Old Forester 1920: Your Guide to the Prohibition-Era Powerhouse

Welcome to the world of Old Forester 1920, a bourbon that packs a powerful punch of both flavor and history. If you’re looking for a high-proof whiskey that doesn’t sacrifice complexity for strength, you’ve found your guide. This isn’t just another bourbon on the shelf; it’s a tribute to a unique moment in American history and a benchmark for what a bold, barrel-proof spirit can achieve.

This comprehensive guide will be your friendly expert as we explore everything that makes Old Forester 1920 a modern classic. We’ll dive into its fascinating backstory, break down its rich and robust flavor profile, and discuss its incredible value. Whether you’re a bourbon beginner ready to explore higher proofs or a seasoned sipper looking for a reliable favorite, prepare to discover why Old Forester Bourbon 1920 is so highly praised.

What is Old Forester 1920? A Shot of History

To understand Old Forester 1920, you must first understand its name. This expression is part of Old Forester’s prestigious “Whiskey Row Series,” which celebrates key moments in the brand’s 150-year history.

The year 1920 marks the start of Prohibition in the United States. During this time, it was illegal to produce, transport, or sell alcohol. However, there was a notable exception: whiskey could still be legally prescribed by doctors for “medicinal purposes.” Old Forester was one of the few distilleries granted a permit to continue bottling whiskey, making it one of the only bourbons available legally during Prohibition.

Old Forester 1920 is crafted to replicate the style of bourbon that would have been bottled straight from the barrel at that time. It’s nicknamed “Prohibition Style,” and its high proof is a direct nod to the un-cut, un-filtered character it would have had when leaving the warehouse for pharmacies. This historical connection isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the inspiration for a genuinely unique and powerful whiskey.

The E-E-A-T of Old Forester: A Legacy of Trust

The credibility of Old Forester Bourbon 1920 is built on a foundation that strongly aligns with E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness):

• Experience: Old Forester is the oldest continuously bourbon brand in America, founded in 1870. It has survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, and countless trends, amassing an unparalleled depth of experience.

• Expertise: Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Jackie Zykan are industry leaders with decades of combined expertise. Their understanding of the “Brown-Forman” yeast strain and heat-cycled warehouses is key to the Old Forester flavor profile.

• Authoritativeness: 1920 Old Forester consistently wins top awards and high scores from international spirit competitions, solidifying its status as an authoritative voice in the premium bourbon category.

• Trustworthiness: As the first whiskey to be sold only in sealed bottles (to guarantee quality), Old Forester built its name on trust. That commitment to consistent quality and transparency continues today.

Tasting Notes: What Does Old Forester 1920 Taste Like?

Tasting Old Forester 1920 is an experience of bold, dark, and rich flavors. It’s a full-bodied bourbon that confidently showcases its barrel-proof character.

• Proof: 115 (57.5% ABV) – This is a true barrel-proof expression.

• Mash Bill: Old Forester’s signature high-rye recipe (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley).

Nose (The Aroma):
The aroma is intense and inviting, with the high proof presenting as warmth rather than harsh alcohol.

• Dark Sweetness: Dark cherry, chocolate-covered raisins, and toffee.

• Baking Spices: Oak-driven cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove.

• Oak & Vanilla: A rich scent of seasoned oak and vanilla bean.

• Subtle Notes: A background of toasted nuts and orange zest.

Palate (The Taste):
The first sip is a flavor explosion that is surprisingly smooth for its proof.

• The entry is rich and viscous, with an immediate wave of dark chocolate, cherry, and caramel.

• The rye spice builds mid-palate, offering a robust backbone of black pepper and baking spices.

• The oak is prominent but delicious, contributing flavors of toasted marshmallow, vanilla, and a slight coffee note.

• The mouthfeel is thick and coating, allowing the complex flavors to develop and linger.

Finish:
The finish is long, warm, and satisfying. The dark fruit and spice notes persist, followed by a pleasant, slightly dry, and oaky aftertaste reminiscent of dark cocoa. The proof provides a lasting warmth that is comforting, not punishing.

Why Old Forester 1920 is a Fan Favorite

In a market flooded with limited editions and hard-to-find bottles, Old Forester 1920 stands out for several key reasons:

• Consistent Quality and Availability: Unlike many hyped bourbons, this is a core, year-round product. You can almost always find it on the shelf, and its quality is remarkably consistent from batch to batch.

• The “Sweet Spot” Proof: At 115 proof, it has enough power to carry massive flavor but is not so high that it becomes intimidating for those new to barrel-proof bourbons.

• Exceptional Value: For a barrel-proof bourbon with this much complexity, its price is often considered a steal.

• No Water Needed (But It Works): It’s delicious neat right out of the bottle, but a few drops of water can open it up beautifully, making it a versatile pour.

How to Drink Old Forester 1920

The beauty of Old Forester 1920 Bourbon is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in several ways, depending on your preference.

1. The Purist’s Sip: Neat

This is the best way to appreciate its full, unadulterated character.

• How to: Pour a small measure into a Glencairn glass or a rocks glass.

• Pro Tip: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This “airing out” allows some of the initial alcohol vapor to dissipate, letting the complex aromas and flavors come forward.

2. The Game Changer: With a Drop of Water

Adding a few drops of pure, still water is highly recommended.

• Why it works: The water can tame the alcohol heat slightly and help break the surface tension, releasing even more of the hidden fruity and spicy notes.

3. On the Rocks

A great way to enjoy it casually.

• Pro Tip: Use one large ice cube or sphere. It melts slower, chilling your bourbon without over-diluting it too quickly.

4. In a Premium Cocktail

While it’s a stellar sipper, Old Forester 1920 makes an incredible base for a spirit-forward cocktail.

The 1920 Old Fashioned

• Recipe:

  • 2 oz Old Forester 1920

  • 1 tsp maple syrup or rich simple syrup

  • 2 dashes of chocolate or aromatic bitters

• Instructions: Stir all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange twist over the glass and use it as a garnish. The bourbon’s dark notes pair perfectly with maple and chocolate bitters.

Old Forester 1920 Price and Value

The Old Forester 1920 price is one of its most attractive features. You can typically find a 750ml bottle for between $55 and $70.

Is it worth it?
Absolutely. In the world of premium bourbon, finding a barrel-proof expression of this quality and consistency at this price point is rare. It often competes with—and frequently beats—bourbons that cost twice as much. The Old Forester 1920 price represents one of the best value-for-money propositions in the entire bourbon category.

Where to Buy Old Forester 1920

Old Forester 1920 is widely available at well-stocked liquor stores across the United States. You don’t need to win a lottery or know a store owner to find it. Its accessibility is a huge part of its appeal.

A simple search for “Old Forester 1920 near me” or “Old Forester Bourbon 1920 price” will help you locate a bottle.

For authoritative information on bourbon history and production, you can visit the Kentucky Distillers’ Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Old Forester 1920 a good bourbon for beginners?
It can be, but it’s a “next step” bourbon. If you are completely new to whiskey, you might start with a lower-proof option like Old Forester 100 Proof or even the 86 Proof. However, if you’ve had a few bourbons and are curious about higher-proof expressions, Old Forester 1920 is a fantastic introduction. Its flavor is so rich and well-integrated that the alcohol is less harsh than you might expect. Just remember to sip slowly and consider adding a drop of water.

Q2: What’s the difference between Old Forester 1910 and 1920?
This is a classic comparison. Old Forester 1910 is “Old Fine Whisky,” which is the original 100-proof Bourbon barreled again in a second, heavily toasted barrel. It’s softer, sweeter, and has strong notes of coffee, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow. Old Forester 1920 is barrel-proof, making it bolder, spicier, and more robust. A popular move is to do a “1915” – a half-and-half pour of both in one glass, which is a delicious experience.

Q3: Why is it called “barrel-proof” if it’s 115 proof?
“Barrel-proof” means it’s bottled straight from the barrel without being diluted with water to a lower, standard proof. The proof of whiskey in a barrel can vary. Old Forester 1920 is bottled at 115 proof, which was the proof that the master distillers determined was the ideal tasting proof for this specific product, representing the “style” of barrel-proof whiskey from 1920.

Q4: Does Old Forester 1920 need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, you should never refrigerate whiskey. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. An opened bottle will slowly oxidize over 1-2 years, but the high alcohol content acts as a preservative, and the flavor will remain stable for a long time.

Q5: How does it compare to other high-proof bourbons like Booker’s?
Booker’s is another iconic barrel-proof bourbon, but it’s typically higher in proof (often 120-130+) and has a different flavor profile due to its Jim Beam heritage (yeast and maturation). Booker’s often has more nutty and vanilla notes. Old Forester 1920 is known for its distinctive dark fruit and cherry character layered with spice. Both are excellent; the choice often comes down to a preference for nutty-vanilla (Booker’s) versus fruity-spicy (OF 1920).