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It’s so strange that this is my first review of Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond. I’ve had this bottle for a while, and I thought I had reviewed it previously, but I guess I was wrong.
Rating: 77
| Nose |
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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| Value |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 77
As soon as I opened the bottle there was a burst of fruitiness in the air with a little bit of caramel layer below the fruit. This was before I poured the bourbon in the glass.
Once the bourbon was in the glass, and I began to nose it, there was the traditional Brown-Forman caramel and vanilla aroma. However, with OF 1897, those aromas are very mild and contain a splash of ethanol. After sitting in the glass for a moment, a mildly spicy aroma reveals itself. As you begin to drink 1870, the spice becomes more dominant on the nose while the fruitiness takes a back seat. After I finished the 1st ounce and poured another one, the caramel was more pronounced on the nose. It was so different than the initial pour.
Palate Review - Rating: 75
As soon as the bourbon touches your tongue, it is spicy but quickly following the spice is a tad bit of sweetness that seems typical of the Brown-Forman profile. Spicy black pepper and oak are in the mid-palate. Unfortunately, the viscosity is not what you would expect, especially if you are used to drinking Old Forester 1910 and 1920.
Finish Review - Rating: 78
The finish is medium length, with oak, leather, and peppery spice being the primary flavors. I am getting much more pepper and oak on the finish than on the palate.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 77
The Brown-Forman profile is so distinct and yet unique. However, this bourbon doesn't separate itself from comparable bourbons.
Value Review - Rating: 77
The price of this is often $5 below 1910 and 1920.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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