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Funny coincidence --I just came to the forums to post about enjoying some OF Rye while watching the Old Forester Bourbon Classic (sadly I have no OF bourbon on hand at this time). The first thing I see is this thoughtful and spot-on review. I love reading these tasting notes and trying to to suss out some of the sensory experiences you more knowledgeable folks have pointed out. I get black pepper in abundance, balanced with what I would describe as a soft, buttery sweetness. Mint overrides most other notes in the finish, along with an anisette, which I find to be present to one degree or another in most ryes. My latest crush in bourbon is OGD 114, and OF Rye, to my palate, is an almost absolute polar opposite. And that, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing.

I hate Spring cleaning of the garage, but my saga on gettin’ ‘er done continued today. Nasty! How’d all this shit find its way in here!! Getting closer to getting the other car in there, though. Sitting out front with a bourbon and a Cohiba Blue to clean out all the crap I prolly inhaled today.

Happy Derby Day!

Good lineup for derby day. Enjoy those juleps!

This qualifies as both a what did you purchase and what are you drinking since they happened within 30 minutes of each other. First up is standard EC. My mint julep recipe calls for EC and for the past few years I've been using barrel picks but we have people coming over so I don't want to use those since I'm getting low. This is the first standard EC I've purchased since the 12 year age statement went away. I'm really happy to discover that it tastes great. Second is 4RSiB. I had to do an exchange since the one I had bought had cork taint. New one tastes normal. Third is WT101. Finally replaced my family size after a long time. Given the recent commentary here wondering if quality has suffered with all the 8yr old barrels being diverted to the 70th and new 8yr age statement I was curious. Still tastes good! Only little sips as the Juleps will be flowing soon.

I can see that. I love 'em both but, like most whiskey, it depends on how my palate is acting on any given day. I absolutely agree that the OF100, both the bourbon and the rye, are outstanding and provide a lot of bang for the buck.

The 8-year is being spotted at Costco near me for $36.

Actually, the 8-year version of the 101 is the original. They dropped the age statement domestically around 1992, but have continued to export it. This release marks its return to our shores. I have also heard that the 70th Anniversary is a step up from this 8/101, but I have yet to crack mine to form my own opinion.

Last night I was sipping on a blend of Old Forester 100 and Benchmark BiB, either 60/40 or 40/60, I can't remember. They were around the half full mark and I wasn't really enjoying either one of these so I decided to merge them to save cabinet space and use it for cocktails. But, dang! It's actually pretty tasty, way better than either of them on their own. Go figure...

I like OGD BiB, but for me it's not quite on the same level . I know for some it is and can see why.

I was fortunate enough to grab several bottles of this locally. Obviously we all want to try unique releases like this, but my advice to those that missed out on it is don't fret too too much about it as long as you can find a standard WT Kentucky Spirit, grab one of those and don't look back. Of course with single barrel variation they won't be the same as the 70th, but pretty close most of the time I'd say. I'll have to do a direct comparison with WTKS myself one of these days.

No love for OGD BiB ?

That's a cool glass too.

I have had to do that since they check all the cabinets!! And there are not kids. 40'a and 50 yo. Now my "good" stuff is in the gun closet !!!

I love the of100 rye. Since it's release it has been a staple on my shelves. While I agree with all the notes above I do find a distinct banana note on the nose that immediately identifies this a BF product in any blind. Between this, rittenhouse, baby saz, and wt101r it's a tough call to pick the best budget rye, but that's some tough competition.

They rec'd very few Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary. I have not seen another, except a local that wanted a lot of $$$. The way things are going, I may never taste one. I read they were a bit difficult to get when released and supposed to be more widely available. Funny though, the shelves were full of the 8 year. I would assume there must be some difference as the Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary has a list of $50 and the 8 year was priced at $40.

Hmmm. I know the type. Maybe hide the good whiskey and give 'em only the more sensible options, eh? That's what I'd prolly do.

You have to realize that these are the types that will mix SFTB or a 1792 Full Proof with Dr Pepper or coke!!

Same. I really like the 18, but it's pricey and an occasional pour. The 12 year is my "go-to"

My favorite KC! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Nothing against the 18yr, it is delicious but my heart and palate is with the 12yr. Never a joy in having the last pour of a great bourbon with no replacement, no matter what it is.

I would not call the 70th funky at all. It is crisper, cleaner, more refined and just over all better. I would say it is actually sweeter tasting but maybe just because the 8yr is sorta muted and dusty ish in flavor, imo. Not saying the 8yr is bad, because it is not. I would put the 70th in the same ballpark as WTKS without doing a side by side. Just a better bourbon than the 8yr, imo. Without doing a sbs of WT101 and 8yr, I would prolly pick the 8yr over the WT101.(this is just from memory of what I remember of WT 101, havent had it for some time.) With that said they are all good at varying levels and pricing. If you have doubt, just buy RR sib.

OGD BiB in the glass....

I've had the WT 70th Anniversary but not the new USA WT8/101 yet. I agree with Steve that I don't consider the 70th as having any "funky" tasting notes. I assume the new 8 year will be available here in Texas soon enough and I can compare them myself.

I believe there are some comparison reviews on the internet and one of our own SB members has just posted some feedback here in the "What bourbon are you drinking" thread What bourbon are you drinking Spring 2025