Distillery: Brown-Forman Shively Distillery
Proof: 115
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
BACKGROUND: Old Forester 1920 comes from Brown-Forman Livery Distillery. It is the third expression from the Old Forester series released after 1870 - Original Batch and 1897 - Bottled in Bond, but released before 1910 Old Fine Whiskey (Double Oaked). When prohibition was first introduced into law in 1920 by the Volstead Act, the US government permitted only six (6) distilleries to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Old Forester was one of the 6 given permit KY-3. At that time, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 proof. Therefore, Old Forester would enter the whiskey into the barrel at an entry proof of 100. However, after maturing, the whiskey would be about 115 proof. Therefore, the current expression of Old Forester 1920: Prohibition Style whiskey is also bottled at 115 proof. Old Forester claims that this is the only bourbon that has been continuously sold before, during, and after the prohibition.
NOSE: Not many whiskeys remind me a specific dessert but this nose reminded me of bananas foster all the way! There are creamy and rich citrus fruit and banana notes accompanied by vanilla, brown sugar and oak. My nose tingled a little reminding me of the proof on this but there was no burn. (23/25)
PALATE: As soon as the whiskey touched my lips they started to tingle and the flavor burst in with a force that can be attributed to the proof. It is not overpowering but definitely in your face. The whiskey has really tasty notes of rye spice, citrus fruit, rich caramel syrup, tingly cinnamon and pepper oak. 1920 definitely has a full mouth feel along with some bold flavors but this definitely makes its proof known. (34/40)
FINISH: 1920 has a nice medium finish that has strong nutty notes that are accompanies by rye spice, pepper, and dusty leather. The finish compliments the palate by tapering itself from the proof. (20/25)
VALUE: Old Forester 1920 carries a $60 SRP which is not a bad price at all. It is readily available at most liquor stores and is always tasty. We think that it should be priced around $50 but overall it's not a bad buy. (7/10)
Overall: 84/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Old Forester 1920 is a very tasty and bold whiskey that packs a punch. This not for your novice whiskey drinker but rather is something for those who chase the burn and boldness from higher proof whiskeys. Old Forester always makes tasty cask strength bourbons and this one is no different. If you are a fan of the Booker's, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, or Wild Turkey Rare Breed whiskeys then this is for you.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Larceny Barrel Proof C920
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Booker's 2020-03 Pigskin Batch
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Bear perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
