Old Forester Classic 86 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml

A classic bourbon aroma greets you as you lift the glass up and inhale. Scents of vanilla, oak, and faint caramel waft out, while nutmeg and faint brown butter lay beneath. A slight hint of walnut and leather cap things off. It’s a well-balanced, albeit light, aroma to kick things off.

A pop of sweetness in the form of brown sugar and watery vanilla kick off the midpoint. A blend of rye spice and green peppercorn spice appears, along with youthful oak and a dab of caramel. Slightly thin in its mouthfeel, the bourbon begins to show the limitations of its proof; however, it still ekes out a classic straight to the point midpoint.

A light burst of rye spice starts off the end of the sip, followed by vanilla and lightly charred oak. The oak and vanilla quickly fade, leaving a touch of rye spice that hangs on for a beat more before dropping off. The finish is the weakest part of the sip, being not only the most straightforward, but light and short in nature.