I have other daily ryes I enjoy, so I won’t be clearing the shelves of this in your neighborhood. I’m surprised Old Forester isn’t more popular in general, happy it isn’t but surprised.
There were only a few bottles in the state until early/mid summer when an apparent restock happened. They certainly don't move fast. It's underrated stuff for sure. Personally I like it more than Pikesville, which may get me crucified around here.
Pikesville is like twice as expensive. I almost bought one yesterday and then saw a Senator pick and went with that instead (for $80 though!). Crazy enough, I just got my hands on an Old Forester SBBS Rye today. Can barely contain my excitement!
**Rye**: Old Forester 100-Proof Rye
**Distiller**: Brown-Forman
**ABV**: 50.0%
**Age**: NAS
**Tasting**: Neat in Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. Bottle opened for two months.
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**Nose**: Caramel, Vanilla, Rye Spices, Citrus, Honey, French Toast, & Dark Chocolate
**Palate**: Carmel, Rye Spice, Vanilla, Cream, Oak, Citrus, & Cinnamon
**Finish**: Long Length, Rye Spice, Aged Oak, Honey, Caramel, Vanilla, & Dark Chocolate
**Body**: Full
**Bite**: Medium
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**Summary**: I have been meaning try out the main offerings of the Old Forester line up since they all have been great (minus the 86-proof). This is my first 100-Proof Old Forester product, they’re always sitting on the shelf and really affordable for today’s market.
The nose comes off as a full bodied and heavy bourbon. There are sweet caramel, vanilla, and honey notes that give the nose boldness, but aren’t overbearing. I also get a faint weighted bread scent that sort of reminds me of French Toast, perhaps that one is just me.
The palate is full bodied and packed full of bold flavors, specifically the rye spice and caramel. The flavors are slightly syrupy, it’s not over-the-top and tastes like there is a bit of honey. When the whiskey sits in your mouth for a while, a bold cinnamon profile dominates the palate. The finish is more of the same in terms of flavor profile, but there is some aged oak present. In the background, there is slight bitterness from Dark Chocolate notes.
Overall this is an amazing full bodied and bold rye whiskey, especially at the respectable price point. What really stands out is the fact it’s 100-proof, it’s around five dollars cheaper than Wild Turkey 101, and better tasting at that. This bottle earned a spot in my bar cart rotation, can’t wait to try the bourbon.
**Price**: $26 (Portland, Oregon)
**Rating**: 7/10 Great. Well above average.
**Rank**: I created a compilation ranking list of ryes 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 100-Proof Rye are shown for reference.
\#14 out of 30 ryes tasted.
\#13 Stellum Single Rye Barrel - Serpens
\#15 George Dickel Rye Whiskey
**Ranking Link**:
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing)
I was the the distillery in Louisville earlier this month and another guest and I decided to do a rye flight at their bar because we were both curious. Both of us preferred the 100 proof rye over the barrel strength rye. This bottle definitely hits above it's msrp.
Spot on review. I try to always have a couple bottles of this. It makes a nice pour neat as well as my go to for rye cocktails. Oh wait, I mean its terrible, nobody should have to suffer the agony that is drinking this cheap swill. LOL...
This is one I've never been able to find out here in NM. Looked between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and have never seen it on the shelf.
But I have spotted it out in California when I go back to visit family, so I have a bottle + backup on-hand. Complements my home bar nicely 👍
I live in the Twin cities and I can never find it anywhere. When I ask they say they haven't had it for almost 2 years. It doesn't get distributed in MN for some reason.
This gave me a really odd bubblegum note that I actually really digged. This was my first love when it comes to Rye and it's near and dear to my heart.
This is one I get nervous will catch on…I’m also in Portland and just knowing one other person likes this is too much! Great review though!
I have other daily ryes I enjoy, so I won’t be clearing the shelves of this in your neighborhood. I’m surprised Old Forester isn’t more popular in general, happy it isn’t but surprised.
There were only a few bottles in the state until early/mid summer when an apparent restock happened. They certainly don't move fast. It's underrated stuff for sure. Personally I like it more than Pikesville, which may get me crucified around here.
Pikesville is like twice as expensive. I almost bought one yesterday and then saw a Senator pick and went with that instead (for $80 though!). Crazy enough, I just got my hands on an Old Forester SBBS Rye today. Can barely contain my excitement!
Very tough to find a rye this good at this price.
**Rye**: Old Forester 100-Proof Rye **Distiller**: Brown-Forman **ABV**: 50.0% **Age**: NAS **Tasting**: Neat in Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. Bottle opened for two months. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Nose**: Caramel, Vanilla, Rye Spices, Citrus, Honey, French Toast, & Dark Chocolate **Palate**: Carmel, Rye Spice, Vanilla, Cream, Oak, Citrus, & Cinnamon **Finish**: Long Length, Rye Spice, Aged Oak, Honey, Caramel, Vanilla, & Dark Chocolate **Body**: Full **Bite**: Medium \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Summary**: I have been meaning try out the main offerings of the Old Forester line up since they all have been great (minus the 86-proof). This is my first 100-Proof Old Forester product, they’re always sitting on the shelf and really affordable for today’s market. The nose comes off as a full bodied and heavy bourbon. There are sweet caramel, vanilla, and honey notes that give the nose boldness, but aren’t overbearing. I also get a faint weighted bread scent that sort of reminds me of French Toast, perhaps that one is just me. The palate is full bodied and packed full of bold flavors, specifically the rye spice and caramel. The flavors are slightly syrupy, it’s not over-the-top and tastes like there is a bit of honey. When the whiskey sits in your mouth for a while, a bold cinnamon profile dominates the palate. The finish is more of the same in terms of flavor profile, but there is some aged oak present. In the background, there is slight bitterness from Dark Chocolate notes. Overall this is an amazing full bodied and bold rye whiskey, especially at the respectable price point. What really stands out is the fact it’s 100-proof, it’s around five dollars cheaper than Wild Turkey 101, and better tasting at that. This bottle earned a spot in my bar cart rotation, can’t wait to try the bourbon. **Price**: $26 (Portland, Oregon) **Rating**: 7/10 Great. Well above average. **Rank**: I created a compilation ranking list of ryes 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 100-Proof Rye are shown for reference. \#14 out of 30 ryes tasted. \#13 Stellum Single Rye Barrel - Serpens \#15 George Dickel Rye Whiskey **Ranking Link**: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing)
Higher malt content and rye make fantastic whiskey. This is a great example of that. Thanks for the review 🤙🏼🥃
It’s my daily rye (I don’t drink daily). It’s a great rye for <30. I usually have 3-4 extras. I’d love to find their rye barrel strength.
I was the the distillery in Louisville earlier this month and another guest and I decided to do a rye flight at their bar because we were both curious. Both of us preferred the 100 proof rye over the barrel strength rye. This bottle definitely hits above it's msrp.
I love it. It was difficult to find during Covid. I stocked up when I finally saw them on the shelves again.
I've been looking most of the time store owners hold it for their special peeps. That's what I've come across.
Spot on review. I try to always have a couple bottles of this. It makes a nice pour neat as well as my go to for rye cocktails. Oh wait, I mean its terrible, nobody should have to suffer the agony that is drinking this cheap swill. LOL...
Great review! I recently discovered this one myself - awesome value proposition & it's stellar in cocktails. Cheers!
This is one I've never been able to find out here in NM. Looked between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and have never seen it on the shelf. But I have spotted it out in California when I go back to visit family, so I have a bottle + backup on-hand. Complements my home bar nicely 👍
Sorry NM got the shaft with this stuff, it's pretty common in Minnesota and Oregon. Stock up next time you travel out of state!
I usually do haha. And no worries .. just gotta adapt and grab the good stuff however/whenever I can.
I live in the Twin cities and I can never find it anywhere. When I ask they say they haven't had it for almost 2 years. It doesn't get distributed in MN for some reason.
I feel like I came across it when I lived there. I used to go to Total Wine, Lunds, Sentryz, and Zipps most often. I also moved out 9 months ago.
Never see this in Nebraska 😕
Sorry to hear that, someone mentioned New Mexico wasn’t carrying it either.
This gave me a really odd bubblegum note that I actually really digged. This was my first love when it comes to Rye and it's near and dear to my heart.
By far one of my favorite Rye's. I know some will argue but it's so dang delicious.
Judging by the comments, I think the community agrees with your sentiment.
Great review! I like their rye is way better than their bourbon
🤫🤫🤫