Old Forester “Barrel Strength” K&L Exclusive (Warehouse J, Floor 3) Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

Josh Gelfand Review Date: 12/2025

Back with another beast from the folks at one of the longest continually operating distilleries in the United States, and the only one owned and operated by the same family before, during, and after Prohibition. Old Forester has built its reputation time and time again by delivering consistently great bourbon without getting too tangled up in the overhyped allocations game that so many others have fallen into. Our last barrel from them was a big one and sold out quickly. This release comes from the same warehouse, but from the third floor rather than the first. That extra heat in the rickhouse gave this barrel a bit more heat as well, nudging the proof up by half a percent. Beyond that, the similarities are unmistakable, but it’s certainly not identical. The nose delivers familiar notes of stewed stone fruit, caramel crust, and charred cinnamon, with a little more forest mulch than the previous barrel. The wood is ever present, almost as if the barrel received an extra touch of char before filling. The first sip leans even harder into the oak, then quickly opens into tart black cherries, black licorice, cloves, and curry spice. A touch of water (recommended) reveals honey-roasted peanuts and caramel apple on top of the rich oaky foundation. The long finish unfolds as a journey of woody resin that slowly evolves into dark fruit leather, star anise, dried herbs, and black pepper. If you liked the last one, you’ll certainly enjoy this. And if you missed it, here’s your chance to experience a worthy sequel.

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