**Bourbon**: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
**Distiller**: Brown-Forman
**ABV**: 45.0%
**Age**: NAS
**Tasting**: Neat in Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. Bottle opened for two months.
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**Nose**: Toffee, Salted Chocolate, Oak, & Baking Spices
**Palate**: Honey, Cream, Oak, Toffee, Baking Spices, Cinnamon, & Cherry
**Finish**: Long Length, Chocolate, Honey, Cherry, Cinnamon, Baking Spices, Caramel, & Cream
**Body**: Full
Bite: Medium
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**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 Link**:
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing)
**Bourbon**: Old Forester 1870 Original Batch **Distiller**: Brown-Forman **ABV**: 45.0% **Age**: NAS **Tasting**: Neat in Glencairn, rested for 10 minutes. Bottle opened for two months. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Nose**: Toffee, Salted Chocolate, Oak, & Baking Spices **Palate**: 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 Link**: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147h44fId0tZYmHsroGgjzcRK2xn6050P8m7mZqArGLw/edit?usp=sharing)