Old Forester Single Barrel (Store Pick)

Name:  Old Forester Single Barrel
Distillery:  Old Forester
Location: Louisville, KY
MSRP:  $45

In trying to do some homework on the Old Forester Single Barrel program, it seems to have been very off/on over the last few years.  A post from 2014 declared only a single store in Tennessee received a barrel & they were the first to do so in 4 years!  I would normally be hesitant to post a review on a bottle from a private single barrel store select program but I’ve gotten good feedback from folks in other states, so I wanted to share should any of y’all see this in your local(s).

For 90 proof, the nose is surprisingly somewhat strong of alcohol initially.  Although have no fear, it quickly dissipates to a 1-2 punch of alcohol followed by nice hints of fruit or pastries.  The tasting follows a similar dance card, but luckily this is no two-stepper!  First response is a nice warmth that has the mind thinking ‘wait, isn’t this a 90 proof?’, which quickly moves towards light oak – not over bearing, just enough to let you know this has aged some, followed by solid tastes of sweet fruity goodness all around as it clears the palate.  Almost all of the initial burn is gone by the time this is heading south, & the finishing flavors become even more prevalent.  At one point during a tasting, I told John – this is straight up banana nut bread in a bottle!

During my most recent tasting, I sampled this bottle along with: Elmer T Lee, Blanton’s & Weller 12.  In my honest opinion, it hangs in there with all of them!

Rating: Buy It (in multiples if you can!)

I’m not sure how vast of a release these single barrels are, but I would not be surprised one iota to see these generate as much if not more hype than Rebel Yell 10yr single barrel.  That being said, I have seen some bottles fetch 2x MSRP which I would not recommend.  Besides, John & I enjoy showing our gratitude towards anyone reading our reviews & leaving commentary…

Happy St Patricks Day! – Zeke