Old Forester not only survived Prohibition, it is paying tribute to it with its 1920s style Bourbon.
Aging Whiskey was not a common thing in the U.S. in the 19th century. Consequently this was also the era of added sweetener and acid and tobacco dye (shudder). But a young man named George Garvin Brown -a pharmaceutical salesman from Kentucky- was a man before his time, a visionary that saw the need for high quality Whiskeys. After saving his pennies, he and his brother opened the J.T.S. Brown & Bro. Distillery, and began distilling Bourbon.
And, much unlike other U.S. distillers in that era, Brown took his time, and aged his Bourbon like a champ. The distillery's first release, Old Forester, was introduced in 1870. It was aged in oak casks and sealed in glass bottles, said to retain the quality of the Spirit. The Bourbon even survived Prohibition, when it continued to be distilled for medicinal purposes. It is the only Bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon is the third release in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. A 115 proof expression that “celebrates the brand’s continued distillation during Prohibition,” when Old Forester was granted a permit to continue distilling on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. This Whiskey is bold on the nose, with deliciously intense notes of cherry, caramel and dark chocolate. The palate is rich with sweet caramel, nuttiness, and cedar. The finish is wonderfully tart with a long smoky finish.
What does Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon taste like?
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Straight Bourbon must be matured for at least 2 years. If a bottle does not bear an age it is at least 4 years old.
One of the best high proof bourbons to date. Absolutely stellar for the price!
Richard,
This feels hotter than its 115 proof. Dark chocolate stands out to me. The finish is pretty rough & abrasive. Many will like this, but I'm just not a fan of the Old Forester signature. It's good, but not my thing.
Erik,
This is my favorite bottle within reason on my shelf. Love the proof, lots of cherry, cherry cola, vanilla for me. If I could only have ONE bottle, this would be it.
ERIC,
Rich carmel and vanilla, some smoke, great bourbon and fantastic at the price point.
Eric,
https://youtu.be/gYmuhEfH5oE
Cliff,
Fantastic! There's nothing that stands out and that's what I like about it. It is so smooth and easy drinking I forget that it's 115 proof. It has the extra richness of a high proof without the added burn. The flavor is classic bourbon - caramel and vanilla, baking spice, dark fruit, bit of peppery spice... plenty of complexity to keep it interesting, but all beautifully integrated. Going to have to keep this on hand!
Shawn,
Surprised me! Very good at such a high proof. Complex flavor profile and a joy to imbibe on this one. Keeping in the rotation for sure!
Bryan,
9.5
Robert,
This has become one of my favorites will definetly order another nice smooth finish
Jon,
Great bourbon for the price. Nice proof, coats the mouth well with good aftertaste.
Michael,
Very smooth for a 115 proof. Flavor is not overtaken by the alcohol. Great sipper!
Steven,
Really enjoyed this! The Caramel really comes through in a complex profile.
Bob,
Sweet with a hint of spice
Justin,
Very smooth considering the higher octane. I like carmel notes.
John,
Very tasty and definitely the goto for higher proof bourbon. Definitely reccomend.
Aaron,
Wonderful complex sipper! Syrupy in an oh-so-good way and one to savor long due to its strength. Great spice, dark fruit, caramel and a nice tough of smoke for a bourbon.
Jason,
My kind of whiskey. Not too spicy, balance flavors and enough proof to make it hit.
guest,
This Bourbon RULES for the price. Further proof (no pun intended, but at 115 proof you’d never know it) you don’t need to spend $500+ for a great bourbon experience. Dark chocolate dominates on the palate early on, followed by a good amount of spice and then a healthy dose of cherries. The finish is long and memorable, a great addition to your must-have bourbon lineup!
Chris,
I love this bourbon. The fire is strong and the finish is bold
Oliver,
First time trying this and was very surprised by the cherry flavor on the front and always enjoy the bite at the end. I really enjoy Bakers but this maybe slightly better.
Al,
Phenomenal whiskey. Pulled an earnest interest from me and catered well to my meal.
Tom,
OK. here we are with one of my favorite's. Great spice but balanced with a great sweet oak finish that lasts.
George,
My favorite
Christin,
staple selection in thr cabinet
Dustin,
I love the carmel note and smooth finish with the higher proof. My go to Friday night pour
Scott,
Outstanding bourbon. Well done. Clearly one of our favorites. Excellent flavor, long lasting burn and super color.
John,
I was very resistant to try this out but finally did. What a great tasting bourbon! I thoroughly enjoy it and have a glass every night. Rapidly becoming my favorite tipple.
Mike,
I am very much enjoying this 1920. I will have to say the proof can be a bit overpowering but the flavors you get are entirely worth it. I highly recommend and will order it again very soon.
Bryan,
Incredible.. salted Carmel, cherry cola, and vanilla. Subtle oak spice on the finish. Perfectly balanced. ABV high enough without kicking your ass. Comparing to other high proof bourbons, this competes with them all. Then you consider its widely available and retails for $59.. unbelievable. If you see this in your local liquor store, buy ASAP!
Kevin,
Not an everyday drinker, but that’s not a negative. Punches above its weight at the price point. Spice and proof comes though strong. Just a great bourbon if you’re looking for something more complex to sip that packs a punch.
Dwight,
Excellent sipping whiskey! Watch out it will sneak up on you.
RANDY,
Very smooth for a cask strength bourbon. i like it best with ice. One of my favorites!
Mark,
Really good and packs a punch. I struggled with it a little at first in comparison with the OF 1910, which I think of as a dessert bourbon. This is a lot more strident. But I just tasted it blind with Belle Meade Barrel Strength, which I've also been enjoying, and this is more the more refined of the two IMO. Won't go wrong with either, but I prefer the OF 1920.
Cameron,
Excellent bourbon. Probably the best in this price range.
Brian,
Definitely top 5 for me!
David,
Wow. Doesn't disappoint. Nose, taste and finish all seem perfect. 115pf and sipping neat, definitely worth $60. It's oily in a good way, and the dark chocolate in the finish as an after dinner dram just feels right. Can't afford keeping in my bar all the time, but one that I will definitely get again.
Dick,
My absolute OF favorite...wonderful!
Erik,
One of my favorite whiskeys, high proof without being overwhelmingly hot to drink, full and rich flavor, long finish. An absolute must buy.
Daryl,
Pretty great. East drinker at 115.
James,
Delicious bourbon. Typical Brown-Foreman banana on the nose and palate. Good flavor balance between fruit, caramel/brown sugar, and oak. It is high proof and you can tell.
Patrick,
I like this bourbon. It's not for rookies as it has a high alcohol content and a flavor profile with darker fruits, chocolate and some earthy qualities. I give it 8 because it's a bit expensive, but no issues with the product itself.
Cory,
Extremely smooth for as high of ABV this bourbon is.
Jonathan,
Full flavor envelopes the palate with dark maple syrup and tones of chocolate. Warming finish with a short tail that leaves more flavors behind like dark caramel. Drinks below its proof, but better with a few drops of water.
In 1870, George Garvin Brown, a young pharmaceuticals salesman from Kentucky, saw the need for a consistently high-quality whiskey that would remain unadulterated after distillation. After saving $5,500, Brown and his brother opened the doors to J.T.S. Brown & Bro. Distillery and began distilling bourbon. Unlike other distilleries at the time, Brown aged his bourbon, which was named Old Forester, in oak casks and bottled it in a sealed glass bottle to ensure authenticity and quality. Since its introduction in 1870, Old Forester has been on the market continuously, even during Prohibition, when it continued to be sold for medicinal purposes. It is the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition. It is officially the longest running bourbon on the market today.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is the third expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series. According to the neck tag on the bottle, “During Prohibition, only six Kentucky distilleries were granted permits to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Brown-Forman, maker of Old Forester, secured Permit KY - 3. In 1920, the first bottles under this permit were produced.” It goes on to say “To match the usual barrel proof of the that bourbon after maturation, it is presented at 115 proof.”
Orlando,
....anyone skip over all this?
Eduardo,
Good for a cold winter day. This stuff will WARM YOU UP. The nose is very pleasant with a happy dose of cherry and a touch of vanilla. After a good dose of heat and spice up front, it delivers a rich caramel mouthfeel backed up with charred oak. Creme brûlée plus a hot oak barrel is what I say. Luxurious long chocolate finish.
All in all, quite fun when drunk neat, but not for the faint of heart at 115 proof.
A couple of drops of water gets you some bananas foster and brings out the flavor of the barrel a bit more, but mutes the chocolate on the finish. This feels like quite the different drink with even a couple of drops of water.
I’m not going to pour it over ice tonight, but I suspect ice would suppress the chocolate and caramel flavors that are so enjoyable.
At the price point, it leaves me satisfied, but not giddy or flabbergasted. All in all, a high quality drink with a rich, chocolate mouthfeel.
Jay,
Smoke and spice are both nice. This one is pretty smooth for 115 proof.
Christopher,
Great bourbon. It's odd that some days it tastes amazing and other days it just tastes decent; I can't figure out what I've eaten that day that changes the flavor so much, but it's a unique pour. Rich, hot, and better with a little bit of water or on ice.
guest,
One of my favorites
guest,
A nice cherry finish with a bit of a bite! Well worth.
Dan,
With a splash of water this is so smooth with so much vanilla and sweetness
Bret,
I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be. It has good flavor, the usual vanilla, caramel and oak. It has a decent finish. It just didn't have anything that made me go wow. I prefer Bakers 107 or Noah's Mill at a little better price point.
Kyle,
Surprisingly good. Nose is sweet with hints of brown sugar. Finish is nice and smooth.
guest,
Cherries and chocolate!
daniel,
my new favorite bourbon for sipping neat...would be a crime to add any water or mixes to this one!! Just beat out Noah's Creek for my top spot. You dont get as much burn as you would think for 115 proof...very chewy carmely cherry taste lingers long after this passes your taste buds..love it
Jeff,
Very very similiar to Birthday Bourbon to me
guest,
Love this...sipping it makes you want to put on a pin stripe suit
guest,
Amazing mouth feel coupled with an incredible nose!! Long, smooth finish with minimal burn, doesn’t drink like a 115 proof. Chocolate on the nose, sweet on the pallet, mint cherry on the finish. A great, obtainable alternative to the Birthday bourbon.
John,
Fantastic bourbon. Rich caramel on the nose. That 115 proof will hit you in the nose. Rich caramel and vanilla on the palate. Some spice and heat finish things off really nicely. Love this drink.
david,
Very Good!!!
Christopher,
Solid sipping bourbon that can also be used for a variety of other drinks. Excellent bourbon burn but in a flavorful way.
Derek,
This is as close to my perfect, mid-level whiskey as a whiskey can get. It's excellent.
Eduardo,
Aromarix nose with vanilla, cherry, oak and dark chocolate, strong and warm in the mouth, hints of smoke and cinnamon, along with dried fruit which makes it sweet. Strong long lasting flavor.
Jason,
Best of the label
Anne,
strong better mixed
James,
Powerful high proof Bourbon with lots a flavor not for the faint of heart.
J,
Hot; opens up with a couple drops of water or an ice cube.
Nick,
When I choose a bourbon, I like bold flavors and complexity. What I have heard of the Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is that it brings both of these things to the table. Today is my birthday, so I decided to treat myself to a bottle. This is the first Old Forester label I have tried, and at 115 proof it is also the highest proof bourbon I have purchased. This taste was a neat pour in a Glencairn glass and I let it breathe for a few minutes before diving in.
I took my first sniff with my nose in the glass and my mouth closed, an amateur move that rewarded me with a punch of ethanol right in the schnoz. When smelling correctly, I was hit by the aroma of rich caramel, dark chocolate, toasted oak, cinnamon, cloves, and a trace of stone fruits. I think of both Christmas and luxury when I inhale these vapors. The palate has heat to be sure, but it is rich and smooth on the tongue. The taste is chocolate forward and is accompanied by cinnamon, vanilla, and notes of bright fruit. There is a smokey, peppery heat as the sip works its way back and down. The medium finish starts hot but quickly mellows into a warm, nutty spice and a lavish smokiness. By the third sip, I am adjusting to the heat and feel that I keep experiencing new flavors while at the same time being certain there is more underneath. Bold and complex is a great way to describe the 1920 and I am excited to see how a splash of water or some ice open this one up. If chocolate and heat are not what you are looking for, stay away from the 1920, but if you are looking for a bourbon that encapsulates the hedonistic and outrageous mood of the Roaring 20s, this is the one for you.
Bruce,
Caramel and vanilla with a softness that is unsuspecting of 115 proof
Albert,
First taste it neat. Add ice or water, takes that high proof edge off. Kick back and enjoy. Love it!
Thomas,
Amazing flavor. Complex and sweet.
PAUL,
Will try to always have a bottle on hand.
Emily,
So smooth with a perfect warming finish
guest,
Loved
RYAN,
Incredibly smooth and full body. Particular impressive at 115 proof.
Skip,
The glass makes a huge difference! Tried in a whiskey glass and glencairn, I liked it in my glencairn better (might be different story on the rocks, haven't tried yet). Each time letting it sit for awhile was key. That being said was pleasantly surprised, the bold quickly faded to smooth for a nice chocolaty, caramel, and Graham cracker finish. Would buy again.
Trevor,
Truly a different taste due to the proof. Certainly not a nightly drink or in large quantity , but a great bourbon with a unique story around it.
Sam,
Real good. I dig this bourbon. Strong nice taste actually surprised at such a high proof how smooth it is no bite! Definitely a keeper.
Donald,
Best cask strength bourbon whiskey for $60. Perfect flavor.
Athanasios,
Incredibly strong and packs a punch. One of my favorite bourbons, but definitely a small quantity special occasion drink.
Robert,
Rice velvety with hints of chocolate.
Robert,
I had to stop my routine manhattan-making and take a moment to reflect on this bourbon... HOLD THE VERMOUTH! It's too good on its own to sully with any extras. It is bold and beautiful. This is what men (and women we like) do!
Bryan,
Great bottle. I like to add a touch of water for sippin, but man it's a nice one.
Jose,
This was a a nice, smooth bourbon. I always try it without and with ice. Without ice, had a bit of a bite at the beginning, but still smooth. You have to try it twice. Second time it's much better. I enjoyed best with a cube of ice. Will order again.
Steven,
Excellent! Strong but easy and a great finish
William,
This is what a Bourbon should be! Full of flavor and strong straight up or over ice, Yum!
Matthew,
Stout and delicious!
Rodney,
Love this juice
steven,
Start- 7/10
Finish- 9/10
Flavor- 8/10
Uniqueness- 8/10
Overall- 8/10
Wonderful sipping bourbon over ice. As the ice melts it brings out the flavors and balances the high proof. Hits hard but almost immediately mellows itself and finishes with a noticeable dark chocolate that is really enjoyable.
Allen,
This is what I look for in a bourbon. Rich and complex. Some sweetness without overdoing it. Dark fruits and oak. The high proof forces you to sip which is exactly what this deserves.
John,
Discovered this one at local liquor store that had a vendor sampling different bottles of Old Forester. This one had a unique taste. If I recall: woody and with a bite
Christina,
An exceptional bourbon. Overpriced, but it tastes as smooth and delicious as you'll find easily on the shelf.
Gene,
I found this way too bitter.
Rich,
Sweet, smooth flavor without being too much. A nice lingering finish tops it off. Great to sip on. Otherwise it will kick you with its proof.
Dusty,
This is the best offering from Old Forester and it's an excellent bourbon. The heat from the high proof lends to the complex flavor rather than distracting from it. Smooth and rich, A+.
arne,
what a great bourbon! rich, complex, no dominating note. slight burn throughout which I didn’t mind
Christopher,
This is the essence of high class bourbon. I love the flavor, the high test and the overall smooth anticipation of a bourbon blanket across your chest.
Brad,
I love 1920. Very full flavored and not too much heat for a 110 proof.
Mark,
After an initial punch from this high proof gem, the nose blossoms with fruit and caramel. Toasted sugar and oak palate with a rich mouthfeel. Long finish turning spicy. Really great.
Glenn,
Good solid whiskey.
Benjamin,
Hard to beat
Will,
This is my favorite old forester (thats readily available). It drinks like its 115 proof and benefits from a drop or 2 of water. Has nice complexity and a long finish. Maybe not the best value bourbon around but worth the price in my opinion.
Troy,
Packs a punch! Enjoy this for a stiff Manhattan
Lewis,
Very hot without diluting it some. Tastes good once diluted some.
Joseph,
Very nice bourbon, just the right amount of heat. 115 proof For me it is on the high side of being a staple on my shelf, but every time I've had it, I've been overwhelmed with flavor. .I enjoy the subtle hints of molasses and vanilla
Jeff,
Best Old Forester- must try Complex flavors
Burton,
One of my favorites. Powerful, but tasty. If I could have only five bourbons the rest of my life this would be one of them.
Blake,
Very good. Not worth what the price it is rising to.
Ro,
Awesome addition to the old forester repertoire. Great bourbon
Kent,
This is a very enjoyable bourbon. I think the price point is appropriate. Try it neat or on the rocks.
chris,
Very nice bourbon, just the right amount of heat. 115 proof is an unusual number, but cannot argue with the results.
Mike,
This is a top 5 bourbon for me. Don’t know of any better in the $60 range.
Jeffrey,
Personal favorite, so smooth for 115 proof
Charles,
This is the standout in the Whiskey Row series. For me it is on the high side of being a staple on my shelf, but every time I've had it, I've been overwhelmed with flavor. I'd recommend trying it at a bar before making the investment, but if it's in your wheelhouse, you'll be back for more.
John,
I love how it tastes and unlike most it just slams you with smoothness. I can't reccommend it enough but please drink it responsibily its potent
Ted,
This is a great Bourbon for when you need a good kick in the pants. I enjoy the subtle hints of molasses and vanilla (maybe?), plus the strength of the 115 proof reminds me of what life used to be like back in the ol' days. Although I usually enjoy a cube with my bourbons, I sipped this one neat, because I felt it deserved it. I will definitely keep this one part of the "private stash" to enjoy when I need something a bit stronger. Definitely worth having in my collection though!
Calvin,
I though this was smooth for 115. I wish I could give you more info, but I am not too confident in pulling flavors and aromas out, yet. I like it neat. I like it with a cube of ice. I like it in an Old Fashioned. One of my faves so far.
Bill,
Very strong. Pleasant cherry and chocolate flavors at first taste, and then the wallop comes in on the backend with a slightly smoky sweetness. Glad to have it in my bar, but not sure if I'll make it a staple.
Chase,
Very strong tasting
Scott,
I like a smooth drink and this wasn't that at all. Seemed harsh. Ok flavor. Just not for me.
Chad,
Very tasty. Easy-drinking with quite a kick. This is good stuff!
Oscar,
I purchased this one on a whim and I'm glad I did. Smooth finish. Easy to sip. Nice sweet caramel flavor. Overall great.
David,
It was great
Jennifer,
Sweet buttery caramel finish with a wonderful warmth, like cozying up to a warm fire on a crisp fall/winter night
Ted,
I love it had an amazing taste and after the fact other flavors started appearing had hints of vanilla and caramel mainly but deffinetly one of my new favorites
Wes,
Excellent!
Marlon,
Glad to get my hands on this. Taste the rich caramel and spicy bite. Enjoyed best with ice.
Tom,
Love this bourbon, easily made it into my top 3. At 115 proof I prefer it with ice or a little water
Ross,
As good as OFBB at about a fourth of the price.
Jennifer,
Good
guest,
Great bourbon!
Scott,
This is my staple bourbon. Nice and well rounded with Carmel notes and a smooth finish despite its alcohol content. Excellent in old fashioneds
guest,
I love everything about this
Michael,
Not top shelf, but certainly should be on your top shelf. Has the sting, the sweet and the smooth you want from a good bourbon.
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