Peggy Noe Stevens is a master taster, whiskey reviewer, and competition judge. She is known for her super palate in the industry, as well as her founding innovations connecting whiskey and food pairing styles and methods. Here, we feature the following brands and the inspiration for creating unique profiles and food pairings. The following is a guideline to discovering the ultimate food pairings for your guests.
Old Forester
1924 10 Years Old, 100 Proof
During Prohibition, more than 200 distilleries in Kentucky alone were forced to close. Old Forester, however, continued operations because the federal government issued it one of six permits to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distillers, with different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This release honors the 100th anniversary of that whiskey innovation. Old Forester is the only bourbon brand produced before, during, and after Prohibition.
This marks the fifth release in the Whiskey Row Series. Rather than the traditional Old Forester recipe (72 per cent corn, 18 per cent rye, 10 per cent malted barley), 1924 debuts a new mash bill (79 per cent corn, 11 per cent rye, 10 per cent malted barley).
“We are honored to commemorate this historical milestone with a new featured mash bill and a beautiful 10-year age statement,” master taster Melissa Rift said. “It allows whisky lovers to taste just how dynamic our brand can be while staying rooted in our rich history.”
Melissa’s tasting notes reveal:
Aroma: Soft notes of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, and cured tobacco layered over hints of rich oak and warm cinnamon.
Flavor: Chocolate-covered graham cracker dusted with cinnamon.
Finish: Hints of spice and graham
cracker crumbles.
Balance – Simple Pairing
Chocolate-dipped shortbread
Balance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Osso buco
Counterbalance – Simple pairing
Prosciutto pinwheels with herb cheese
Counterbalance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Chicken cordon bleu
Explosion – Simple Pairing
Bacon-wrapped dates
Explosion – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Chocolate bourbon pecan tart
Larceny
Barrel Proof Bourbon C923, 126.4 Proof
Master distiller Conor O’Driscoll explains, “Larceny Barrel Proof C923 offers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy without overpowering the senses. What starts out subtle on the nose packs a punch on the palate with its barrel proof strength and can easily stand up to the strong flavors of any rich, decadent dish.” Released with a mashbill of 68 per cent corn, 20 per cent wheat, 12 per cent malted barley, this high proof beauty truly has a collective complexity and is easy to drink.
Conor’s tasting notes reveal:
Nose: Honey, old leather, dark fruit.
Palate: Rich and viscous. Dark chocolate, brown sugar, and vanilla. More dark fruit with peppery spices.
Finish: Lots of spiciness with a nice oak note.
Balance – Simple Pairing
Cashews
Balance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Lettuce wraps with chili sauce and crushed cashew
Counterbalance – Simple pairing
Marshmallow cube
Counterbalance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Warm ham and Gouda cheese crescent roll with orange marmalade spread
Explosion – Simple Pairing
Slice of cinnamon and chocolate swirl crumb cake
Explosion – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Salted caramel cashew pie
Hope you enjoy these products alongside your favorite food pairings. The texture and quality of each spirit will stir anybody’s taste buds. Enjoy!
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How to pair |
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Balance is when you complement a predominant note in the whiskey |
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Counterbalance is when opposites attract and you fire up a food flavor, |
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Explosion is almost too much of a good thing, when you take a predominant whiskey note and dial up the food match, to create surround-sound flavors that slap an immediate smile on your face and palate. |
