Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 09:33 pm
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 Old Forester Statesman, the Kingsman Bourbon, in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
The Old Forester Statesman Bourbon: A Nostalgic Sip with a Familiar Profile (Kingsman Movie Tie-In)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
If you’re a fan of the Kingsman movies, then The Statesman bourbon might hold a special appeal for you. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
A Taste of Kingsman:
- Owning a bottle of The Statesman can be a great way to add a touch of Kingsman flair to your home bar, especially if you have fond memories of Merlin’s rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The Bourbon Itself:
- Classic Bourbon Notes: This bourbon offers the familiar flavors you’d expect from a bourbon, making it an easy sipper for those who enjoy the category.
- Mid-Shelf Price: The price point might seem a bit high considering it has no age statement and a moderate alcohol content.
- Smooth but Improves with Water: While drinkable neat, a drop of water can help tame some peppery heat, making it even smoother.
- Solid Sipping Experience: The lingering warmth provides a satisfying finish.
The Verdict:
The Statesman isn’t a standout bourbon in terms of unique flavor profile. However, for Kingsman fans and those seeking a classic, smooth-drinking bourbon, it can be a worthwhile addition to a collection, especially if nostalgia plays a role.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy it depends on how much importance you place on having a reminder of the movie and how much you value unique flavors in your bourbons, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Old Forester Bourbons
- Learn more: Old Forester Statesman Website
What’s unique about the Statesman?
Statesman was released in 2017 as a tie-in to the movie “Kingsman: The Golden Circle“.
In the film, The Statesman is a spy organization who are distillers by day and spies at night with headquarters based inside the fictional Statesman Distillery, which in real life is the Old Forester Distillery.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Cinnamon, cherry, oak, brown sugar
- Palate: Honey, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper
- Finish: Medium, cherry, oak, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 95 proof (42.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, rocks
- Similar to: Wild Turkey Longbranch
The nose of Statesman Bourbon is dominated by cinnamon, cherry, brown sugar, and a subtle oak note.
On the palate, the taste showcases a delightful combination of honey, caramel, cinnamon, and pepper, providing a balanced sweetness and warmth.
The finish, while medium in length, features hints of cherry cough syrup, oak, and a consistent presence of cinnamon.
A pleasant and gentle warmth persists, making it an enjoyable bourbon to sip.
FAQ
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Add water: It can be enjoyed neat, but adding water enhances the sweetness and oak flavors while reducing spiciness.
Mash bill
- 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley.
Age
- No age statement, but it is aged for approximately 5 years.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, it is chill-filtered.
Alternatives
- Old Forester 100 Proof and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are suggested alternatives.
- Old Forester 100 Proof offers great value for money, while Woodford Reserve Double Oaked provides a different but enjoyable experience.
Price
- Drizly: $60 USD
- Total Wine: $58 USD
Alcohol content
- 95 proof (47.4% ABV).
Does it expire
- No, alcoholic beverages do not expire.
- Proper storage in a cool place away from sunlight ensures its longevity.
- It is recommended to consume it once the content is down to 25% to avoid awkward notes.
How is it 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 long fermentation process adds depth and complexity.
- The fermented grains are then twice distilled and matured in new American oak casks for approximately 5 years.
How did I review Old Forester Statesman?
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 Statesman: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Bourbon |
| Age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 95 |
| ABV | 47.5% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | Just a bit |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |