Old Forester 1870: Your Guide to the Original Batch Bourbon

Welcome to the world of Old Forester 1870, the bourbon that started the celebrated Whiskey Row Series. If you’re exploring the Old Forester lineup and want to understand where it all began, you’ve come to the perfect place. This isn’t just another bourbon; it’s a tribute to the resilience and ingenuity that saved a great American distillery, bottled as a testament to a fresh start.

This comprehensive guide will be your friendly expert as we explore everything that makes Old Forester 1870 Original Batch a foundational bottle. We’ll uncover the dramatic story behind its name, break down its balanced and oaky flavor profile, and discuss its place in the modern bourbon landscape. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious sipper looking for a quality pour, prepare to discover why this first chapter in the Whiskey Row story is so important.

What is Old Forester 1870? A Story of Rebirth

To truly appreciate Old Forester 1870, you must first understand the pivotal moment it represents. The entire Whiskey Row Series is built around key dates in Old Forester’s history, and 1870 is the year that defined the brand’s future.

In 1870, a devastating fire swept through Louisville, Kentucky, destroying the original Old Forester distillery. Rather than give up, founder George Garvin Brown did something remarkable: he purchased bourbon from another distiller, bottled it, and continued to supply his customers. This act ensured that his brand, Old Forester, would survive.

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch honors this story. The “Original Batch” name refers to George Garvin Brown’s innovative solution of batching whiskey from multiple sources to create a consistent and high-quality product when his own supply was cut off. This expression is a modern recreation of that philosophy, celebrating the art of blending and the determination that is central to the Old Forester identity.

The E-E-A-T of Old Forester: A Legacy of Resilience

The credibility of Old Forester 1870 Bourbon is built on a foundation that strongly aligns with E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness):

• Experience: The story of the 1870 fire and recovery is a core part of Old Forester’s 150+ year history, demonstrating their experience in overcoming adversity to deliver a consistent product.

• Expertise: The creation of Old Forester 1870 requires the masterful skill of the blenders to marry selected barrels, honoring the batch-centric philosophy that saved the brand.

• Authoritativeness: As the inaugural release in the highly acclaimed Whiskey Row Series, Old Forester 1870 holds an authoritative position as the starting point for understanding Old Forester’s historical milestones.

• Trustworthiness: Old Forester’s long-standing commitment to transparency about its history, including the challenges it faced, builds genuine trust with consumers who value authenticity.

The “Original Batch” Process: A Modern Interpretation

While the historical event involved sourcing whiskey from other distilleries, the modern Old Forester 1870 is crafted entirely from Old Forester’s own stock. The “batch” process today is about creating a specific and consistent flavor profile.

The whiskey is a blend of barrels matured in three different warehouse styles within the Old Forester ecosystem:

1. Traditional Warehouses: These provide a classic, steady maturation profile.

2. Heat-Cycled Warehouses: Old Forester’s unique “hot box” warehouses that accelerate extraction and create a richer, oak-forward character.

3. Older Warehouses with Concrete Floors: These can create different microclimates, contributing unique nuances to the final blend.

By batching whiskey from these different maturation environments, the master distillers create a complex and harmonious final product that is greater than the sum of its parts, directly reflecting George Garvin Brown’s original batch philosophy.

Tasting Notes: What Does Old Forester 1870 Taste Like?

Tasting Old Forester 1870 is an experience in balance and oak-forward character. It’s a bourbon that emphasizes the influence of the barrel, resulting in a dry, spicy, and sophisticated profile.

• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)

• Mash Bill: Old Forester’s signature high-rye recipe (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley).

Nose (The Aroma):
The aroma is warm, woody, and inviting.

• Oak & Spice: The most prominent notes are seasoned oak, cinnamon, and allspice.

• Sweetness: Underlying scents of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of brown sugar.

• Fruit & Nut: Subtle dried dark fruit, like raisin or fig, and a touch of toasted almond.

• Overall: It smells like an old-fashioned confectionery shop with a strong presence of wood and spice.

Palate (The Taste):
The palate is medium-bodied and dry, with the oak taking center stage.

• The entry is spicy and oaky, with immediate flavors of cinnamon, clove, and dry oak.

• This is followed by a wave of caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate that provides a sweet counterbalance.

• The rye grain is perceptible, adding a peppery backbone that complements the oak spice.

• The mouthfeel is smooth but has a slightly dusty, tannic quality characteristic of well-integrated oak.

Finish:
The finish is of medium length, dry, and warming. The oak and spice notes are the last to linger, leaving a pleasant, slightly astringent and peppery aftertaste reminiscent of high-quality dark chocolate. It’s a sophisticated finish that is less sweet and more structured than many other bourbons.

How to Drink Old Forester 1870

Old Forester 1870 Bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in several ways, though its oaky profile makes it particularly well-suited for slow sipping.

1. The Recommended Way: Neat

This is the best way to appreciate its nuanced oak and spice character.

• How to: Pour a measure into a Glencairn glass or a rocks glass.

• Pro Tip: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the initial oakiness to soften and the sweeter caramel and fruit notes to become more pronounced.

2. On the Rocks

Serving it over ice is an excellent choice.

• Why it works: The slight dilution from a large ice cube can tame the oak tannins just enough to make the bourbon seem sweeter and even smoother, perfect for a relaxed sip.

3. In a Spirit-Forward Cocktail

While delicious neat, its robust character can elevate a classic cocktail.

The 1870 Oak & Spice Old Fashioned

• Recipe:

  • 2 oz Old Forester 1870

  • 1/4 oz maple syrup

  • 2 dashes of chocolate or black walnut bitters

• Instructions: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist. The maple and chocolate notes complement the bourbon’s inherent oakiness.

*(Internal Link Suggestion: “If you enjoy the Whiskey Row Series, explore our guide to the Bottled-in-Bond excellence of Old Forester 1897.”)*

Old Forester 1870 Price and Value

The Old Forester 1870 price positions it as a premium offering within the brand’s core lineup. You can typically find a 750ml bottle for between $50 and $60.

Is it worth it?
For a 90-proof bourbon with a unique oak-driven profile and a rich historical backstory, the Old Forester 1870 price is fair. It is more expensive than the standard Old Forester 86 Proof but offers a significant step up in complexity and a distinct tasting experience. It’s an excellent value for those seeking a drier, more mature-tasting bourbon without venturing into limited-edition pricing.

Where to Buy Old Forester 1870

Old Forester 1870 is a core, year-round expression in the Whiskey Row Series. It is widely available at well-stocked liquor stores across the United States. You don’t need to hunt for it at specialty shops or on the secondary market.

A search for “Old Forester 1870 near me” or “Old Forester 1870 review” will help you locate a bottle and read other opinions before you buy.

For authoritative information on bourbon history and production, you can visit the Kentucky Distillers’ Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Old Forester 1870 a good bourbon for beginners?
It can be, but it depends on the beginner’s palate. If you are new to bourbon and enjoy drier, oakier, and spicier flavors (like dark chocolate or black coffee), you might love it. However, if your palate prefers sweeter, fruitier profiles, you might find Old Forester 1870 a bit too tannic and dry. It’s often a great “second step” bourbon after starting with something sweeter like Old Forester 86 Proof.

Q2: How does Old Forester 1870 compare to Old Forester 1920?
This is a common comparison as they are both in the Whiskey Row Series. Old Forester 1870 (90 proof) is oak-forward, dry, and spicy. Old Forester 1920 (115 proof) is a barrel-proof expression that is much bolder, richer, and dominated by dark cherry and chocolate notes. The 1870 is more nuanced and structured, while the 1920 is a powerful, flavor-packed experience.

Q3: Why is it called “Original Batch”?
The name is a direct tribute to founder George Garvin Brown’s actions after the 1870 fire. With his distillery destroyed, he created a “batch” by sourcing whiskey from other distilleries to maintain supply for his customers. The modern Old Forester 1870 Original Batch honors this story by being a crafted blend of barrels from different warehouse types, continuing the batching philosophy that saved the brand.

Q4: Does Old Forester 1870 have an age statement?
No, Old Forester 1870 does not carry a specific age statement. The focus is on the flavor profile achieved through the batching process from their three warehouse styles. However, the whiskey is known to contain a significant proportion of well-matured stock, which contributes to its prominent oak character.

Q5: Is Old Forester 1870 a limited edition?
No, it is not. Old Forester 1870 is a permanent, core expression in the Whiskey Row Series. It is produced year-round and is intended to be readily available for consumers, unlike many limited-release or allocated bourbons. This makes it a reliable bottle you can always return to.