What to Drink

What to Drink on Your Home's Back Bar: Old Forester 86 Proof

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Melissa Rift, Master Taster for Old Forester, joins us today to tell us why Old Forester is the *best* Bourbon for your home bar.

What is a 'Master Taster?' Melissa trained under legendary distillers Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall of Old Forester & Woodford Reserve and handles much of the quality control for Old Forester whiskies. Melissa also works on innovative projects, like their new 117 series.

Why the Pairing Works:  Old Forester is the best bang for your buck on your back bar, but Melissa has also given us a 4-course meal with the "Whiskey Row" series

Melissa's 4-Course Pairing Last Supper:

  1. Old Forester 1870. The fruits & florals of this whiskey pair perfectly with something citrusy like an arugula salad with parmesan cheese
  2. Old Forester 1897 Bottled- n-Bond . The woodsy, spicy, and earthy notes of this Bourbon will pair perfectly with a fatty cheese course, like burrata, and good crusty bread. The black pepper backbone will go perfectly with any fat, including charcuterie.
  3. Old Forester 1920 with prime rib! Going a little out of turn here, but it's time for a protein. This higher proof (115) cask strength whiskey has notes of salted dark chocolate and will pair well with the complexity of rare meat.
  4. Old Forester 1910 & banana bread pudding. This double barrel expression goes splendidly with any dessert, but the underlying banana tones of the 1910 will complement each other perfectly!

    5. What Makes These "Whiskey Row" Bourbons Special:

    Each of these whiskies mark a "First:"

    • 1870 - The first whiskey released in a glass bottle
    • 1897 - Old Forester's first Bottled-in-Bond
    • 1910 - The first recorded double barrel expression, due to a major fire
    • 1920 - the Prohibition bottle, 120 Proof.

      • Learn more here: https://www.oldforester.com/

      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldforester/

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      What to DrinkBy Conner Taylor