On the 10th day of Advent, we have the Old Forester, a “Straight Bourbon Whiskey” that’s 43% alcohol. 
http://www.oldforester.com/bourbon/#classic
The web site says I should be grateful it’s free of tobacco spit and snake heads, which is something. The nose has a quality I can’t quite place – sort of a menthol quality. Christina says it’s “medicinal” which fits.
The flavor has even more of that quality, with a hint of bitterness that lingers but isn’t unpleasant.
Old Forester is apparently a “genuine bourbon experience” which is a relief after all of these posers, I can tell you. Part of its claim to fame is that it was continuously made during Prohibition.
One star. Tried adding water, and that didn’t make a difference.
The updated rankings:
- Blanton’s Gold Edition
- Bulleit
- Evan Williams
- FEW
- Booker’s 7 Year
- Four Roses
- Michter’s
- Roughstock Montana
- Old Forester
- Smooth Ambler Contradiction
I wonder, is Elijah Craig in the offing? My go-to, and I’m curious how it’ll stack up with you. Although I seem to recall liking Old Forester when I tried it years ago… I think it was special 100-proof edition, though.
I would not be surprised to see Elijah Craig in there. There is a list of the bourbons on the Master of Malt site, but I’ve avoided it, preferring to have each day be a surprise. I’m also avoiding looking at the web site or any reviews for each of the bourbons until after I’ve tasted and recorded my impressions. I want to be as close to impartial as I can.