Individual Review: Old Forrester Statesman

Opening Statement (Description of the Whiskey):

Old Forester Statesman is a Kentucky straight bourbon whisky produced and bottled by Old Forester Distillery. This particular expression of whisky was released alongside the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle as a marketing ploy (this is the sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service). In the movie there is a distillery called Statesman in Kentucky that is a major part of the plot. Hence, this bottle is so named. Old Forester also claims that the barrels used to make this whisky are aged in the warmest parts of its rickhouse. Finally, 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.

Parent Company: Brown-Forman

Distillery & Bottling Company: Old Forester

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

Proof: 95

Age: At Least 4 Years

Direct Examination (AKA Tasting Notes):

Nose: Allspice, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Citrus, Ethanol, and Sweet Corn

Palate: Pepper, Caramel, Vanilla, burnt brown sugar, and Oak

Finish: Intermediate Length, Caramel, Cinnamon, Allspice, Oak, Cherry, and Pepper

Mouth Feel: Medium

Cross Examination (AKA The Whiskey's Shortcomings):

It could be smoother. The pepper from the alcohol burn is a little overpowering and hides the whiskey's other flavors.

Closing Statements (AKA Conclusions about the Whiskey):

Allspice immediately jumps out as the most forward note on the nose. Next comes the scent of vanilla followed by sweet corn and ethanol. Once a few drops of water are added. The nose opens up even more by amplifying the notes already present (except the ethanol burn, which is dialed down) and introducing brown sugar with a smallest hint of either lemon or orange peel (I couldn't decide which fruit was a closer comparison).

Pepper dominates the the beginning of the palate, but not so much that it is no longer enjoyable. Caramel appears after the initial pop of the pepper. Adding water expands and softens the palate. The pepper is turned down, introducing a pleasant vanilla, burnt brown sugar, and oak to the taste buds.

The finish reintroduces the allspice note found on the nose as well as a pinch of Cinnamon. Oak and pepper close out the finish. Adding a small amount of water expands the flavor profile yet again and showcases what this bourbon truly has to offer by revealing caramel and cherry. The length of the finish lingers just long enough to leave the taster wanting more.

This bourbon brings to mind a desert of savory spice cake with vanilla icing served on cool Autumn day. It is exquisite. The whisky has all of the classic bourbon flavors of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar in addition to baking spices, cherries, and wisps of citrus. The allspice and cinnamon seamlessly complement and mingle with the sweeter notes. This is a prime example of flavor balance that whiskies should aim for. The medium mouth feel of the spirit also melds perfectly with the balanced flavors as as it isn't too thin or too syrupy.

Besides just being simply delicious, Old Forester Statesman is also great for training whisky palates because of the wide range of flavors found in it. The only draw back is that the true flavor profile of the whisky can get lost behind it's rather potent ethanol and pepper notes. Hence, it might not be as approachable for whisky novices. However, the burn is easily subdued by adding water.

This is one of the rare instances where a gimmicky product for a movie is a good investment. While Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a fun movie, it does not come close to the standard of quality set by Old Forester Statesman (or the first movie for that matter). This whisky can be found for $50-$60. I wish it was a little cheaper, but all things considered, I think buyers get what they pay for here: a superb mid tier whisky with a memorable flavor profile.

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.