I am an Old Forester guy through and through because their taste profile works well with my palate. So, when the Old Forester Single Barrel 90 Proof hit my area of Georgia, I was extremely excited. These offerings came and went so fast, but fortunately, I was able to get a store pick.
Nose
The nose of Old Forester Single Barrel 90 Proof is good, with a friendly, pleasant toffee aroma and a sweet and rich smell.
Palate
Spice dominates the palate early and only subsides late in the tasting. Then some of the toffee sweetness reveals itself. Old Forester Single Barrel 90 Proof has a bit of viscosity, as you would expect from something produced by Old Forester. There’s a richness to the taste but monotonous at the same time. Additionally, the heat is so unexpected because it’s only 90-proof. It does get a little smoother the longer you sip. I sense char and black pepper spice.
Finish
The peppery finish of Old Forester Single Barrel 90 Proof lingers with the same spice evident on the palate.
Overall
Overall, Old Forester Single Barrel 90 Proof is a good but somewhat dull offering. It has minimal character or features which stand out. One of the worst things a bourbon can be is indifferent, which describes Old Forester Single Barrel 90 Proof...indifferent. Now, I see why Old Forester chose to discontinue this version and replace it with a 100-proof version.