Zachary-Robbins
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
April 3, 2020 (edited November 30, 2021)
After trying four Old Forester products in the last 6 months I've concluded Distiller Expert Reviewers have a grudge against this product line. It's quickly become one of my favorite American whiskey brands. Almost always available at my local ABCs, this is an excellent high proof bourbon buy. I purchased this before Christmas with my brother and split the bottle putting my half into a Jack Daniel's SiB 375 mL (also split a Pikesville Rye).
The nose is very sweet without too much oak or ethanol punch. It is primarily berries/cherries with chocolate notes, combined with brown sugar/caramel with oak notes if you inhale deeply. Notably absent, the strong banana note I've gotten with most Brown-Forman products. There is a hint but it has faded over the months I've had it open.
It goes down so smooth. I know it's been open for 3 months but it was excellent upon cracking the bottle. Initially the fruit notes are present but they disappear, with mostly syrup and oak on the taste and finish. The oak spice and/or ethanol are most present on the finish. It is long, lingering for 10-20 seconds.
My brother, who's more into scotch and rye and not as adventurous with high proof bourbons said this was one of his favorite bourbons to date. I highly recommend the 1920 if you're into the denser, sweeter bourbons with low rye spice. It's easily one of my favorites.
59.95
USD
per
Bottle
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@DigitalCork I haven't had 1890 or Statesman yet because I can't yet justify the price for what you're getting when I could grab 1897 or 1920. I'd rather try the OF Signature Single Barrel and new barrel proof if we ever get those in NC.
@Zachary-Robbins Thanks for the answer, very comprehensive. You've given me something to think about!
@DigitalCork I like them both, but they're very different obviously because of the proof and double maturation. I like the 1910 more than Woodford Double Oaked, it has a richer, more rounded sweet oak flavor. 1920 is a very solid near cask strength that was comparable to Knob Creek Cask Strength and ECBP A120 for me. 1920 is almost always available at our stores while 1910 is hard to find. So I'd start with 1920. I liked that it was a lower proof than similar cask strength bottlings, enjoyable to sip. 1897 is good too but maybe a little overpriced.
@Zachary-Robbins If yr an advocate for Old Forester, how does this fare alongside Old Fine Whiskey?
Wish I has a bottle to compare directly with Blantons.....I think we know what the outcome would be
@Ctrexman real facts being spit here. Enjoying a pour right now.
Yes this stuff is great