Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond

Screaming oak nose for a relatively young whiskey; about all that’s there is whiskey-soaked staves and some hot spice. Drillingly-hot entry; I’ve tasted bourbons at 60% that were less hot. Roaring oak fire with some underlying corn sweetness; this isn’t subtle or quiet on the tongue. Water brings out more—sweet corn mint rye oil—but the oak still dominates. Almost astringent in the finish. If you like big oak here it is but forget balance.