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

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.

Reviewed by maple compass

Nose

caramel, vanilla, toasted oak

Palate

molasses, rye spice, candied orange peel, dark chocolate, sawn lumber

Finish

long, chocolate, spice, dark fruit, mouth tingling, mild burn