Old Forester Classic 86 Proof is made in the same classic style originated by founder George Garvin Brown in 1870, with a higher rye content that gives it a uniquely full, rich, genuine character. Made to the original mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. Old Forester is twice-distilled, first in a column still, then again using a thumper still. The new whiskey is transferred to new oak barrels and matured for a minimum of 2 years in a specially designed rickhouse. Reddish burnt orange. Rich vanilla and chocolate caramel, complex and mature soft fruit medley with hints of citrus and traces of malt; adding water, fruit notes explode into mature oak. Complex, sharp, dry chocolate-cocoa swings into sweet, sappy oak flavours, with grain and hay notes, hints of fruit linger in the background. The finish is sweet, light then quickly drying.