
Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky is a distinguished Kentucky Straight Bourbon that pays homage to a pivotal moment in the brand's history. Bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), it offers a rich and layered flavor profile with notes of buttercream, toffee, and apricot, culminating in a smooth finish marked by charred oak and spice. This bourbon undergoes a unique double-barreling process, where mature whisky is re-barreled into heavily charred new oak barrels, enhancing its depth and complexity.
Proof
Old Forester 1910 is bottled at 93 proof, equating to 46.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This proof level strikes a balance between robustness and smoothness, making it suitable for both sipping neat and crafting classic cocktails.
Tasting Notes
Aging Process
Old Forester 1910 undergoes a distinctive double-barreling process that sets it apart from other expressions. Initially, the bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels. Following this primary aging, it is transferred into a second barrel that has been heavily charred, nearly to the point of incineration. Before entering the second barrel, the whisky is proofed down to 100 proof (50% ABV), allowing more of the wood's sugars to be dissolved into the whisky, resulting in a smooth, sweet character with a clean, spicy finish.
This double-barreling technique was inspired by a historical incident in October 1910, when a fire caused the bottling line to shut down. To prevent the whisky from aging excessively, it was moved from its original barrels to new, heavily charred oak barrels and stored away while the bottling line was repaired. This process led to the creation of a unique flavor profile that Old Forester sought to recreate with the 1910 Old Fine Whisky expression.
The meticulous double-barreling process imparts enhanced sweetness and depth to the bourbon, with pronounced notes of caramel, vanilla, and charred oak, making Old Forester 1910 a distinctive and cherished expression among bourbon enthusiasts.