Last Updated on: 30th April 2024, 12:34 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 1897 Bottled in Bond in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Written by: J Highland
Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond: A Smooth Surprise for Bourbon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond is a 100-proof bourbon known for its surprising smoothness despite its higher strength.
Strengths:
- Smooth & Easy-Drinking: This expression offers a very enjoyable and approachable experience, defying expectations for a 100-proof bourbon.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks Complexity: While pleasant, the flavor profile might not be particularly complex compared to other bourbons.
- Price vs. Value: The Old Forester Bottled in Bond carries a higher price tag than the Old Forester 100 Proof, which offers a similar taste profile at a more attractive price point.
Verdict:
The Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond delivers a smooth and pleasant drinking experience. However, for budget-conscious consumers, the Old Forester 100 Proof might be a better choice, offering similar flavors at a more affordable price. Ultimately, the decision depends on how much you value smoothness over price and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Old Forester Whiskeys
- Learn more: Old Forester 1897 Website
What’s unique about the 1897 Bottled in Bond?
This Old Forester expression honors the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 (27 C.F.R. 5.21), a regulation that mandates spirits labeled as “bonded” or “bottled-in-bond” to meet specific criteria.
These include being produced by a single distiller at one distillery in one distillation season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Raisins, leather, cherry, caramel, oak
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cherries, banana, pepper
- Finish: Dark chocolate, oak, caramel
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, cocktail
- Similar to: Old Forester 1910
The nose of Old Forester 1897 offers a complex blend of raisins, leather, cherry, caramel, and a hint of oak char.
On the palate, it has a creamy texture and a pleasant sweetness with minimal heat.
Flavors of banana, caramel, cherries, and a touch of black pepper are subtly revealed.
The finish is medium to long, with lingering notes of chocolate, cherries, and caramel.
Overall, Old Forester 1897 delivers a rich and satisfying bourbon experience.
Alternatives
The Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon offers a similar profile to the Old Forester 1897 at a more affordable price, making it my preferred choice.
For a unique and exceptional option, Henry McKenna 10 stands out as the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single-barrel bourbon available.
Although it drinks a bit warm, the flavor more than compensates, making it one of the best 10-year bourbons.
If you’re looking for value, Knob Creek, while not bottled in bond, delivers a rewarding experience at an attractive price point.
FAQ
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Neat: It drinks nicely as is, not needing water or ice.
Mash bill
- 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley.
Age
- 4 years.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, it is chill-filtered.
Price
- Drizly: $56 USD
- Total Wine: $54 USD
Alcohol content
- 100 proof (50% ABV).
Does it expire?
- No, alcohol does not expire. It will last for years if stored properly.
- It is recommended to drink it ASAP once the content is down to 25% as liquors can develop awkward notes past this level.
History
- During the late 19th century, most distillers in the United States did not age their whiskey and often added syrups or additives.
- George Garvin Brown started aging his bourbon in oak casks, named it Old Forester and bottled it in a sealed glass bottle for authenticity and quality.
How did I review Old Forester 1897?
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 1897: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Bourbon |
| Age statement | 4 |
| Proof | 100 |
| ABV | 50% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |