Smooooth Whisky
Written: Jan 05 '03 (Updated Jan 05 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It's smooth. It's reasonable. It looks nice on the shelf.
Cons: Too smooth for me, could be just the thing for you.
The Bottom Line: I think you should try Old Forester. If you like a light whisky like Crown Royal try this for a change.
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| black85l98's Full Review: Old Forester 4 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon ... |
Old Forester is made by Brown Forman, and is the elder brother of Jack Daniels. This Bourbon was started by George Brown a drug salesman in Louisville, KY in 1870. At that time Bourbon was sold in the barrel and re-bottled by the seller. It was often cut to make more money and quality Bourbon whisky was hard to find. Forman saw the need for high quality medicinal Bourbon so he went in debt for about 5K and started to sell the first un-cut bottled Bourbon. Forman sealed and signed all the bottles back in those days. To be Burbon the mash has to be 51% corn. This bourbon has a good bit of Rye in it I wonder if anyone could tell me how much?
I said Old Forester was J.D.s older brother. You can impress your friends with your Whisky IQ when you tell them Jack is not Bourbon but the company makes a good Bourbon. Then order shots of Old Forester for every one at the table and they will forget that you are a Know-it-all. Brown Forman makes Jack Daniel's and Canadian Mist whiskeys, Korbel champagne, Bolla imported wines, Southern Comfort liqueurs, Old Forester bourbons, and Pepe Lopez tequila. Old Forester is not as popular as Jack but it is good Whisky in it's own right. As for the 4 year version this is what one magazine had to say;
.... had exactly the same characteristics – in every category – as Wild Turkey Rare Breed - Wine Enthusiast , 2001
In 2002 Old Forester released a special bottling of Birthday Bourbon. This 1989 vintage released in a special bottle in September each year. I hope to be able to procure a bottle and review it here.
I purchased my bottle of Old Forester at the local Liquor store for about $13 US.
Presentation
The bottle has a short neck and a wide base with a dimple in the bottom. It is clear and has a plain labels on the front and back. The front label states “There is nothing better in the market” and is signed George Gavin Brown. The color in the bottle is a little light. The neck proudly proclaims “Americas first bottled Bourbon”. I think it would be a nice thought if they let people know that it was bottled to ensure quality. The bottle is topped off with a signed plastic cap. The 4 year version is 86 proof.
Nose
As is my custom, I poured my first glass of the evening into a short Brandy sniffer. The first whiff carries a slight medicine smell and not much else. After letting it air for about a minute you can pick up some sweet fruit scents, I would say the nose is pleasant but far from complex.
Flavor
Neat; Cool on the tongue I am surprised at the lack of bite. I can not taste charcoal but there is a hint of oak. Very smooth at the start but heats up in your mouth. Nice warm finish. This Bourbon is not going to offend you, it is mild, and sweet
On ice; I poured my Old Forester over about 1” of crushed ice in an “old fashioned” glass. I let the Bourbon get to know the ice for a while. No surprise here very smooth and easy on the tongue and throat. Mixed with water this would make a great everyday Bourbon.
Mixed with cola If you like to taste a lot of Bourbon with your cola you will have to put a lot in. Old Forrester is tame straight up so the coke kind of takes over. I mixed mine 50/50 to start. That went down to easy so I tried 75/25, a little better. I think if I keep this up I will end up waving the can of coke over my glass. If you like a mild drink or are a Rum and Coke fan you may find this appealing.
Final notes
Old Forester is a little mild for my taste. It is not due to the aging as it is only four years old. It is not weak at 86 proof it still packs a punch and in fact I got a little light because it was so easy to drink. It could be the distillation process that makes it so EASY. I would recommend this Bourbon for a shot. It is smooth at the start and warm for the finish but not to harsh. Drink it neat or on ice. There are several people out there that would rather not taste the whisky in a mixed drink. If you are one of them this is a good Bourbon for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
black85l98
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Location: Deep South USA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 1 member
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