Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 150 Months (12 years, 6 months)
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Region: Louisville, Kentucky
Enthusiasts of bourbon whiskey should all be aware of the fact that Old Forester is the oldest bottled and branded whiskey in American history. In fact, it’s the second bottled product only after Heinz ketchup. Founded by George Garvin Brown in 1870, Old Forester is unique in being one of, if not the only, American whiskey produced before, during, and after Prohibition.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the oldest whiskey brand in the United States, Brown Forman took their classic Old Forester mash bill and made a very special whiskey. Aged 12 years and six months in heat-cycled warehouses, this bourbon comes packaged in a box designed to look like an old, prohibition-era wooden crate that’s built from wood that was salvaged from a fire at the brand’s Whiskey Row location in 2015.
Most importantly, comes with an invitation to a special repeal day party with the Brown family in Louisville. I know what you may be thinking, “Wasn’t the 150th anniversary of the brand in 2020? As we all learned, even the best-laid plans are no match for a global pandemic. A little late, but with no less fanfare, here’s what Brown Forman’s rarest Old Forester offering tastes like.
Tasting notes
This smells and tastes like old whiskey. On the nose, there are notes of dark stone fruit, pipe tobacco, brown sugar, chocolate-covered cherry, and molasses. There isn’t much spice or heat packed into the aroma, and once sipped, the whiskey continues with that first impression. Deep cherry and red apple dominate the palate while a presence of barrel and gentle baking spice coat the side palate. The finish is surprisingly creamy and full, with notes of strawberry and chocolate lingering and present, yet not at all overbearing. There are tannic notes of dry leather and tobacco all the way through, but they only serve to complement the notes of fruit, chocolate, and nutmeg.
Final thoughts
Let’s get this out of the way — at this price point, and with such a small amount of availability, most enthusiasts will never get to taste this whiskey. The consumers that end up with a bottle are primarily paying for the story, the experience, and to own an extremely unique bottle in their collection. That being said, this bourbon is an excellent expression of the Old Forester mash bill. Although this whiskey made its way to the public a little later than the makers intended, it’s well worth imbibing, if you have the means.
