Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength, Barrel No. I, Total Wine & More Private Barrel Selection, 66.9%

There’s a lot of weight here, with caramel and vanilla set against toasted oak, dark cherry and baking spices. The palate is described as full-bodied and intense, so this is not a quiet bourbon; the long, warming finish keeps the oak and spice in view alongside caramel and dark fruit. I like the clear pull between sweetness and oak, though the 66.9% strength and boldness make restraint central to its appeal. Strongly characterful rather than easygoing.

Reviewed by bluehour.sparrow

Nose

Rich caramel, Vanilla bean, Toasted oak, Dark cherry, Warm baking spices

Palate

Full-bodied, intense, Toffee, Maple syrup, Ripe cherry, Cinnamon, Toasted oak

Finish

Long, bold, warming, Caramel, Charred oak, Dark fruit, Baking spice