Batch 03 closes Old Forester's 150th Anniversary series. At 126.8 proof from 53 barrels, it is the strongest and largest of the three, and the distillery framed it around green, herbal spice rather than fruit.
About This Bourbon
Of the three anniversary blends, this was the one Jackie Zykan steered towards green, savoury notes, with dill, pine and rosemary in her own description rather than the fruit of Batch 01. Batch 03 used 53 barrels and was bottled without filtration at 126.8 proof. It arrived in autumn 2020 in a commemorative tube, alongside Batches 01 and 02.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Dill, bright orange peel and light brown sugar, with a pine-needle freshness.
- Palate: Starts herbal, then sweetens towards melon and pine, backed by rosemary and oak.
- Finish: Medium-dry, with green peppercorn, grapefruit peel and a lingering anise note.
Serving & Food
Serve a little cooler than the room, in a nosing glass, and taste neat first, then with a little water. The herbal side suits roast lamb with rosemary, fennel sausage or a sharp aged Cheddar.
How to Enjoy
Drinkers who like savoury, spicy bourbon, and collectors finishing the three-bottle anniversary run.
Product Details
Producer: Old Forester (Brown-Forman)
Series: 150th Anniversary Batch Proof
Batch: 3 of 3
ABV: 126.8 proof / 63.4% ABV
Barrels: 53
Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Filtration: Unfiltered
Release: 2020
Format: 750mL
Style: Limited release Kentucky straight bourbon
Origin: USA
Region: Kentucky
About the Distillery
Brown-Forman is unusual among large spirits groups in raising its own barrels. Its Louisville cooperage supplies new charred white oak casks for Old Forester, and a working cooperage inside Old Forester Distilling Co. lets visitors watch staves raised and fired.
The standard Old Forester mash bill is 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. The brand's warehouses are named by letter, and Birthday Bourbon and other special releases often state which warehouse and floor the barrels came from, since upper floors run hotter and age whiskey faster.