A dry floral note arrives late with a burst of orange that leans creamy (almost like a sherbert) comingling with all that vanilla and toffee. The clear marching order here is wood: The whiskey features a big, burly, char-heavy nose that is immediately redolent of classic Old Forester. An extremely bright and sweet aroma puts you under its spell with its fusion of cherry, brown sugar, vanilla, sugar cookie, and seasoned oak. I think thats the future.. This is both a great whisky and a great bottled-in-bond. AMERICAS FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON is a trademark. You need to figure out what is the most authentic brand that people are going to want to interact with, Ms. Hansell said. Please enter your details to make it easier for us to help you further. Sweet cinnamon, smooth caramel and pinching baking spices round a really lovely palate. It is not a fictional spirit: Statesman bourbon has been quietly appearing on liquor store shelves since spring. Old Forester is one of the oldest whisky houses in America (yes, they spell whisky without the e). And with a product like bourbon, whose fans tend to be choosy about their spirits, that is a particularly salient concern. . The American Whiskey Masters (The Spirits Buiness). The public release will happen in August, during what surely will be a well-marketed run-up to the movie premier. 57.79. Drop-in your email address and we'll send you Drinkhacker's best reviews, most insightful features, and great extras like exclusive contests and giveaways, once a week. Getting back to the years on the bottles, this expression celebrates the Volstead Act of 1920, which pretty much banned alcohol in the U.S. What this is really celebrating is that Old Forester was one of only six distilleries that was able to keep making and selling whisky (for medicinal purposes) during Prohibition. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The whisky is a blend of barrels that all lost a lot of juice to evaporation (or the angels). Product placement I wont do, Mr. Vaughn said. 2023 Brown-Forman Distillers. Harper 15 Year, Barterhouse, and even some older Wild Turkey bourbons. Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond is the brands throwback bottle that celebrates the 1897 act that brought the world bottled-in-bond whisky. While it doesnt feature the same complexity as some bourbons, it is hard to argue against how important drinkability is to this bourbon's overall impact. Its simply an easy-to-enjoy bourbon that beautifully showcases what Brown-Forman can produce. Berries really drive this nose with raspberries in cream next to blackberry compote, Luxardo cherries, and a touch of cranberry bread with walnuts, plenty of spice, and a moist, buttery, vanilla-laden cake vibe. It is a no age statement bourbon, but at the time of its initial release, it was said that it contained bourbon under 5 years old. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Old Forester Statesman was originally released as a tie-in with the 2017 movie, Kingsman: The Gold Circle. Suggested retail is $55. Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Discontinued. Its also the first brand of whisky to be sold on the open market in sealed bottles (prior to this innovation, whisky was often just sold out of barrels at grocery stores). For bourbon fans, however, a more interesting backstory came in May, when Old Forester released about a dozen cases of its newest bourbon, The Statesman, named after the American secret service-esque counterparts in the upcoming movie. The lemon really shines on the nose to the point that it turns into a pudding with hints of burnt sugar and salted caramel backing it up. Old Forester is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whisky produced by the BrownForman Corporation. Atom Supplies Limited, Unit 1 Ton Business Park, 2-8 Morley Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1RA, UK. Oceania Cruises recently partnered with Glenmorangie Single Malt recently announced New Zealands Cardrona Distillery recently Something went wrong. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Old Forester put this whiskey out basically to be a prop in the second Kingsman movie, and the distillery released a few bottles to the public. A real delight neat. It also indicated Brown-Formans willingness to experiment to reach a younger audience, as it often does with the Jack Daniels brand. The Volstead Act of 1920 which initiated Prohibition in the USA granted permits to six distillers in Kentucky to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. All of this is to say, Old Forester has been putting out a lot of great whisky for a mighty long while now. Stone fruit really drives the nose with hints of apricot and maybe plum next to sweet and soft cedar and black tea-infused dates. We werent going to deviate from that.. AMERICAS FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON is a trademark. 4.5 (11 Reviews) You must be aged 18 or above to buy alcohol in the UK. We never reviewed Statesman at the time, but today were finally dipping our big toe in. A dark and deep spice layer draws you in with that classic Old Foresters vibe of tart red berries, coconut cream pie, and plenty of wet brown sugar on the nose. This is just interesting. It does not come without risk. Average Price: $60. Old Forester is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whisky produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. Buttery leather is quickly dominated by a bold flash of pepper, cinnamon bark and sharp citrus. I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For more information, please see our Ah well, nothing Channing Tatum couldnt handle, Im sure. AMERICAS FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON is a trademark. Whiskey Review: Old Forester Statesman (2017), Get the latest whiskey news and reviews to your inbox, Elijah Craig Becomes Official Bourbon Of Golfs Ryder Cup, 47 Year Whisky is Loch Lomonds Last In Its Remarkable Stills Series, Michters Releasing 10 Year Rye As It Plans To Address Whiskey Shortages, Islays Smokehead Scotch Whisky Adds A Tequila Cask Finish, Glen Scotia Announces Campbeltown Malts Festival 2023 Release, Nikka Whisky Debuts 10 Year Yoichi Single Malt, Oceania Cruises Celebrates Anniversary With New 20-Year-Old Whisky, Glenmorangie, Shoe Surgeon Partner On Whisky-Inspired Sneakers, New Zealands Cardrona Distillery Offers Up Some 7 Year Single Cask Whiskies, Kansas Whiskey Offers Up More Single Barrel Straight Bourbon. Yes, this is technically a gimmick whisky. Spicy with slightly smoky and oaky notes. It has a surprising intensity for its proof, yet manages to be well-rounded with its fragrances. The taste has a grilled corn-on-the-cob vibe with a hint of pepper and butter next to small doses of citrus and soft oak. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. Its not that there isnt shortage of sweet bourbon on the market, its just that this one does it so well. [14] In 2021, the company announced its latest expression, known as the 117 Series, or the "High Angels' Share".[15]. Whats really important to me is keeping it so real.. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It unfortunately features Old Foresters typical funky aftertaste, but in this case its thankfully mild, fleeting, and largely inconsequential. The best bourbon Ive tasted and well worth the premium price. So were ranking all their standard and limited release bottles 14 expressions, judged on taste alone. What brands and media properties are doing really well today is creating more of the universe an immersive experience you get to participate in, Ms. Hansell said. In fact, I do not believe that Statesman is a part of the Whiskey Row series, but it may as well be because of when it was released and the general shape of the bottle looks the same. Palate The juice is aged in a fairly heavily charred oak barrel for an undisclosed amount of time (the youngest barrel is likely older than four years). Forgoing the majority of the palates sweeter notes during its finish helps create an overall balanced tasting experience, which allows its oakiness to help ground this bourbon before its done. Devil's food, clove and oak spice with an undercurrent of raw vanilla. It was intended as a limited edition, but lo and behold, people seemed to like it, and Statesman is still widely available on the market today, two years later. Couldn't have been easier. Nose: Brooding dark chocolate carries light vanilla essence through strong campfire and oak spice. That classic choco-cherry note that a lot of Old Forester has comes through on the top of this nose with maple syrup-soaked cedar next to a faint touch of caramel apple. Old Forester Statesman forgoes some complexity in exchange for pure drinkability, yet easily justifies its price as a readily available and under-the-radar bourbon. If you are looking for single barrels from Old Forester, Id recommend going for a lower proof more on that later. Jeptha Creed Red, White & Blue Straight Bourbon. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. For me, that makes it a more refined mixer that you want to use in cocktails and less in highballs. Please do not share or forward this content to anyone under the legal drinking age. How Long Does Baileys (And Other Cream Liqueurs) Last? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The juice spends an undisclosed amount of time aging before its vatted, proofed down with that soft Kentucky limestone water, and bottled. 1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Example: Jeffers Creek), 3 | Bad | Flawed (AD Laws 4 Grain BiB, Clyde Mays anything), 4 | Sub-par | Many things Id rather have (Tincup 10 year), 5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Larceny, Sazerac Rye), 6 | Very Good | Better than average (Buffalo Trace, OGD BiB), 7 | Great | Well above average (Old Ezra Barrel Proof, Old Weller Antique), 8 | Excellent | Exceptional (Michters Barrel Proof Rye, Four Roses Barrel Strength), 9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (13 Year MGP or Canadian Rye), 10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (William Larue Weller), Posted on Published: November 29, 2019- Last updated: June 11, 2021, Backbone Bourbon Uncut (Deps 135 proof) Review. Through one of these permits, Old Forester continued to be produced as medicinal whiskey on Louisvilles famed Whiskey Row. The bottle did not last long at all - while I won't rush back to buy it as a shelf staple, it really is delicious stuff. you have read, understood, and agree to our Privacy Policy. This opens with a rush of fresh wildflowers next to bold citrus notes, especially grapefruit and orange oils with a dash of lemon zest in the mix. Please do not share or forward this content to anyone under the legal drinking age. Still, this is a mixer far more than a sipper. Of course, this bottle has had 9 months to allow oxidation to occur, but if anything, it helped remove some slight astringency I swear it possessed when I first opened the bottle. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. [6], When the product was introduced in 1870,[4] bottles of Old Forester were sealed as a way to guard against adulteration and substitution of the contents, and were initially sold in pharmacies as a medicinal product. Brown-Forman, of course, was consulted on that part of the script. For my palate, it lacks the power of Prohibition and the more interesting edges found in Signature. [11], Since then, other brands were acquired by the company, such as Early Times (purchased in 1923, which became America's best-selling bourbon and maintained high sales for 30 years[12]), and Jack Daniel's (purchased in 1956[8] and as of 2007 the best-selling whiskey of any kind in the world[13]), have become its leading products. I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Please Sip Responsibly. Because consumers are becoming savvier, the stakes have become higher for brands trying to gain exposure in creative ways. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style bourbon retails for about $60 per 750 mL bottle. The finish really takes its time as the thick juice coats your mouth, leaving you with hints of spicy absinthe, cherry tobacco, and dark roasted coffee beans. Hence Statesman. Vital Stats: Made from Old Foresters longstanding rye-forward mash billand a mingling of 4- to 6-year-old barrels plucked from warmer sections of the distillerys heat-cycled rickhouses. Old Forester put this whiskey out basically to be a prop in the secondKingsman movie, and the distillery released a few bottles to the public. Good luck on your hunt for this one. But the director, Matthew Vaughn, took that common commercial device and reversed it. Cask Type new, charred American oak Get Drinkhacker's top stories, exclusive goodies, and more! Like many Louisville bourbon drinkers who view the spirit the unofficial locals choice, I say theres hardly a better daily-drinking bargain on the market than its 100 proof Signature expression. It is bottled at 57.5% ABV. I know this is the most sought-after expression from Old Forester. [4] This innovation was enabled and further fueled by emerging advances in the mass production of glass bottles, such as those soon to be developed by Michael Owens. 11 Reviews. Old Forester Statesman, a straight bourbon whiskey created in partnership with Marv Films and Twentieth Century Fox for the movie For 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle', will be available for . All rights reserved. That gives the rye a very Kentucky Rye feel with that sweet corn shining through. [2], In August 2016, Old Forester announced the release of its 115-proof "1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon". This is especially true at the lower end of the proof spectrum. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Light earthiness, dried herbs, and leather on the nose, with notes of black cherry and mint. Palate: Musty leather breaks with notes of orange citrus. The flavors work well together, and while they dont make the flavor palate overly complex on its surface, they work in tandem with its proof to create an excellent easy-sipping bourbon. Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. No, this isnt a bottle made for the U.S. president. Picked up a bottle in a mom & pop store in WI for 25 bucks. Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of 2021. The company held a large press conference to unveil the new bourbon, partly because the movie purportedly features many mentions of its hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the distilling industry. To do this, Old Forester is re-barreling bourbon for a second maturation before blending, proofing, and bottling. This brand has never been about gimmicks, he said. Notes of cigar box, tobacco, and some cherry add a pinch of nuance. Based on Batch no. And even then, this is still a top-four bourbon from the brand, without a single doubt. Notify when in stock. Its mash bill has been described as "pretty standard"[2] and "richer in rye than most bourbons". This new release from Old Forester is their signature rye in a single barrel format. Jackie Zykan, Old Foresters master taster, chose barrels from the warmest parts of the companys warehouses to produce what Mr. Brown described as a character-rich flavor, at 95 proof. Harper 15 Year ($85), Statesman at $55 falls in nicely in the middle of the pack. Steve Coomes is an award-winning journalist and book author specializing in whiskey and food. It just fit well it wasnt something we had to make up, Mr. Brown said. Taste and explore without buying a whole bottle. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Perfect in Old fashioned's, Manhattan's or just on its own with a shard of ice, I'm scooping up a few of these for Christmas. Brown-Forman might have had some lows with their Old Forester bourbons over the last decade, but the entire brand continues to see improvements, and their Birthday Bourbon and King of Kentucky remain some of the top bourbons released in a given year. Moviegoers who admired the dapper style of Mr. Firth and his fellow spies in the original Kingsman: The Secret Service, could buy the clothes through a collaboration between the filmmakers and the clothing website Mr Porter.