Veteran Bourbon Review: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch

“Purchase Old Foresters 1870 Original Batch Here!”

Official Product Website

History – Old Forester 1870’s name refers to the year that Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown began batching whiskey. This bourbon is part of the Whiskey Row series and is the lowest proof of the line up.

“In 1870 George Garvin Brown created Old Forester on Louisville, KY’s, famous Whiskey Row. In honor of that milestone year in bourbon history, we have crafted a tribute – Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – the first expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. 1870 Original Batch echoes George Garvin Brown’s original batching process. Back then, Brown batched barrels obtained from three distilleries to create a consistent flavor profile. To emulate that process today, we also select barrels from three warehouses, each barrel originating from a different day of production, with a different entry proof and a different age profile. The three expressions of Old Forester are then batched together and minimally filtered to craft Old Forester 1870 Original Batch.” – oldforester.com

Value – I think that the value is a little expensive for the offering that it provides.

Appearance – Mahogany in appearance with an old style bottle shape and label. This bottle runs with the other whiskey row bottles within the collection.

Nose – Allspice which is subtle with nutmeg and dried cherries. It leaves you wanting more.

Palate – Definitive cherry taste with light cinnamon and a little bit of smoke. This palate yells “Please make me into an old fashioned” while still being able to enjoy a neat pour as well.

Finish – Its finish is delightfully smooth, balanced and sweet. It does not linger like others might like but while keeping in mind that this is a 90 proof bourbon it plays well.

Summary – I have to say that this bourbon is one that has impressed me. Its fruit forward profile focused on the cherry with a laid back complex and smooth palate offering has me hooked. With Old Forester’s deep history and blending process to make this batch I feel that there is much to be said about this particular bourbon. Three different warehouses on three different days of production makes this bourbon to me very unique because each bottle you taste may be slightly different from the other based just on those factors emulating the small batch process.

Uniqueness – 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 6

Nose- 1-20 – 15

Palate- 1-20 – 15

Finish- 1-20 – 12

Value- 1-20 – 15

6.8

“Purchase Old Foresters 1870 Original Batch Here!”