This is the first rye whiskey I have reviewed for this site. Of the three whiskeys, I drink more bourbon and scotch, but I still enjoy a good rye. I like the spicy kick.

Old Forester has been around a long time. More than 145 years actually. In fact, they claim to be the first bourbon available exclusively in sealed glass bottles. But they did not take their first crack at a rye until 2019.

Rye can be tricky to ferment, so most distillers use additives to help stabilize it. Old Forester goes a little different, using a mash bill that is 65% rye, 20% barley and 15% corn. That corn sweetens it out and dampens some of the spice, but it is still there. It also checks in at a hefty 100 proof.

It has less of a black pepper kick than most other ryes I have tried, and I get a hint of dill and a nutty taste as well. And it is only 15% corn, but that really does does go a long way on the sweetness of this one.

Whiskey Ratings

93: Lagavulin 11 Offerman Edition
92: Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old.
90: High West Campfire, Few Rye
89: Old Forester Rye
87: Breckenridge Bourbon
85: Wolfburn Aurora
83: Buchanan’s Deluxe 12

Gin Ratings

88: Dogfish Head Compelling Gin