Introduction
Today, we're diving into the Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style bourbon. Old Forester is a well-known brand, especially for its budget-friendly offerings. However, this particular release is part of their specialty line, which has been gaining quite the reputation. The 1920 is a high-proof bourbon, clocking in at 115 proof, and it doesn’t carry an age statement. It’s the only Old Forester that Bob really enjoys, and he’s been raving about it since his first sip. Brad, on the other hand, is relatively new to Old Forester, making this review an exciting journey for both of them.
This review was taken from our episode "The Lord of The Rings/The Fellowship of the Ring / Old Forester 1920 Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: The nose on this bourbon is really complex. Even though it’s 115 proof, you wouldn't immediately guess that from the smell. It has this dark, rich medley of spices, coffee, chocolate, and toffee butterscotch. It’s like every great dark note that a bourbon could have, all rolled into one.
Brad: I’m getting some dark chocolate notes, which I don’t often find in other whiskeys. Despite all that darkness, there’s still a hint of vanilla that cuts through. It reminds me of when my wife accidentally spilled some vanilla while baking—it just makes me want to dive right into this whiskey.
Scores:
- Bob: 8.5/10
- Brad: 8/10
Taste
Brad: Wow, this is a bourbon! The flavor is intense, with a prominent toffee note, almost like toffee that’s been cooked just a little too long. It’s dark, rich, and spectacular.
Bob: The taste is phenomenal, but it’s definitely a whiskey you want to let breathe for a few minutes. If you sip it right away, it’s like drinking straight black coffee—very stringent. But once it mellows out, it becomes this beautifully rounded, complex bourbon with strong toffee and butterscotch notes.
Scores:
- Brad: 8.5/10
- Bob: 8/10
Finish
Brad: The finish is solid, but it dissipates quickly. I wish the flavor sat on my palate longer because it’s really good. The spices on the palate don’t lead to any sourness, which I appreciate, but I do find myself wanting more of that lingering taste.
Bob: It’s a whiskey you have to chew on a bit, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression after you swallow. It’s very mouthwatering, but the finish fades quickly. There’s a distinct flavor, almost like a flavored coffee, which I find interesting but it doesn’t stick around.
Scores:
- Brad: 7.5/10
- Bob: 6.5/10
Balance
Bob: The nose was incredible, the taste was great, but the finish tapered off a bit for me. Overall, it’s still a well-balanced whiskey, better than most we drink. I think there was a decrease in quality as we went along, but it’s still a phenomenal whiskey.
Brad: Considering the 115 proof, it’s incredibly sippable. There’s a decent amount of viscosity on the front end, which I appreciate. I’m really impressed with the balance here.
Scores:
- Bob: 7.5/10
- Brad: 7.5/10
Value
Bob: Now, let’s talk about the price. This is a high-end bourbon, priced at $59 in Ohio. It’s widely available, which is a huge plus, but $60 is an investment. However, I still think it’s worth it—one of the better high-proof bourbons out there.
Brad: It’s not perfect, but we’re really nitpicking here. For $60, I would highly recommend it. It’s a heck of a bourbon with amazing stuff going on, and well worth the investment. Plus, it’s great to share with friends.
Scores:
- Bob: 7/10
- Brad: 8/10
Final Scores
- Bob: 37.5/50
- Brad: 39/50
Combined, that gives Old Forester 1920 a 38.25/50. This puts it in the upper echelon of whiskeys we've reviewed, and we'd highly recommend trying it. It’s a well-balanced, flavorful bourbon that’s accessible and enjoyable, especially if you’re into high-proof spirits.
Conclusion
At a score of 38.25/50, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style bourbon is a fantastic option, especially if you're looking to explore a high-proof bourbon that doesn’t require hunting down. This is a great bottle to try at a bar, and at $60, it’s definitely worth considering for your collection. For context, a score of 40/50 is considered great, and anything above 45/50 is excellent. With that in mind, this bourbon is well worth the pour.
