Day 22 of DB's Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar

Cheers and welcome to our 5th Annual Advent Calendar!

This month, we’re embarking on a high-end bourbon journey, reviewing 25 bourbons from award-winning distilleries across the United States. From December 1st to December 25th, we’ll explore everything from small batches to single barrels, all packed with flavor. Join us in toasting to another incredible year as we share some of our favorite bottles with you!

Our reviews are done using a Glencairn glass and neat, but remember, it’s your bourbon! Enjoy it however you like—over ice, with water, or in a cocktail. The key is to enjoy it your way and not let others influence your experience.

Enough of me rambling. Now, let’s dive into what brought us here!

Day 22 of DB’s Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar

OLD FORESTER BARREL STRENGTH SINGLE BARREL - SELECTED BY BROWN WATER SELECT

Proof:

127.3 Proof (63.65%)

Distillery:

Old Forester Distillery (Louisville, KY)

Message on the bottle:

This the the “I Can’t Feel My Face” Barrel Select Sticker. Very fitting for this one!

After the repeal of Prohibition, my grandfather, George Garvin Brown II, developed a single barrel expression of Old Forester specifically for Bourbon aficionados. It was the first Single Barrel Bourbon for sale since the passage of the Bottled in Bond Act in 1897. Today, we honor the legacy of “firsts” that Old Forester began in 1870 with this unfiltered barrel strength offering.

Price Point:

At DB’s Bourbon Trail, we use BoozApp (not sponsored) to ensure fair pricing on our bourbon purchases. Nothing is worse than overpaying due to supply and demand games.
- Average MSRP:
  - $104.99
- Fair Price:
  - $117.02
- Shelf Price:
  - $104.99
- DB’s Bourbon Trail Instant Buy Price:
  - <$104.99

Review:

This is an incredible pick from @brownwaterselect on Instagram! If you aren’t already following them and @vabourbonhunter and @whiskeythrottle_bws - make sure you do! They have incredible barrel picks and leaders in the bourbon community. In addition to this Smoke Wagon pick, we will feature a couple of picks from them in this year’s calendar. Check them out to get a sneak peak on the high quality pours to come!

Nose:

The nose immediately greets you with a warm, inviting heat. There's a rich scent of brown sugar that mingles beautifully with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. As you take a deeper inhale, a subtle hint of caramel and cherry emerges, adding a nice sweet layer to the pour.

Palate:

Prepare yourself: the high proof makes its presence known right from the first sip. The flavors are robust and well-balanced, starting with a strong oak foundation. This is complemented by the sweetness of caramel and vanilla with a cinnamon spice. As the pour develops and you get used to the heat, you'll notice a complex layer of dark fruits, with cherry being the most prominent, adding depth and richness to the profile.

Finish:

The finish is exceptionally long, making it a standout feature of this bourbon. It lingers on the palate, providing a sustained warmth that is perfect for colder weather. The heat is just right, offering a comforting sensation without overwhelming the senses.

Final Thoughts:

This pour is top notch! If you don’t like high proof bourbons - you better watch out, you better not cry… Old Forrest is coming to town! I think this pour is incredible either neat or on the rocks but if you aren’t ready for the proof - make sure to add some water or ice. Incredible pick y’all - the flavor profile of this is incredible!

Cheers y’all! 🥃

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