years. They were one of the few brands that managed to grab a license to distill “medicinal” whiskey which means it’s not only been around for 140 years, but it can claim an unbroken history of distillation that entire time. Pretty neat ‘eh?
One of the things I found kind of peculiar about this bourbon was it’s reaction to air. When I first poured this bourbon it was rich and bold. Then the next day I came back and it was a little less so. It felt a bit flat and I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I did the first time. Now here with my 3rd glass while writing this, I like it again, but still not as much as that first day. Strange and noteworthy, take that info for what it is. Now, on to the review!
Old Forester Signature 100 Proof Review
ABV: 50%
Age: NAS
Price: $22
Distiller: Brown-Forman / Old Forester
Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye & 10% malted barley
EYE
Golden caramel
NOSE
A nice aroma filled with butterscotch taffy, caramel, cherry heavy dark fruit, wood, cinnamon, spice, orange zest and vanilla. Some nice hints of peppermint oil, rum cake and red vines run around in the background and a splash of water kicks up the wood and fruit a bit more.
PALATE
Spice kicks up a lot more on the palate, especially the cinnamon, and come with notes of orange zest, caramel, dark fruit compote, wood and leather. Burnt sugar, cocoa and a saline like character move about lightly and a bit of water stirs up more butterscotch, vanilla, caramel and awakes a cake like quality.
FINISH
Long and spicy with elements of wood, vanilla, caramel, citrus and dark fruit throughout.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Nicely balanced with nothing really dominating or clashing. A medium body and pleasantly warm feel make it a decent sippin’ whiskey.
OVERALL
Yum. I really enjoyed this and it’s definitely a couple steps above it’s little brother the 86 Proof Old Forester. It has decent depth and an inviting range of aromas and flavors that keep me coming back for more. It’s not the kind of whiskey that will knock your socks off, but it’s a great daily drinker that is about as versatile as it gets; being right at home neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail and at the price it’s one hell of a value.
SCORE: 88/100
