Old Forester Barrel Strength Single Barrel Straight Bourbon - Slightly Toasted, New Oak Cask, 66%

The appeal here is the contrast between ripe, sweet fruit and a firm oak-and-spice character. Red apples and chocolate covered cherries set up the palate’s brighter oak, cinnamon and dark brown sugar, while the long finish turns toward anise and baking spices. The listed 66% strength and barrel-strength name point to a powerful style, but it is the layered fruit and oak that make this one interesting to me. A rich, spice-led bourbon with a clear, lingering finish.

Reviewed by bluehourkoi

Nose

Warm caramel, Red apples, Toasted oak, Brown sugar, Chocolate covered cherries, Vanilla, Baking spices, A hint of sweet grape

Palate

Bright oak, Cinnamon, Cherry candy, Dark brown sugar, Praline, Allspice, Chocolate, Sweetened stone fruits, Thick, viscous mouthfeel

Finish

Long, Anise, Oak, Warm baking spices, Medicinal cherry, Pipe tobacco, Crème brûlée, Lingering Kentucky Hug