Old Forester K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #2023 Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) ($39.99)

We’ve started to see more and more interest in the Old Forester brand as it represents some of the finest values in the industry. When we finally got into the distillery in Spring of 2017, we found a very classic operation using a proper souring room, like you’d find at Four Roses or Wild Turkey, and two of the only thumpers left in Kentucky. The result is one of the smoothest, easiest to appreciate bourbon on the market. This great little cask of Old Forester was dumped on July 28th, 2017 and distilled on November 1st, 2012. Incredible how much depth and complexity they achieve after only 4.5 years, the result of several cold winters in patent warehouses no doubt. The nose is toasted brown sugar, fresh mocha and herbal mint. On the palate, a sweet entry that remains super soft and fruity in the middle until a building spice on the finish. A long lingering black cherry note persists for a while after that. This whisky is so overt and approachable, almost any drinker will be able to appreciate the wonderful nuance and great drinkability here.