We’re up to the third round – the Elite Eight of my 100-proof bourbons. In reality, only six of the eight finalists are 100-proof. One is two points higher and the other is one point lower. But all are extremely delicious and enjoyable:
- Old Forester “Baby Birthday” 102
- Old Forester 1924
- Old Forester 1897
- John J. Bowman Single Barrel
- Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond
- High West Rum Cask
- Bank Street Straight
- 1792 Single Barrel
Today’s recap is being written while I’m savoring a dram of Four Roses Single Barrel OESO – another 100-proof bourbon that was purchased after I completed this blind. I didn’t think much about aromas and tasting notes the first time I tried this, but tonight I’m picking up light pepper and mint on the nose. The flavor also seems different tonight, with a healthy amount of vanilla, but with a back side of cedar. I thought I tasted cherry the first time, but I’m not picking that up tonight. In any case, it’s rich and delicious and should carry me through this recap.
Third Round – Elite Eight
Old Forester “Baby Birthday” 77, High West Rum Cask 70. The battle of the dessert drams goes to the home blend of two Old Foresters. The High West is a bit of Bananas Foster, with creamy bananas and brown sugar. But the “Baby” continues to impress with decadent cherry, chocolate and vanilla. As long as this is around, I won’t need ice cream.
John J. Bowman Single Barrel 74, 1792 Single Barrel 68. I’m finally warming up to the Bowman and seeing why people like it so much. The rich caramel and tree fruit are more present tonight, and the fruit remains on the palate in solid balance with caramel and a touch of oak. The 1792 Single Barrel is wonderful and will always be an enjoyable pour with its hints of fruit and chocolate, but it simply lacks the rich, full experience of the Bowman.
Old Forester 1924 76, Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 70. For the second straight round, the Heaven Hill brings a classic bourbon experience to my tastebuds. There is not a ton of complexity here, but what Heaven Hill does, it does so well. I love the balance of vanilla and caramel, and this will always be a welcome pour. Unfortunately, it’s matched against one of my absolute favorites. The Old Forester 1924 is a feast for the eyes, nose and mouth. The color is so deep that it looks like red wine, and the nose is deep with sweet butter and berries. The aromas continue to the palate, and the oiliness of the bourbon sticks the flavors to my tongue. On to the Final Four for the 1924!
Old Forester 1897 73, Bank Street Straight 70. All good things much come to an end, and this is finally the end for Bank Street. The little bourbon that could continues to impress with beautiful, classic bourbon aromas of vanilla and caramel, and deep, full flavors of the same. But the Old Forester is simply a bit better, with an added layer of fruit on the nose and palate. There’s a smidge of ethanol that could present problems in the Final Four, but in this round, there’s no denying that the 1897 is the one to move forward.
So the Final Four is set:
- Old Forester “Baby Birthday” 102 vs. John J. Bowman Single Barrel
- Old Forester 1924 vs. Old Forester 1897
End of the third round. Semifinal and final results to follow.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt
