Old Forester Bourbon

Old Forester is a heritage Kentucky brand that’s garnered significant attention over the last few years, primarily because of their Whiskey Row series and the exemplary work of master taster Jackie Zykan. But how does their 86-proof namesake bourbon fare? Please, allow me.

Pour: Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 86
Age: at least 4 years
Color: honey
Nose: cake frosting, light oak, banana creme
Taste: sharp vanilla, mild baking spice, polished leather
Finish: moderate length – astringent oak, semi-sweet caramel, faint licorice

Overall: Not great; not terrible. All things considered, at this same proof and price point I’d reach for Evan Williams black label. Still, there are redeemable qualities here and Old Forester should fashion a quality low-proof Kentucky Mule when called upon.

Rating: Ale 8.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

The eponymous whiskey from the enormously popular distillery, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon was once commonly found and appropriately priced. Now … not so much. Such is the state of bourbon at the onset of 2021. Is the feeding frenzy worth the fuss? Let’s find out.

Pour: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 90
Age: at least 4 years
Color: gold/amber
Nose: apple pie, honey-butter, caramel drizzle
Taste: vanilla, honeysuckle, confectioners sugar
Finish: moderate length – sweet oak, lemon peel, faint spice

Overall: If it weren’t hell to acquire, I’d recommend Buffalo Trace as an ideal starter bourbon. Unfortunately, that would only prompt frustration for beginners. As is, it’s a tasty sipper with enough complexity to keep things interesting for the seasoned drinker.

Rating: Solid.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof

However familiar your palate may be with Jack Daniel’s, it’s wildly incomplete until you’ve tasted Jack at barrel strength. I probably shouldn’t spoil this review so early, but preconceived notions be damned. This Tennessee whiskey will knock your bourbon snob socks off.

Pour: Jack Daniel’s SiB Barrel Proof 18-8417
Proof: 128.3
Age: not stated
Color: dense copper
Nose: toasted vanilla bean, English toffee, buttery oak char
Taste: caramel chews, creme brulee, thick sweet molasses
Finish: long & sticky – brown sugar, rich honey-maple, baked cinnamon

Overall: This ain’t your daddy’s Jack. Ain’t Sinatra’s either. This is intense, in-your-face, full-flavored BOURBON from the last place you might expect it. Debate classifications all you’d like, but this whiskey sports a gold label for a reason.

Rating: Michael Anthony’s bass.

Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Washington’s Woodinville Whiskey Co. has received a fair share of positive buzz in the last year, particularly their barrel-proof selections. I’m sure I’ll get to one of those down the road, but for now it’s their 90-proof straight bourbon. I hope it’s as hefty as the bottle.

Pour: Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 90
Age: at least 4 years
Color: amber/honey
Nose: box cornbread, bright maple syrup, sourdough
Taste: sharp vanilla, no. 2 pencil, Mrs. Dash spice blend
Finish: moderate length – mild oak, caramel candy, polished leather

Overall: I really wanted to love this whiskey, but I don’t. While I appreciate Woodinville’s dedication and grain-to-glass attention to detail, the 90-proof expression isn’t there yet. It’s distinctly youthful, but in all fairness they’re just getting started.

Rating: Crafty.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920

They say it’s one of the best values on the market today. They’re not wrong. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a full-barrel-strength, 12-year Kentucky bourbon behemoth typically found for $70 (often less). Impressive? Damn right. But how does it taste? Funny you should ask …

Pour: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920
Proof: 132.8
Age: 12 years
Color: dense rosy copper
Nose: rich molasses, vanilla bean, heavily steeped black tea
Taste: burnt brown sugar, sweet charred oak, peppery toffee
Finish: chocolate caramel corn, thick honey-maple, tobacco, sassafras

Overall: Wow. While I’m not as well-versed with ECBP as others, I’ve had my share. Batch C920 is no slouch. No ma’am, no sir. Notable maturity, intense complexity (doesn’t hurt to add water), and balanced in spite of it all. Y’all still chasing Geo. T. Stagg?

Rating: Excellent.

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 20-01

As popular as Maker’s Mark may be with the general public, it often flies under the radar for whiskey enthusiasts. Its lean portfolio is possibly one reason, though it shares an expression count equivalent to Van Winkle. At least Maker’s Mark is available and affordable, right?

Pour: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 20-01
Proof: 110.1
Age: at least 4 years
Color: rose gold
Nose: sweet vanilla, toasted oak, hazelnut coffee
Taste: bright woody spice, caramel drizzle, semisweet chocolate
Finish: moderately long – Cinnamon Red Hots, classic syrup, peppery tea

Overall: What Maker’s Mark Cask Strength lacks in maturity and complexity, it more than makes up for in character. It’s Maker’s DNA in near-pure form. Considering it’s likely 5-year KSBW (or thereabouts), there’s a lot more to love here than loathe.

Rating: It’s good.

Old Tub

A not-so-attractive name with important historical significance. Some folks call Jim Beam’s Old Tub “Booker’s Junior.” An oxymoron of sorts, but they’re not entirely wrong. Regardless, a bottled-in-bond NCF KSBW for $20. What can go wrong?

Pour: Old Tub
Proof: 100
Age: at least 4 years
Color: amber
Nose: peanut brittle, buttered corn, light baking spice
Taste: peppery vanilla, nutty caramel toffee, toasted sugar
Finish: moderate length – sharp vanilla, brisk oak, diminishing black pepper

Overall: It’s $20, better than Beam Black, and it makes a solid Old Fashioned. Knob Creek it is not, but then it’s not supposed to be. Old Tub is decent whiskey at a budget price. It also looks good sitting on a shelf next to bottles triple its price.

Rating: No complaints.