1910 is part of Old Forester’s Whisky Row series. The story behind this offering is one of my favorites. As with many great ideas, this was born out of necessity. Per Old Forester’s website “On October 22nd. 1910, a fire on the bottling line halted production of Old Forester. Mature whisky ready to be bottled, instead was stored in a secondary barrel. What emerged was a delightful whisky, remarkable enough to become an entirely new expressions – Old Fine Whisky.  Today mimicking this historic bottling, this unique expression of Old Forester has undergone a second barreling, granting it exceptional character, a smooth and sweet flavor and a clean, crisp finish. Entering the second barrel at a low 100 proof allows more of the sweet wood sugars to dissolve into the whiskey. 1910 Old Fine Whiskey is the fourth and final expression of the Whiskey Row Series, presented at 93 proof.” You could say Old Forester invented the double oak category waaaaay back in 1910. And may I say, Thank You! 

More specifically, how they produce this today is Old Forester fully matures their standard 100 proof offering and it then enters a second barrel that has been lightly toasted and heavily charred top the point of almost incineration. This is the opposite of the Sister brand, Woodford Double Oak - they heavily toast, then lightly char.

Stats: NAS; 93 proof; 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley; $52

Verdict: Obviously I enjoy this bottle given that it is on two of my Top 5 lists! As far as notes, I get that sweet milk chocolate that this delivers on top of a base of oak that, itself, starts sweet and then goes a touch spicy. A little more char taste from the heavy char peeks through with some caramel as well. Always a lovely pour.  Extremely well balanced, not near as much in your face oak as, say, Woodford Double Oak, as it adds a touch more spice.  The sweet flavors are incredible on this one too!