Old Forester Rye Whisky Review
An interesting and complex addition to the Old Forester whiskey portfolio.
{I was provided a press sample of Old Forester Rye in advance of release. All opinions are my own.}
I don’t know when I’ve so pumped about a whiskey release, y’all. When I heard about Old Forester’s new 100 proof Rye release, I was so, so excited. Old Forester Signature (100 Proof) is one of my all-time favorite bourbons, and I love what Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Jackie Zykan are doing to create new riffs on Brown-Forman’s flagship line.
I set up a tasting flight to sample the Rye, both for comparison and to take an opportunity to revisit two of my favorite Brown-Forman pours. Along with the Rye sample, I tasted Old Forester 100 and Woodford Reserve Rye. Both Rye expressions have a lower percentage of rye in their mash bill — 53% for the Woodford and 65% for the Forester — while many other brands use up to 90% rye in their rye whiskey. The Woodford Rye is one we reach for frequently at my house; Bob especially likes it to balance out the sweetness in Old-Fashioneds or Whiskey Sours.
Tasting Notes:
I started with the Old Forester Signature as a baseline. As I said earlier, I love this one as a sipper.
Proof: 100
Nose: initial notes of brown sugar and caramel, opening up to butterscotch and oak.
Taste: apple & baking spice
Finish: apple & clove
Y’all, I love this bourbon. It’s versatile in cocktails and wonderful as a sipper. It’s at a fabulous price point, and it plays such an important role in Louisville’s bourbon legacy. Everyone should have this on their bar.
I moved on to Woodford Reserve Rye to switch over from a bourbon mashbill to a rye. I know that opinions on this one are fairly divisive, but I’m a fan.
Proof: 90.4
Nose: initial notes of rye and black pepper; as it opens, there’s a fruity depth and a buttery warmth.
Taste: spice, rye, & sorghum
Finish: apple
Moving from the robust 100 proof of Forester bourbon to the Woodford Rye was certainly noticeable. The lower proof does allow the buttery depth of the whiskey to open up a little more. I love the way this whiskey inverts both bourbon and rye mash bills as a spicy riff on Woodford Reserve’s bourbon expression.
These two favorites set up some pretty stiff expectations for the Old Forester Rye. I was pretty happy to see that this big whiskey lived up to my big expectations.
Proof: 100
Nose: starts out spicy, reminiscent of those cinnamon red-hot candies, before opening up to a buttery depth and notes of banana bread
Taste: rye grain, pear
Finish: peppery with a hint of lemon
I tasted this new against two of my go-to whiskies, and it did not disappoint. It certainly brings that fruit note that is prevalent across the entire Brown-Forman portfolio. The higher proof and spicier rye note differentiates this from both its bourbon sibling and its Woodford cousin. At $23 for a 750 ml, you should definitely have this on hand for both sipping and mixing. I think it would make a really nuanced Manhattan.
Old Forester Rye certainly lived up to my expectations. It manages to be at once unique and familiar, complimenting the 150 year-old Old Forester line in a smart and thoughtful manner.
(Editorial note: I use the American “whiskey” with an e in everyday usage. Brown-Forman rocks the boat by labeling Old Forester products with the Scottish “whisky” moniker, while their Woodford Reserve line is “whiskey”.)
Brown-Forman Cooperage Tour and Coopers' Craft Tasting
Last Friday, I got THE BEST birthday present… from Brown-Forman!
I had the opportunity to visit Brown-Forman’s Cooperage, which I’ve wanted to see for so long! I was among a group of bourbon writers invited to tour the cooperage and sample the newest Brown-Forman bourbon expression, Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve. Brown-Forman is the only Kentucky bourbon company that crafts barrels in-house, and the Coopers’ Craft brand of bourbon pays homage to Brown-Forman’s coopers.
Barrel Head Pressing at Brown-Forman
The tour was amazing and so, so cool! We learned that the cooperage produces 300 barrels a day, at the rate of about 1 barrel per 45 seconds! Each barrel is made of approximately 29-33 oak staves, which are pieced together without any glue or nails — it’s simply the cooper’s skill with staves and hoops!
Barrel Assembly at Brown-Forman Cooperage
Every bourbon lover knows that a brief char on the inside surface of the barrel is responsible for so much of the color and flavor of the final distillate. What you might not know is that the smell of charred barrels is pretty heavenly!
Y’all, it was such a wonderful experience. We heard about some of the most loyal employees — a three-generation family of coopers (including a female cooper!) and a cooper who’s on the three-month countdown to his fifty year anniversary. It’s clear that safety, sustainability, and community are the utmost goals of the cooperage!
The cooperage is located next to the new Coopers’ Craft homestead experience. We were among the first to sample the second expression of the Coopers’ Craft line, Barrel Reserve.
While the original Coopers’ Craft bourbon is low proof (82.2), the barrel reserve is 100 proof. Barrel Reserve utilizes a unique, chiseled barrel which allows the bourbon to penetrate into the barrel more deeply . The result is a stronger, spicier expression than the original Coopers’ Craft.
Tasting notes for Coopers’ Craft Bourbon
You can find my Bourbon + Boweties bangle at Lawrenceburg’s Sweet Mash Goods.
After we tasted the original and barrel reserve expressions, we were treated to a boulevardier cocktail.
Best of all, we were joined in the tasting by Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. It’s always a treat to talk with Mr. Morris. He’s so brilliant and funny and he knows literally everything about bourbon!
You can visit the Brown-Forman Cooperage and Coopers’ Craft Homestead exclusively through Mint Julep Experience tours.
HerKentucky x Louisville Stoneware Shop & Sip!
Shop with HerKentucky and Louisville Stoneware to benefit The Center for Women & Families!
So, my birthday is this Friday. Every year, I ask the same favor of my social media friends. If you were planning to text, Facebook, call, or send a card, please take that time instead to clean out a closet and donate a gently used coat to a shelter of your choice. It’s always a cold, cold week, and I just love the idea that my friends and I are spreading some warmth to those who need it.
This year, my friends at Stoneware & Co. (formerly Louisville Stoneware) are helping me celebrate my birthday with a fun shopping event that benefits some of Louisville’s most vulnerable women and children. This Wednesday, January 16th, from 5-7pm, I’m hosting a Shop & Sip at Stoneware to benefit The Center for Women and Families. 15% of the night’s proceeds will benefit The Center for Women and Families which provides advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence and sexual assault. We’ll offer a raffle and light refreshments, and will be collecting new and lightly used coats at the door.
I’m so excited about our raffle prize — it’s a wine cooler in Stoneware’s elegant Embossed Running Horse pattern! This gorgeous piece is a $75 value and also makes a very elegant vase for showstopping centerpieces. I love how it was styled at a recent charity event I attended!
Visit the event’s Facebook invitation for more information. If you can’t attend in person, Stoneware has graciously extended the opportunity for y’all to make phone orders during the event hours. Call the Stoneware showroom at 502-582-1900 Wednesday from 5-7 to place a local pickup or shipped order, and your purchase will benefit The Center for Women & Families!
I hope to see y’all there!
Gift Guide for Black Lab Lovers!
The perfect presents for Labrador retriever fans!
Lab Door Hanger, c/o ForPetesSake Potter
If you know Bob or me at all, then you know we’re fairly obsessed with our dogs. In our defense, they’re really great dogs. Well, most of the time. But they’re awfully cute.
A lot of folks love their Labs and Lab mixes as much as we do, so I found a few fun gift picks for the black Lab lover!
Classic Longsleeve Tee, The Black Dog. Bob and I both have tees from The Black Dog. They’re so soft and comfy, and just so fun!
Labrador Door Hanger, ForPetesSake Pottery. Y’all, I love this! It goes ahead and warns people that I’m a crazy dog lady before they even enter my home. ForPetesSake Pottery is run by the sweetest lady, Susan Brown, who just happens to be my neighbor here in St. Matthews.
(and 7) Labrador Bourbon Barrel Hanger, Drunkwood. Another great local present! Drunkwood’s owner, John King, makes the most gorgeous installations from used barrel heads. So, so fun!
Black Lab Cufflinks, Smathers & Branson. I feel like these need to be Bob’s Christmas present from Max, don’t y’all??
Black Lab Needlepoint Hat, Smathers & Branson. I have this in pink which, sadly, is a color they no longer offer. It’s perfect for taking Max and Soph for a walk!
Campfire Mug, The Black Dog. I mean, sooooo cute.
What’s your favorite dog breed? Do you
My Favorite Cashmere Sweater
My luxury wardrobe staple is surprisingly affordable!
Photo © Space, Place & Southern Grace.
Sweater: Charter Club by Macy’s; Scarf: Barbour (old; similar here); Bracelet: Kendra Scott
My very favorite sweaters are on serious sale at Macy’s right now, and I just wanted to share the secret with y’all! I love these solid, crewneck sweaters for pairing with everything from jeans to dressy skirts. I try to pick up a couple every year; with proper care, they make a comfortable and luxe wardrobe item at a very reasonable price! The red will be the perfect touch for upcoming holiday events!
I wore this blush pink sweater and matching wrap to Churchill Downs last month. I swear, people kept touching my arm because the cashmere was so soft!
How I Shop Black Friday
Tips for the 2018 Shopping Holiday
{This blog post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky will receive a small, per-purchase commission at no additional cause to the reader.}
Black Friday — love it or hate it, it’s the biggest shopping day of the year. While I’m not one for braving crowds, there are definitely some online sales I like to check out, both for myself for Christmas presents. Here’s a roundup of the sales I like to check out, and a few of my favorite items!
Favorite Stores
Draper James
Y’all know Draper James is one of my very favorite lines and they’re offering a rare 25% off sitewide and in-store through Monday the 26th. It’s a great time to stock up on fun holiday pieces, and I may finally pull the trigger on the Dolly tote!
Vineyard Vines
Everything is 25% off in-store and online with code HOLIDAY18! It’s a great time to stock up on fun holiday pieces and my favorites, the Louisville Stoneware mug and Cookies for Santa set!
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott is offering a tiered Yellow Friday special — 20% off everything; 25% off purchases of $100 or more; 30% off purchases of $300 or more.
LL Bean
Take 20% off everything, and get a $10 gift card back when you spend $50. I may have already pulled the trigger on my favorite pajamas! Even better, Bean Boots are 25% off with code Boot25!
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor is always a great spot for workwear and dressy event clothing! Everything is half price with code BLACKFRIDAY!
Talbots
Talbots always has great classic pieces that wear so well. They’re offering 50% off one item through noon Friday and 40% off everything until midnight Friday.
Macy’s
I LOVE the Charter Club cashmere sweaters from Macy’s! I wore a crewneck sweater and wrap set to Churchill Downs last week, and I swear, people couldn’t stop touching the wrap. It’s just so soft!! The long-sleeved crewneck sweater is my everyday go-to in the fall and winter. It’s so simple that you can pair it with anything from a fancy skirt to jeans. Best of all, it’s $39 right now. That’s not a typo. Stock up on these, give them a little care, and they’lll last for years!
Local Favorites
Two of my very favorite local stores have some GREAT Black Friday sales you can’t miss!
Logan’s of Lexington
Y’all know I love Logan’s of Lexington, and they have 25% off everything in store! My True Grit Pullover is down to $98!
Stoneware & Company
Stoneware is offering 10% off your entire purchase, with 15% off purchases of $250 or more. It’s a great time to stock up on serving pieces and place settings!
Happy Shopping, y’all!!!
Logan's of Lexington Holiday Gift Guide
Christmas Shopping Guide from Lexington’s favorite spot for traditional menswear!
Have y’all been to the new Logan’s of Lexington in Lexington Green?
Of course, longtime Lexingtonians know that Logan’s is the best place for men’s suiting. It’s also a great place for preppy gifts for everyone on your holiday list! I’ve teamed up with Logan’s to show y’all some of my very favorite gift ideas. There’s something for your husband, dad, son — and maybe even yourself! The best part? Use code HERKENTUCKY on your online order, and you’ll get 20% off! (This includes Barbour, y’all! I’m pretty excited!)
Clockwise from top left: True Grit Half Zip | Vineyard Vines Basketball Tee | Barbour Scarf | Barbour Fair Isle Sweater | Vineyard Vines Kentucky Tee | Smathers & Branson Kroger Field Needlepoint Wallet | Smathers & Branson Rupp Arena Wallet | Smathers & Branson UK Cufflinks | Barbour Bedale Jacket | SEC Baseball Cap | Barbour Flask
I’ve picked out some great pieces that I know HerKentucky readers will love — needlepoint, UK, Barbour, Vineyard Vines, and more! My personal favorite is this True Grit pullover. I wore it to the UK football game on Saturday, and it was so snuggly and warm! Y’all will love it!
The 20% off code lasts through the end of November and is online only. Happy shopping, y’all!
{Thanks so much to Logan’s for sponsoring this post and extending this discount to HerKentucky readers! All opinions are my own!}