Old Forester President's Choice 8 Year Old, New Charred Oak Cask, Cask #116, 62%

maple compass15 Jun

At 62% ABV, this bourbon has a notable strength on paper, but the documented flavours are more interesting to me than the number alone. Caramel and vanilla on the nose give way to molasses, rye spice and candied orange peel on the palate. That mix suits my preference for vanilla and citrus, while dark chocolate adds another dimension. The sawn lumber note is a reservation for me; it could make the palate feel less inviting than its sweeter side suggests. The finish is described as long, with chocolate, spice and dark fruit, alongside mouth tingling and a mild burn. I’d rate it well for the contrast between sweetness and spice, though the finish sounds fairly assertive.

Caramel, molasses and chocolate give this a rich sweet center, while rye spice and toasted oak keep that sweetness from taking over. Dark fruit links the palate with the lingering finish, and candied orange peel brings a brighter edge to the heavier notes. The full-bodied character and warm, spicy finish sound bold rather than easygoing. This seems most appealing to someone who enjoys concentrated sweetness with oak and spice in balance. There is depth in those contrasts, though the overall character is more forceful than gentle.