Norman

9.3

End of the fiscal year. Long one but a good one so this is an exhausted versus drown sorrows drink ;) Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 (12 Year, 107 proof)

Nose is surprisingly light for the proof. Soft sweetness, light oak, and a hint of rye spice.

On the palate it isn’t heavy, but it fills the whole mouth. The heat shows early and stays present, reading higher than 107. Sweetness is there but restrained. More spice builds with time, rye-forward and focused on the tip and top of the tongue, with some grip on the cheeks. Oak stays light rather than deep or dusty.

Bit hotter than I’m feeling I want tonight. — 4 days ago

Dave

9.2

Last night we finished a few low bottles, including this Elmer. When I opened this in April, it wasn't awesome, but of course by the last few drams it was firing on all cylinders. Sweet cinnamon and pleasant oaky tannins.
Listened to the Pavement. — 5 months ago

Dave

9.2

Brandon's bottle was better than mine. A little heat, a little sweet. Honey, cornbread, cinnamon, tobacco. Tight, clean finish.
Listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers. — 6 months ago

Dave

9.6

I had a bottle of this limited edition in 2021, and at the time it was one of the best bourbons I'd ever enjoyed. Got my hands on a bottle of 2025 and it now costs considerably more. Really great juice. Although 109 proof, this does not throw too much heat. It tastes very much like a wheater (which it is not), yet the rye content is also prominent from the nose through the sip. Cherry, leather, cornbread, and cigar box. Best way I can describe it is that EH Taylor and Pappy 15 had a baby. It's very good.
Listening to Cheap Trick — 17 days ago

Dave

9.5

Soft flex for Norman. This bottle of 15-year was not up to par, unfortunately. It lacked complexity and a lot of the typical flavor profile elements. It tasted hotter than usual, and there was a fair amount of peat, which is not right. Still, it beats Jim Beam.
Listening to Patsy Cline — 6 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Winegeeks chih @ dos aguas — 6 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

Still reliable. $32 at Costco ! — 4 months ago

Vinny Brooklyn

9.0

The American counterpoint to an Irish whisky at the Embassy of Ireland in Japan (the recently opened Ireland House). USA a clear winner, even in the highball format. — 5 months ago

Adam Baker

9.1

Rowan’s Creek - vanilla. Smooth. Bartender said it was the master distiller’s favorite Willett because “it tastes like bourbon.” — 6 months ago

Dave

9.5

For some reason, this smells like peaches 😅 Actually, dark cherry, candied nuts, and cigar box on the nose. Flavors of apricot, honey, cinnamon candies, and pleasant oak. At 90 proof it's an easy summer sipper.
Listening to Chris Isaac (my neighbor is playing her music loud) Not complaining. — 6 months ago