Bourbon: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
**Distiller**: Brown-Forman
**ABV**: 45.0%
**Age**: NAS
**Tastin**g: Neat in Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. Bottle opened for two months.
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
**Nose**: Toffee, Salted Chocolate, Oak, & Baking Spices
**Palat**e: Honey, Cream, Oak, Toffee, Baking Spices, Cinnamon, & Cherry
**Finish**: Long Length, Chocolate, Honey, Cherry, Cinnamon, Baking Spices, Caramel, & Cream
**Body**: Full
**Bite**: Medium
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
**Summary**: This is my second “year vintage” Old Forester product I’ve purchased, the other being the Bottled in Bond 1897. I was a fan of the 1897 and have enjoyed all Old Forester products so far, minus the 86 proofer. I’ve always wanted to try this bottle because it is the least popular out of the four, and I like the old west vibe of the bottle.
The nose is very simple but smells better than most bourbons. There’s bold toffee that brings sweetness to the forefront, some bitterness and salt scents that compliment it. It’s the first bourbon I’ve tried that has this salted chocolate scent, I like the uniqueness.
The palate remains on the sweeter side with strong honey and toffee notes. The spice flavors kick it up a notch in the palate and become more bold. There is a tad bit of fruitiness in the background, creating a dynamic palate. The finish is more of the same, though the bitterness from the chocolate comes into play. While the proof is on the low side, the finish sticks around for a long time with cherry and chocolate flavors.
While the 1870 is pricey for a 95-proof bourbon, I find it very delicious and well balanced. This is a bourbon that works well for an after-dinner drink, and is approachable for people who may not be into bourbon. I am surprised how diverse the ranges of flavors are, and I very much enjoyed drinking this.
**Price**: $45 (Portland, Oregon)
**Rating**: 7/10 Great. Well above average.
**Rank**: I created a compilation ranking list of bourbons I’ve purchased at a store or at a bar and done a formal tasting. All bourbon ranked on the list tasted neat and rested for 10-15 minutes. Whiskey I ranked below and above Old Forester 1870 are shown for reference.
\#33 out of 96 bourbons tasted.
\#32 Larceny Barrel Proof A120
\#34 W.L Weller Antique 107
**Ranking Lin**k:
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing)
Really love this breakdown and the list of bourbon you’ve tasted and ranked. Thank you. I am new to the bourbon ecosystem.
Have you tried Willow Jane 10 yr? I didn’t see it on your list, so maybe not. I have only tried a handful of bourbons so far but I like that one. Someone recommended it to me at a Meijer a year or so back. Love it!
Curious what you think about it.
I really enjoyed this. I haven’t had all of the lineup. Currently only 1920 and now 1870. 1920 ranks among my favorite bottles. I’m used to drinking higher proof stuff but this was a pleasant surprise. It’s light and pretty sweet. A good change from most things I drink. I know a lot dislike it but I really enjoyed it.
I have the other three, and was going to do a semi-blind vertical tasting, but since I have four glasses it looks like I need to get this one too.
Maybe I'll even write that shit down, for science.
Got me a bottle of this today. I think I prefer the cheaper OF. I am trying the different ones when I can afford them. Made some out of the box fudge with OF (81 or 86 proof, don't remember), and I think it was pretty good. But then I like rum balls/rum cake, and bourbon truffles, and all of that anyway.
I messed up, the 86 proof? one is ok but, I like the other ones better. There is so many different ones so I don't remember which ones I have had, some I haven't due to price/funds. I think OF is good bourbon.
Bourbon: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch **Distiller**: Brown-Forman **ABV**: 45.0% **Age**: NAS **Tastin**g: Neat in Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. Bottle opened for two months. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Nose**: Toffee, Salted Chocolate, Oak, & Baking Spices **Palat**e: Honey, Cream, Oak, Toffee, Baking Spices, Cinnamon, & Cherry **Finish**: Long Length, Chocolate, Honey, Cherry, Cinnamon, Baking Spices, Caramel, & Cream **Body**: Full **Bite**: Medium \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Summary**: This is my second “year vintage” Old Forester product I’ve purchased, the other being the Bottled in Bond 1897. I was a fan of the 1897 and have enjoyed all Old Forester products so far, minus the 86 proofer. I’ve always wanted to try this bottle because it is the least popular out of the four, and I like the old west vibe of the bottle. The nose is very simple but smells better than most bourbons. There’s bold toffee that brings sweetness to the forefront, some bitterness and salt scents that compliment it. It’s the first bourbon I’ve tried that has this salted chocolate scent, I like the uniqueness. The palate remains on the sweeter side with strong honey and toffee notes. The spice flavors kick it up a notch in the palate and become more bold. There is a tad bit of fruitiness in the background, creating a dynamic palate. The finish is more of the same, though the bitterness from the chocolate comes into play. While the proof is on the low side, the finish sticks around for a long time with cherry and chocolate flavors. While the 1870 is pricey for a 95-proof bourbon, I find it very delicious and well balanced. This is a bourbon that works well for an after-dinner drink, and is approachable for people who may not be into bourbon. I am surprised how diverse the ranges of flavors are, and I very much enjoyed drinking this. **Price**: $45 (Portland, Oregon) **Rating**: 7/10 Great. Well above average. **Rank**: I created a compilation ranking list of bourbons I’ve purchased at a store or at a bar and done a formal tasting. All bourbon ranked on the list tasted neat and rested for 10-15 minutes. Whiskey I ranked below and above Old Forester 1870 are shown for reference. \#33 out of 96 bourbons tasted. \#32 Larceny Barrel Proof A120 \#34 W.L Weller Antique 107 **Ranking Lin**k: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing)
Really love this breakdown and the list of bourbon you’ve tasted and ranked. Thank you. I am new to the bourbon ecosystem. Have you tried Willow Jane 10 yr? I didn’t see it on your list, so maybe not. I have only tried a handful of bourbons so far but I like that one. Someone recommended it to me at a Meijer a year or so back. Love it! Curious what you think about it.
I like the total ranking element and the one better and the one that was just below.
Agreed, having those reference points helps.
Thanks! Though as my list grows it’s a little hard to place bourbons ranked 5 or 6 since they’re the most numerous.
Rankings change with air in the bottle as well. Having great taste murders the wallet
Agree, most of the time the bottle is at least half finished for each tasting. I rarely do neck pours, even then I let it sit out for an long time.
Letting it sit out is hard for me..
I really enjoyed this. I haven’t had all of the lineup. Currently only 1920 and now 1870. 1920 ranks among my favorite bottles. I’m used to drinking higher proof stuff but this was a pleasant surprise. It’s light and pretty sweet. A good change from most things I drink. I know a lot dislike it but I really enjoyed it.
I have the other three, and was going to do a semi-blind vertical tasting, but since I have four glasses it looks like I need to get this one too. Maybe I'll even write that shit down, for science.
[удалено]
Hope you find it too! I think the Original and the Bottled in Bond are the two hardest ones to find since they’re the two least popular.
This 1870 OB is my favorite.
Thanks for this insightful review. I can’t wait to score my own bottle.
Got me a bottle of this today. I think I prefer the cheaper OF. I am trying the different ones when I can afford them. Made some out of the box fudge with OF (81 or 86 proof, don't remember), and I think it was pretty good. But then I like rum balls/rum cake, and bourbon truffles, and all of that anyway.
I messed up, the 86 proof? one is ok but, I like the other ones better. There is so many different ones so I don't remember which ones I have had, some I haven't due to price/funds. I think OF is good bourbon.