Last Updated on: 30th April 2024, 12:39 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover everything about the Old Forester 1870 Original Batch in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: Smooth & Easygoing (Great for Sipping, Less for Cocktails)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Old Forester 1870 Original Batch presents a strong case for itself as a relaxed and enjoyable bourbon. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
- Effortlessly Smooth: This bourbon boasts a mellow character with minimal heat, making for a pleasant sipping experience.
- Straightforward & Enjoyable: From the initial aroma to the finish, the 1870 delivers a consistent and pleasant profile, perfect for those seeking an uncomplicated yet satisfying dram.
- Versatile Neat or On-the-Rocks: Enjoy it neat to appreciate its full character, or add ice for a chilled and refreshing drink.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks Complexity for Cocktails: While great for sipping, the 1870’s mild flavor profile might not hold up well in a complex cocktail like an Old Fashioned, where bolder notes are desired.
- Moderate Value: The price might not be the most competitive compared to other bourbons offering similar characteristics.
Verdict:
The Old Forester 1870 Original Batch excels as a smooth and easy-drinking bourbon. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize a mellow sipping experience and appreciate straightforward enjoyment. However, if you’re looking for a bourbon to build flavorful cocktails, this release might not be the best fit. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities: a smooth and uncomplicated bourbon for sipping, or a more complex base for cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Old Forester Bourbon Picks
- Learn more: Old Forester 1870 Website
What’s unique about the 1870 Original Batch?
1870 honors the year in which Brown-Forman’s founder began batching whiskey from three different warehouses as a means to ensure uniformity.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Raisins, leather, cherry, caramel, oak
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cherries, banana, pepper
- Finish: Dark chocolate, oak, caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, cocktail
- Similar to: Woodford Reserve
The aroma of this spirit is reminiscent of fruit cake, with subtle hints of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of ethanol.
On the palate, the fruit cake flavor continues, complemented by delicate notes of cinnamon, toasted caramel, and a subtle presence of oak.
The finish, while not overly long, offers a gentle oak bitterness and hints of charred caramel.
FAQ
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Neat or add water: It can be enjoyed straight from the bottle, but adding a dash of water enhances the caramel sweetness and oak flavors.
Mash bill
- 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley.
Age
- No age statement, but it is aged for approximately 4 and a half years.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, it is chill-filtered.
Alternatives
- Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve are direct competitors, offering similar proof and price ranges.
Price
- Drizly: $50 USD
- Total Wine: $36 USD
Alcohol content
- 90 proof (45% ABV).
Does it expire
- No, alcohol does not expire, it will last for years if stored properly.
- It is suggested to consume it once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward notes.
How is Old Forester 1870 made?
- It is made from a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley.
- After milling and mashing, the grains are fermented for five to seven days using a proprietary yeast strain.
- The fermentation process adds depth and complexity.
- The fermented grains are then twice distilled and matured in new American oak casks for approximately 4 and a half years.
How did I review Old Forester 1870?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
Old Forester 1870: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Bourbon |
| Age statement | 4.5 years |
| Proof | 90 |
| ABV | 45% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |