July BOTM?

[Rughi]

Has there been discussion on what next month's bourbon of the month should be?

If it isn't decided, I nominate an old friend of mine, Old Forester. I think it can be found across the country without problem, isn't overly expensive, and has a rich, long tradition.

In addition to its great flavor and quality, there are several other interesting aspects to this bourbon. Some people, myself included, have nursed theories that Forester may have suffered during the teething period of Woodford. There have recently been a couple of side references to it having become a little sweeter in the last couple of years, so checking in to current bottlings would be timely. It's high rye content, availability (in some parts) as a 100 proof, and comparisons to Birthday Bourbon could also be themes that carry conversation through the month.

Roger

[RedVette]

If you are looking for a second, here it is. Old Forester was the first sub $10 Bourbon I had tried that actually tasted good, much more like a small batch, than a well drink. In my locker I only have the bonded 100pf stuff (and a Birthday as well), so I would have to go out and purchase one to participate, I think I can afford it

[jeff]

I like it! Officially it will be Old Forester 100 proof, but discussion of the 86 proof will be allowed (tolerated?) I don't really want to get into the Birthday Bourbons this go around, but references here and there are ok.

So there it is, you've got 10 days to find a bottle of OF100. Chop Chop!

[mobourbon]

The only Old Forester we have in PA besides the Birthday Bourbon is the 86 proof in 1.75 liter bottles. I'd hate to buy that large of a bottle if I didn't like it. I'll go for it anyway.

[BourbonJoe]

I don't have any Old Forester in the bunker (now how did that happen } But.....I'll be very interested in what ya'all say.

Joe

[ratcheer]

Don't worry, it is fairly nice bourbon. One of only a small handful of standard bottlings that are truly enjoyable.

Tim

[musher]

One of only a small handful of standard bottlings that are truly enjoyable.

Especially since I last bought it at $10 a liter for the 86 proof. I still haven't been able to find the 100 proof, but I'm always looking.

[mobourbon]

Thanks Tim,

That's good to hear. If it's better tham Jim Beam White, I'll be happy. And it's only $24.99 for the 1.75 liter.

[TNbourbon]

Best news of all is that I already have it -- albeit, the remains of a 200ml -- so it won't cost me a thing.

[Rughi]

In all my years of championing Old Forester, I've never actually held a bottle of OF 100 in my hands. In fact, I've never noticed a bottle of it for sale in the Bay Area.

I guess I'll have to order it out of Chicagoland ( I hope no un-chill filtered BT bourbons accidentally falls into the cart ), unless anyone knows of a local source. Robby? Jim? Doug? Anyone?

Roger - Forester, Forester everywhere, but not a Bond to drink - Hodges

[TrueBarrel]

This is one of my go-tos that I always have on hand. Even when not on sale I think this is generally a good value. I find it to have a good, solid, clean wood backbone, with nice dry fruit and other (earthy/ground coffee, maybe caramel/vanilla) tastes, and warm spice on a relatively long finish.

(edited for minor typo)

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

I have about 1/3 of my first bottle of Old Forester left. I remember that I didn't like it much at first. I didn't dislike it, but it seemed bland to me. That was probably me not the whiskey though it was the 86 proof and I had been drinking higher proof whiskeys, so that probably contributed to the impression. The last time I went to the bottle I really enjoyed it and wondered at my initial impression. I am looking forward to finishing off the bottle in July.

Ed

[RedVette]

Didn't I read somewhere that the Old Forester 100pf BIB was being discontinued? If so, its rarety may make for a thin thread.

[jeff]

That would be news to me. There seems to be plenty of it available around here. I can still find quite a bit of the old-label around. I'm thinking about buying a bottle of that and the "Black Diamond" label for comparison of new(er) and old(er).

[TNbourbon]

Didn't I read somewhere that the Old Forester 100pf BIB was being discontinued?

Brown-Forman has discontinued bottling the 100 proof as BIB, though they claim it still meets BIB criteria. I recently tasted a side-by-side of the BIB and "100-proof" -- both of which still can be found around here -- and there was practically no difference. Even the labels both stated each was 4 years old. Apparently, just a labeling change.

[Chaz7]

I picked up a bottle of OF 100 yesterday for $12.79. I also picked up a bottle of Elmer T. Lee for $23.79 (big sale at a store here). I did not, did NOT like the OF 100 at first. But it actually started to grow on me, by the second two finger pour (neat). As the month of July progesses, I will be keeping an open mind, er, palate. It is totally different than what I have been drinking, but by far and away, it's also the least expensive.