Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof is only available to customers who purchase an entire barrel from the distillery. My local cigar shop and bar has one for their location but the only way to drink that is by the glass. Thankfully my go to liquor store in Massachusetts bought a barrel for their locations so I was able to grab one.
According to a statement on the bottle by Campbell P. Brown, “After the repeal of Prohibition, my grandfather; George Garvin Brown II, developed a single barrel expression of Old Forester specifically for bourbon aficionados. It was the first Single Barrel Bourbon for sale since the passage of the Bottled in Bond Act in 1897. Today, we honor the legacy of “firsts” that Old Forester began in 1870 with the hand selected offering.”
Bourbon Review: Old Forester Single Barrel
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Age: NAS
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Barley
Distillery: Old Forester Distillery
Warehouse: L
Floor: 1
Location: Louisville, KY (USA)
The Nose: Every now and then I get an aroma that takes me back to a time long since forgotten. This is the case with the aroma from the Old Forester which is reminiscent of a root beer candy such as Bottle Caps or a lollipop like Dum-Dum that takes me back 40+ years. Additional pulls from the glass after letting it sit for a bit consist of butterscotch, caramel and cherries.
The Taste: The initial sip sees a vibrant cherry along with nuances of cinnamon, nutmeg and candied pecans. Subsequent sips reveal oak, maple syrup and caramel with more cherries and cinnamon.
The Finish: Notes of black pepper, clove and cherry coke linger on the palate long after the sip is finished. The balance of sweetness and spice is an enjoyable mix, with spice winning out in the end.
Conclusion: If there is a series of bottles my bar at home always has it’s Old Forester. It’s one of the bourbons I like to kick back with and relax with on a regular basis. For me it is a great every day pour that is easily replaced at any liquor store. I’ve had numerous pour’s of the Old Forester Single Barrel 100 proof as the barrel program seems pretty popular especially in my neck of the woods. While there are subtle differences based on warehouse and floor and they all share a similarity that makes it a no brainer should you see one for purchase if you like something with a touch of sweetness and a touch of heat.
Score: 93
Price: $69.99 (750ml)
