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Whiskey Review: Old Forester Rye

We review Old Forester Rye, a rye whiskey out of Kentucky that represents a leap in categories by a brand well known and loved for its bourbon.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Old Forester Rye Whiskey

Tasting Notes

About:

100 proof (50% ABV); mash bill: 65% rye, 20% malted barley, 15% corn; suggested retail of $22.99 (the same price and proof as Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon).
Appearance:
Bronze tawny.
Nose:
Bitter cacao and sweet red cherries, with a touch of raspberry. Pepper, honeysuckle flower, and hay.
Palate:
Sour green apple to start. Spices like cinnamon and cardamom with a hint of vanilla. White grape and apple lead to nuttiness. Hot and dry finish with plenty of spice and a touch of citrus.
Finish:
Comments:
I am incredibly impressed with this rye whiskey. I love the mash bill approach – it brings great complexity and balance for an affordable whiskey. I look forward to making cocktails with it, as the 100 proof will help carry those pleasantly created notes through. This is the best rye I have had for the price point.rnrnThe only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is it doesn’t compete with the older, bigger rye whiskies available. However, that isn’t the point here. It isn’t meant to be a big player. It’s meant to be enjoyed and mixed with it, and it will be. For that, I applaud the folks at Old Forester for branching out to the world of rye.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Cameron Holck

After graduating with an engineering degree in Colorado, Cameron Holck found his true calling in the hospitality industry. He pursued his love of the outdoors to the Pacific Northwest, where he continues his dedication to bartending and serves as a sales representative for Four Roses Bourbon. Cameron believes that a night out is defined by the quality of hospitality and strives to enhance that experience with a fantastic drink (likely whiskey) in your hand.

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