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Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Single Barrel distilled spirits are becoming popular these days because they come from individual aging barrels instead of various bourbon barrels.
Like how every fingerprint is unique, in the Old Forester’s Single Barrel Program, no two barrels taste the same.
Let’s learn more about the Old Forester Single Barrel- price, key facts, and how it is compared to other single barrel bourbons.
All About Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon
Old Forester Single Barrel bourbon is bottled from an individual barrel, so there will be no exact bourbon like it. They were crafted in Old Forester Distillery in Louisville using the time-honored methods established by George Garvin Brown.
There are three expressions, and instead of 90 proof, the distillery replaced it with 100 proof and barrel strength single barrel bourbon. It yields around 200 bottles, and every bottle is packed with rich and robust flavors.
But what’s the best Old Forester bourbon?
Key Facts
History & Origin
Old Forester Single Barrel is a pride of the Brown Forman, and in 2019, the brand announced the proof transition of the single barrel strength versions of the expressions.
Every bottle is made using the methods established by George Gavin Brown.
From their original 90 proof since 2015, every bottle selection of Single Barrels will bear 100 proof while the barrel strength (distilled spirit in raw form) will range from 130-135 proof.
How It’s Made
The selections are produced in a limited number of barrels every year. The Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey is made from 72% corn, 10% malted barley, and 18% rye.
Moreso, it is mashed, fermented, and distilled before aging in new charred oak barrels in the brand’s warehouse.
Unlike other bourbons, Old Forester Single Barrel is not blended with various barrels and is bottled after achieving the desired proof.
Read: Old Forester 1920 vs Statesman
Aging Process & Age Statement
Old Forester Single Barrels are labeled as Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey, which means that the product inside the bottle is aged in new charred oak barrels [1].
It does not bear an age statement, so it is aged for more than four years. However, as we tasted the bourbons, they seemed to have aged for at least six years.
Read: Old Forester Statesman Bourbon Guide
Tasting Notes
Palate: Bold flavor, thick oak, leather, roasted pecan, vanilla, caramel, stone fruit, and a bit of mint
Color/Hue: Golden amber
Nose: Straightforward but pleasant aroma of cherry, apples, wet oak, creme brulee, sweet caramel, and slight rye
Finish: A long hot finish of season oak, burnt caramel, and pecan with mild bitterness.
Read: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Guide
Ownership & Distillery
Brown-Forman Corporation owns old Forester, and they established the brand in 1870. George Garvin Brown is the founder of bourbon, the first company to develop the idea of selling distilled spirits in sealed bottles.
The Old Forester is not distilled in the Brown Forman Distillery but Old Forester Distilling Co. It is located in Louisville, Kentucky, and they are open for tours and tastings.
Read: Old Forester 1910 Bourbon vs 1920
Price & Value
Based on the Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan, they continuously listen to their customers and look for different ways to innovate their bourbons. Every bottle selection of the company is fair for its price and flavors.
The filtration and proof on every barrel of the line are important factors for the complexity and final flavor of the whiskey.
Common Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Old Forester Single Barrel Rye | 750 ml | 63.5% | Around $299.99 |
| Old Forester Single Barrel Select | 750 ml | 50% | Around $44.99 |
| Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon | 750 ml | 65% | Around $84.99 |
Compared to Other Single Barrel Bourbons
Wild Turkey Single Barrel
Wild Turkey Single Barrel can be a nice alternative for Old Forester because it is slightly cheaper than the Barrel Strength.
A bottle of 101-proof distilled spirit is around $69.99 in Drizly. It has nice vanilla flavors, honey, and blackberries with a long and lingering finish. Check out our favorite Wild Turkey bourbon bottles here.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s Single Barrel can be a nice option for bourbon. However, it can be a little expensive.
Blanton is priced around $129.99, almost twice the price of one 100 proof. We tasted the Blanton’s, which has impressive smoothness and nice tasting notes.
Evan Williams Single Barrel
If you want a budget Single barrel bourbon, Evan Williams can be a good choice. For roughly $32 per 750ml, you can enjoy a vintage-dated bourbon.
Every bottled bourbon is hand numbered with barrel numbers and features 86.6 proof.
FAQs
Is Old Forester bourbon top-shelf?
Yes, Old Forester bourbon is a top-shelf bourbon. It has a premium taste, and it is made from high-quality ingredients.
Are Old Forester single barrels hard to find?
Old Forester single barrels can be hard to find. While it is available in some online liquor stores like Drizly, Wine-Searcher, and Total Wine, it can be hard to find in local liquor shops.
Can you use Old Forester single barrels in cocktails?
Yes, you can use Old Forester in cocktails. It is a versatile spirit; you can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail. It can help elevate the flavor of your Mint Julep or Old Fashioned.
In A Nutshell
Over the years, the Old Forester made a dramatic quality improvement with its bourbon by upgrading its proof.
Their selections have amazing tasting notes and flavor profiles for their prices. Since it is a versatile spirit, you can enjoy it neat, with ice, or combined with mixers.
Reference:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
