Old Forester Statesman Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Old Forester · Brown-Forman Distillery
Statesman is the overlooked sibling in the Old Forester range, but it may be the most complete expression they offer at this price. The extra proof carries deeper barrel influence without tipping into harshness. A bourbon built for contemplation, not cocktails — though it handles both admirably.
Nose
Rich caramel and charred oak lead, followed by dried cherry and a thread of leather. Underneath, there's a warm butterscotch sweetness that mingles with faint tobacco leaf.
Palate
Full-bodied and chewy, with dark cocoa and brown spices landing squarely mid-palate. Ripe cherry and vanilla weave through a persistent oak backbone, while a subtle rye grain note adds structure and grip.
Finish
Long and warming, trailing off with leather, charred oak, and a lingering caramel sweetness that fades slowly.
- Mash Bill
- 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
- Barrel Type
- New charred American oak
- Bottled in Bond
- No
- Single Barrel
- No
- Wheated
- No
Cocktail Suggestion
The Patient Old Fashioned — 2 oz Old Forester Statesman · 0.25 oz demerara syrup · 3 dashes Angostura bitters · Stir with ice for 30 seconds, strain over a large rock, express an orange peel.
Food Pairing
Smoked brisket with a black pepper bark
Crafted at Brown-Forman's Louisville distillery on Dixie Highway, Old Forester Statesman was developed by master distiller Chris Morris as a higher-proof, barrel-forward expression meant to showcase the depth of their proprietary yeast strain and extended warehouse aging.
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