Old Forester 1920 was my first experience with a good high proof bourbon and definitely opened me up to that world. After reviewing a few of my favorite high proof picks it felt like a good time to come and see how the old boy held up.
Review
Age: NAS
Abv: 115 proof (57.5% ABV)
Color: A dark amber
Neat
Nose: Lightly burnt caramel with just a touch of alcohol and smaller notes of oak and spice
Taste: Pretty hot with more caramel, oak and spice notes
Finish: Also hot with an emphasis on the sweeter notes from the taste
On a rock
Nose: The ice mellows the nose keeping caramel note front and center with the oak, spice and a new cherry note supporting
Taste: The heat is all gone leaving caramel and cherry goodness. On some sips I could pick out the oak but not others.
Finish: Medium length and sweet with more caramel and cherries
Conclusion
I don’t particularly care for this neat, it’s too hot for me, but adding an ice cube completely remedies that. The caramel and cherry notes are lovely with the chilled whiskey though I do wish more of the spice survived. Overall I am still a fan though this has given way to other high proof expressions like Stagg Jr and 1792 Full Proof as I’ve continued on my bourbon journey.
7 - a great whiskey I’d order at a bar
Scale
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