Distilled By: Old Forester / Brown-Forman
Location: Louisville, KY
Parent Company: Brown-Forman Distillers Company
Class: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Proof: 93 (46.5% ABV)
Age: NAS (5-6 years)
Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
1910 Old Fine Whisky is the final expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. According to Jackie Zykan, Old Forester Master Taster, this is a double-barreled bourbon that finishes its aging (6-9 months) in a barrel that is so deeply charred (burned approximately 55 seconds) that it is on the brink of disintegration. This release pays homage to the twice-barreled (due to a street fire that shut the Old Forester bottling line down in 1910) “Very Old Fine Whisky.”
BSG REVIEW:
Color: Bronze, long-thin legs down the glass
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, oak, very sweet cake-like aroma
Palate: Thick feeling, sugary, caramel, vanilla, cherry, toasted marshmallow, graham crackers, a little chocolate, oak
Finish: Heavy oak, light caramel and vanilla, leather, very long finish
To some, it seamed odd that Old Forester decided to release the 1910 after the 1920. Of the 4 years in the Whiskey Row series, this is the only one that was released out of chronological order (1870, 1897, 1920, 1910). I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Old Forester Whiskey Row series releases, including the extra movie tie-in release, Statesman. Depending on the day, the 1910 and the 1920 will flip in my order of preference. If I’m in the mood for a high proof bourbon, I’ll reach for the 1920 every time. However, the 1910 is an incredibly complex and enjoyable 93 proof old fine whisky.
According to Old Forester, the 1910 was so popular that they sold an entire year’s worth of inventory in just 60 days. They sold 318% of the launch volume that was sold with the 1920 (which previously held the record for the brand). Because it takes 6-9 months in the second barrel, they say it will likely be summer 2019 before the second batch is ready to be bottled and released.
Check out the BSG Review for the rest of the Old Forester Whiskey Row series (1870, 1897, 1920) and the movie tie-in release, Statesman.
BSG Score: 90/100
