Old Forrester Pick?

[Not_That_Fancy]

Off in Boise, ID on a work trip. I thought I’d venture off this morning to find a bottle to add to the bar back in NM. Since I’m flying I can only pack one. 
 

I ran across this Old Forrester set. I can’t find it local and since every state run store has the exact same stuff here... any recommendations on which to pick? 
 

And for those who are gonna say “depends what you like?” My pallet is bipolar. I like a neat barrel proof one day then ER with an ice cube the next day. Thanks for the suggestions fellas.

 

oh I added the peerless as well because it’s not something at my LS.

[Jazzhead]

I'm a long time fan of OF;  their basic mashbill suits my palate just fine.   I'd go for the Statesman,  which comes from curated barrels bottled at, IMO, the perfect proof.   I tasted the Statesman earlier this week side by side with an OF single barrel pick (from the Pennsy state stores),   and the Statesman came out on top, yet again.    It's balanced, flavorful in the classic manner,  and is a pleasure to drink neat.    I keep  needing to replace my bottle of Stateman because it gets pulled off my shelf with such regularity.  

 

That being said,  the Prohibition Style at just five bucks more represents a better value given the higher proof.    Too high for me to drink neat, but that's what water is for.   

Edited March 5, 2020 by Jazzhead

[JCwhammie]

I agree with that Statesman is a good pour. It seemed like a gimmick when released in conjunction with a movie, but they put some thought into having a very good product.

Since you like high proof some days and lower other days, I suggest the 1920. That's a good price, and if a neat doesnt suit you on a particular day just place a large cube in and enjoy. 

[PhantomLamb]

+1 on the Statesman. The OF rye is good as well if you’re into rye.

[dad-proof]

Agree with everything above. Given the price, I wish Statesman wasn't so good, but it is.

[Not_That_Fancy]

Thanks much guys. I’m heading back tomorrow morning and will get the statesman. I’ve yet to have a “bad bourbon”... I’ve only had ones that I “save for frien-emies” worst case this is saved for some friends friends who ask for a shot of something ha

[CardsandBourbon]

The new OF Rye is an absolute home run IMO.  Proof is 100, flavor is awesome, and best of all, you can pick it up for around $23.  Interesting fact about the Statesman; When I did the OF tour in downtown Louisville I was talking to our guide and made the comment that although the Statesman (95) and the 1910 (93) were basically the same proof that when the film company contacted them about doing a bourbon to do along with the movie that they asked them to make something with a little "more rough" finish to match the theme of the movie.  I have and like both, but lean a little bit more towards the 1910 as it has a smoother finish.

[Jazzhead]

56 minutes ago, CardsandBourbon said:

The new OF Rye is an absolute home run IMO.  Proof is 100, flavor is awesome, and best of all, you can pick it up for around $23.  Interesting fact about the Statesman; When I did the OF tour in downtown Louisville I was talking to our guide and made the comment that although the Statesman (95) and the 1910 (93) were basically the same proof that when the film company contacted them about doing a bourbon to do along with the movie that they asked them to make something with a little "more rough" finish to match the theme of the movie.  I have and like both, but lean a little bit more towards the 1910 as it has a smoother finish.

Interesting.    The only clue I've seen as to what exactly makes Statesman "special" is the statement that the juice comes from the warmest floors of their warehouses.    That's a similar claim that I've seen Jack Daniels (also a Brown Forman brand) make for certain of their special editions (e.g., the 150th anniversary edition, which was wonderful). 

[CardsandBourbon]

5 hours ago, Jazzhead said:

Interesting.    The only clue I've seen as to what exactly makes Statesman "special" is the statement that the juice comes from the warmest floors of their warehouses.    That's a similar claim that I've seen Jack Daniels (also a Brown Forman brand) make for certain of their special editions (e.g., the 150th anniversary edition, which was wonderful). 

That would make sense.  We know that, most likely, the Statesman isn't an older barrel so it coming from the warmer floors would probably account for the "rough edge" that they wanted it to have.

[Kepler]

The OF Rye and the 1920 look the best to me.  I've sampled Statesman twice at local complimentary Brown-Forman tastings, and I haven't been impressed either time.  I own an unopened bottle of it that I bought on impulse back when it was released, and my tasting experiences haven't motivated me to open that bottle yet.  I absolutely love their new 100 proof rye, ... for me it's right alongside WT101 bourbon as the best values going in American whiskey right now.