Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon (Batch 01)

Tasting- 2oz. Neat in glen cairn, and then with 6-7 drops of water. Appearence is a deep reddish amber, legs are fat and slow running. Nose- caramel bull's eye cream candies and dark red fruits are dominating. The nose also showcases plenty of oak. A bit hot to start, but the aromas are rich and decadent. A bit of water brings out the best this bourbon has to offer. Palate- cherries jubilee with a side of baked Alaska all covered in caramel. Neat it has some strong bite back at you. This batch is not playing! Then it gives way to some spiciness. A bit of nutmeg and perhaps allspice? Just a dusting of that as the fruit and caramel are forward. I can't get over the richness here. Water really helps tone down some of the ethanol and releases some nice cherry pie crust, but this is still a beast! This is bourbon from the barrel much like an older Booker's- unabashadely genuine. Finish- looooooong finish! That cherry pie and crust all coated in gooey caramel is definately for me! Overall- hands down the best thing I have ever had from Old Forester. I have had every Birthday Bourbon offering in the last 5 years, and have sampled President's choice 2019 (once) so you can judge my comparisons with your own OF inventory. This is what bourbon should be- sweet, oaky, a bit thick, rustic, and screaming "look at me!" This bottle reminds me of one of my favorites of all time- Booker's Center Cut.... but without the signature JB peanutiness. If you can get one- get one!

The color is dark amber with a touch of gold that almost glows. It leaves a ring of oil around the glass, but takes a bit to coax out some legs. The nose greats you with charred oak mixed with a touch of cherry, opening up to molasses, vanilla, strong baking spices and a touch of floral rye. The palate is very dry but makes it’s way to all corners of the mouth filling it with the strong baking spices, cherry and oak. As the mouth tingles, the sweeter and creamier notes from the nose appear but can’t do much to counteract the spiciness. The spices do seem more tamed with further sips, giving you a strong taste of cinnamon and cherry in an almost bitter mixture, but not exactly off putting. The finish is medium with oak and cherry resonating in the mouth in a way that leaves you craving for a sweeter note to balance it. The spiciness keeps the mouth tingling for a while in an overall experience that leaves you desiring a bit more.

Nose- Cherry cobbler; milk chocolate; rye bread; rich caramel; barrel char; apricots Palate- Wave of cherry syrup initially; rich caramel; graham crackers; maple syrup; touch of oak tannins; fig jam Finish- Long, thick finish; sweet cherry cordial; milk chocolate; cinnamon Very enjoyable. I could very easily see folks saying this one is too sweet, and it’s teetering on the line for me. From nose to finish you get a sweet cherry cordial note. It’s full of dark, thick notes throughout. Great for MSRP, but secondary doesn’t warrant the price.

Had a couple months ago, starting to use this to keep track of what I like style wise. I remember cherries, baking spices, and caramel with a long oaky undernote throughout, and cherry and oak finish. Rating 5 because this is the most memorable bourbon I've had to date

Similar in many ways to George t stagg with a high proof but pleasant cherry nose that hugs warm on the aftertone

I really dont like old forester. That banana / cough syrup combo kind of grosses me out.