This is a Kentucky Rye from Old Forester, with a Mashbill of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn. This rye has been aged for a non disclosed amount of time. (I believe the time is 4 to 6 years, I was not able to confirm the age of this barrel). The heat cycling their warehouses do mess a bit with the age but these are on the younger side. Bottled at cask strength, let’s see how it holds up.
ABV: 63.75%
Nose: Banana Runts, soft vanilla, yeasty, Sweet Oak, faint Green Apple.
Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Banana Runts, Vanilla, yeasty, faint green apple, black tea.
Finish: Medium length finish, banana, Vanilla, Black Pepper, Yeast, Sweet Oak, Black Tea.
Rating: 3/10
Much like the other Old Forester products I have tried, this leaves me in a solid state of meh. I am a fan of ryes and have even think favorably of younger ryes like the ones put out by Wilderness Trail, New Riff, and Willett ryes, which tend to be on the younger side. The flavors here are plenty but there is an underlying youthiness to it that I just cannot get behind. That artificial banana note is so strong and present as well. I think folks who like Old Forester in general will be big fans of this, but it’s not for me.
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite
10 | Perfect | Perfect