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Old Forester 150th Anniversary Bourbon

CAPSULE REVIEW

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: Brown-Forman

Distillery: The Brown-Forman Distillery

Release Date: October 2020

Proof: 126.8 (Batch Proof)

Age: NAS

Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

Color: Medium Mahogany

MSRP: $150 (2020)

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NOSE

Caramel | Burnt oak | Bananas Foster | Medicinal & potent

palate

Dark chocolate | Rye spice | Brown sugar | Black pepper | Heat

finish

Rush of spice | Cocoa | Caramel | Leather | Dry | Slightly tannic | Medium length

uniqueness
value
overall

150 barrels were set aside for Old Forester’s 150th Anniversary release, which were divided into three unique batches intended to honor George Garvin Brown’s process of batching from the three original distilleries. The bourbon in review is from batch 03, the highest proof of the three batches. The bourbon offers a fairly complex sip without a particular highlight of any flavor, instead providing a wide array of flavors in relative balance. However, it drinks a bit hot which detracts from the overall experience.

The concept of three distinct batches drawn from the 150 barrels, or really 147 as 3 of the barrels were completely lost to the Angel’s Share, is a fascinating one and makes me wish I could compare them. Unfortunately, the price makes that a challenge at $150 (notice a number trend here?), and without an age statement it’s not entirely clear how different the bourbon within the bottles is relative to some of Old Forester’s other releases. With that being said, each batch’s relatively small barrel count, its throwback amber bottle and tube, and one-off nature undoubtedly makes this a collector’s item.

The sample used for this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy its respective company. We thank them for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
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Written By: Nick Beiter

September 25, 2020
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