Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky

Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky is a historic first and a historical last: the final battle of the Whiskey Row series and a new kind of brand bourbon. This most recent (and final) Whiskey Row bottle, “1910 Old Fine Whisky,” pays homage to a happy distilling accident in 1910. At 93 proof, Old Forester 1910 is definitely at the right weight to challenge another Whiskey Row Series battle for supremacy.

Nose: Oaky and lightly sweet. Rich caramel leads the way with an undertone of vanilla, fresh-baked cake, frosting, and a dab of sweet pecans. A light layer of rich oak rounds it out. It’s subtle yet easy to appreciate and foreshadows the rest of the sip. I found the nose continued to become more and more enjoyable as I let the pour sit in the glass. You’ll want to take your time with this bourbon when drinking.

Palate: Old Forester 1910 delivers a nice, thick, chewy mouthfeel. The sugars from the char are evident. The palate is sickly sweet, with a heavy layer of burnt caramel and vanilla. Hidden deep beneath are dark berries along with toasted marshmallows. All of these flavors rest upon a layer of oak. It’s incredible how vicious the mouthfeel is. It’s not incredibly deep in terms of flavor range, however, it’s delightful.

Finish: While oak plays a role in the nose and palate, oak is front and center in the finish. A dominating flavor of charred oak leads the charge and is intermingled with a light dose of caramel and vanilla. These sweeter flavors fade and are replaced with dry leather and light cigar box. These flavors linger for an unusually long time. It’s a satisfying finish that makes you realize how well this bourbon might pair with a cigar.