A little background
Old Forester Statesman was originally released in July 2017 as a companion to the movie, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” This release is made from the standard Old Forester mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley and is said to be comprised of hand-selected casks from the warmest places in the warehouse. There is no age statement on the bottle but a quick internet search suggests that this juice may contain bourbon that is less than 5 years old. Old Forester Statesman is bottled at 95 proof and retails for $55.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark orange bmber
Nose
There are light traces of ethanol along with plenty of maple syrup, rich vanilla, plenty of spice, and a hint of roasted peanut. The nose is predominantly sweet but very pleasant overall.
Palate
Much like the nose, this bourbon is sweet right from the first sip, creating a more creamy mouthfeel with an emphasis on cherry syrup, vanilla, and a hint of cocoa powder. However, that higher rye content quickly makes a presence with a sharp, peppery spice developing mid-palate.
Finish
The finish is medium-long with intensifying rye spice and a surprising alcohol burn at only 95 proof. I found more sweet vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and a heavy, lingering oak presence that rounds out the pour.
In closing
Statesman is a very pleasant, relatively easy-drinking whiskey that provides a predominantly sweet profile that makes for a great entry point to the Old Forester lineup. Personally, I don’t think this expression has the depth or complexity to hold up to other Old Forester releases, particularly the 1910 or 1920 releases, but there is enough here to please even the most seasoned whiskey drinker, and at a favorable price point no less.
Old Forester Statesman Bourbon
95 Proof
The Good
- Price
- Availability
- Rich, sweet nose
The Bad
- Lack of complexity
- Ethanol influence
- Heavy oak funk on finish
Complexity
8
Nose
8
Palate
8.5
Finish
8
Value
9
Old Forester makes some very delicious Whiskey! Some reviews I saw had a negative connotation due to preconceived notions based on the name Statesman used in the second Kingsman movie. I have had many different Whiskeys and Bourbons in my old age and found that my palate evolves every few years and now I desire a creamier mouthfeel and fuller-bodied sipping spirit. I used to sing the praises of Basil Hayden’s, Willet’s, and Makers Mark, and still enjoy them but they are “thin”, not complex, or as flavorful to me anymore. Please take note, this is my palette for which every drinker has their own tastes and opinions.
Old Forester neat, has a nice mouthfeel and complexity to each sip. I was cautious in my first sip due to the 95 proof label and expected instant heat and pepper to assault my nose and tongue. What happened was a slightly sweet full bodies liquid, that glided across my tongue, over the roof of my mouth, drifted slowly down my throat with slight pepper and only a slight heat. A pleasant surprise and what I was hoping for from this caramel mid-colored whiskey. The aftertaste was very pleasant and the sweetness of caramel, honey, and a touch of cinnamon peppery oak. The more I sipped (and the whiskey warmed from my hand on the glass), the more I began to taste faint vanilla and honey incorporated in the final notes.
I would recommend this Whiskey for those wanting to have a bit more than a thin and quick whiskey drink. This is meant to savor slowly after a meal or by a fire with a conversation with friends. For the price (around $50) this is a solid, very good whiskey. There are some better out there but the price point of those ($69-$400) are not as easily accessible for most, so having many of the character of those others in this mid-range cost is really worth the investment to me.