Old Forester - 1897 Bottled in Bond | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

NOSE:
The nose opens with deep notes of caramel, heavy stone fruit and floral notes that fade to earthy toasted oak, a faint hint of fresh cherry, and a kick of ethanol.

TASTE:
The palate has medium viscosity opening with notes of dark chocolate, quickly turning to dark fruit covered in powedered sugar, and fading to brown sugar, vanilla bean, earthy baking spices, a flash of pepper, dried cherries, and coffee as you continue to chew.

FINISH:
The finish is long and opens with a peppery warmth followed by sweet red fruit, baking spices, and dark chocolate and floral aftertaste.

OVERALL:
A good balance between sweet and earthy with spice tying it all together nicely. The mouth-feel is nice and it coats the tongue with its blend of flavours. This very much tastes like standard Old Forester but with the added complexity that trumps both the 86, 1870, and the Statesman.