Old Forester Signature

Difford's Guide
Discerning Drinkers (1 rating)

alc./vol: 50%

Proof: 100°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

Product of: Product of United States United States

The distillery that produces this bourbon (previously named Old Forester) in Louisville, Kentucky is the same distillery, and it is believed the same mash bill, that supplies the bulk of the whiskey that is blended to make Woodford Reserve Bourbon whisky.

Back in the 1800s, whiskey was sold by the cask and, although these barrels were branded with a distillers or brand name, it was possible for the unscrupulous to tamper with the contents, thinning them out with an inferior product or even water. In 1870, George Garvin Brown, a young pharmaceuticals salesman in Louisville, Kentucky, recognised that people sought assurance of the quality of whiskey they were purchasing so with $5,500 of savings and borrowed money, he and his half brother started J.T.S. Brown and Bro. They sold their Old Forester Bourbon in sealed glass bottles to assure its quality with George Garvin Brown's handwritten guarantee on every bottle.

Why Brown chose the name Old Forester for new brand is uncertain, but it is believed it was named after one of Louisville's leading physicians, Dr. William Forrester (who was also likely to have been one of his customers). Legend also has it that Old Forester was originally spelled with two 'r's and when Dr. Forrester retired, so his endorsement was no longer valid, so the name was subtly changed.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 27/03/2012

Appearance:

Clear, polished bronze.

Aroma:

Pungent, cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy oak and a whiff of spirit enliven vanilla, caramel, nubuck leather, muscovado sugar and a maple syrup.

Taste:

Huge, rye heavy, bitter sweet, invigorating palate with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg spice smoothed by caramel, brandy butter, toffee and maple syrup.

Aftertaste:

Big, long and spicy with lingering mouth coating tobacco leaf and cinnamon calmed by toffee and maple syrup.

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Product Information

Closure: Screw / Stelvin cap

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