Old Forester 100 Proof is the bold one in a very old brand’s range, and my Old Forester 100 Proof review is a positive one. It’s strong, rich and a lot of fun for about £38.
About Old Forester 100 Proof
Old Forester is made by Brown-Forman in Louisville, Kentucky, and the brand dates from 1870, when George Garvin Brown started selling bourbon in sealed bottles rather than loose from the barrel. The 100 Proof is bottled at 50% with no age statement, aged in new charred American oak.
It’s the strong, characterful version of the brand.
Old Forester 100 Proof tasting notes: nose, palate and finish
Caramel, vanilla and baking spice on the nose, with some banana, a bit of oak and a hint of mint. It’s rich and warm.
On the palate it’s bold and sweet, with caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, oak and a touch of fruit. The finish is long, warm and a bit spicy. It’s a big, rounded bourbon, and it’s very satisfying.
Old Forester 100 Proof: neat, with water or in a drink
Neat or with a little water is my preference, and ice is a bonus. It’s a superb Old Fashioned, and it’s strong enough to stand up in a Manhattan.
Is Old Forester 100 Proof worth the money?
About £38 for 70 cl. At 50% with this much quality, that’s very good value, and it’s one of the best-value strong bourbons. For today’s Old Forester 100 Proof price, the retailer link on this page is the quickest check, and it’s worth comparing a couple of shops.
Old Forester 100 Proof alternatives
Old Forester 86 Proof is the gentler sibling, Wild Turkey 101 is the punchy rival, and Elijah Craig Small Batch is another good-value option.
Who should buy Old Forester 100 Proof?
Bourbon fans who like strength and flavour, and cocktail makers.
Old Forester 100 Proof: my verdict
A bold, sweet, spicy bourbon that’s excellent value at 50%. Highly recommended. Caskable score: 76 out of 100.
Caramel, vanilla and baking spice, with banana, oak and a hint of mint.
Bold and sweet, with caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, oak and a touch of fruit.
Long, warm and a bit spicy.
A bold, sweet, spicy bourbon that is excellent value at 50%.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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