Individual review: Old Forester 1910 - Old Fine Whisky

Old Forester 1910 - Old Fine Whisky is a Kentucky straight bourbon whisky produced and bottled by Old Forester Distilling Company. This is the fourth and final installment in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series. There are a total of four whiskies in the series all designated by different landmark years in the history of the distillery: 1870, 1897, 1910, and 1920. The series is so named because of the brand's history of production on West Main Street in downtown Louisville, commonly referred to as "Whiskey Row."

1910 was a significant year for Old Forester because there was a fire on the bottling line at the distillery on October 22. Hence, the whisky that had already been dumped from their barrels had to be put in new secondary barrels until the company was able to bottle it. The result was a product with entirely novel flavor profiles and was dubbed "Old Fine Whisky." Today Old Forester 1910 is also a double barreled bourbon in order emulate the whisky produced over 100 years ago.

Additionally, Old Forester, like Maker's Mark, is one of the few distilleries in the United States that spells its product the Scottish way: "whisky" instead of "whiskey." This is to pay homage to the Scottish heritage of American whiskeys. With this in mind, it interesting that while Old Forester refers to its individual expressions as "whisky," it purposefully chose the other spelling when referring to the entire line up of bourbons in this collection: "The Whiskey Row Series."

Parent Company: Brown-Forman

Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery

Bottling Company: Old Forester

Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley

Proof: 93

Age: At Least 4 Years

Direct Examination (AKA Tasting Notes):

Nose: Rich Caramel, Toasted Vanilla, Maple Syrup, Oak, Hint of Dark Cherry Cordial, Decently Strong Ethanol, Corn

Palate: Caramel, Vanilla, Hint of Red Apple, Black Pepper

Finish: Long Length, Vanilla, Caramel, Hickory Charcoal Smoke, Black Pepper, Herbal Tobacco, Dry and Bitter Tannins

Mouth Feel: Heavy

Cross Examination (AKA The Whiskey's Shortcomings):

The palate is a bit simple. The barrel tannins are also a hair too strong for my liking on the finish.

Closing Statements (AKA Conclusions about the Whisky):

The nose opens with rich caramel and toasted vanilla, like marshmallows roasted over a campfire. Maple syrup and Oak are quick to follow. After some searching, a small amount of cherry cordial is also present. Putting one's face too close to the glass reveals the potent presence of ethanol.

Caramel and vanilla are once again the foremost notes on the palate just as on the nose. Subtle red apple is the next note to make a debut. A pop of black pepper ends the palate. It is not nearly as diverse as the nose but delicious nonetheless.

Vanilla and caramel are once again the stars on the finish, however, an unexpected not of hickory charcoal smoke is next and is reminiscent of sweet BBQ. Another pinch of black pepper pops as well. The finish ends with mild tobacco and dry tannins.

Old Forester 1910 is a rich bourbon with plenty to offer. The nose and finish offer diverse and savory notes. The palate, while not complex or expansive in its flavor range, is full bodied and satisfying. The finish is also delectable and the unexpected smoky hickory note was particularly delightful and unique. My only critiques would be a lack of flavor diversity on the palate and that the barrel tannins overwhelm the end of the finish just a little too much. However, this whisky's positive aspects far outweigh its negative.

In today's whisky fanatic market, it is becoming harder and harder to find quality bourbons that are not allocated, and Old Forester 1910 is a great bourbon that is readily available in most areas in the United States. It usually can be found for ~$55. While not cheap, I believe it is a fair price for the quality. Once again, Old Forester does not disappoint. This is a bourbon I always want to have in my collection.

Verdict (AKA Score): 8

Verdict Key:

10: I do not possess the vocabulary to describe this masterpiece adequately or accurately. It should not be possible for man to create such art.

9: Incredible. Hoard this stuff. Paying secondary market prices is totally worth it.

8: A real pleasure to sip. Always try to have at least one bottle and a backup on hand.

7: A solid pour. Daily drinker for sure. Try to have a bottle on hand.

6: Would not say no to a pour if offered to me, but I will not go out of my way to find it.

5: Good to mix with a coke.

4: Swing and a miss. A mixer makes it tolerable.

3: Only if I had nothing else to drink in the house.

2: Was this made in a prison toilet?

1: This is the stuff the KGB used to kill prisoners slowly and painfully.

0: An abomination of epic proportions. Should not be called whiskey.