Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 750ML

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style 750ML is a 115-proof (57.5% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon that recreates the barrel-proof character of whiskey produced during Prohibition. A Double Gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 91-point Whisky Advocate Value Pick, this expression stands out as one of the most acclaimed bourbons in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 57.5% (115 Proof)  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Prohibition-Era Inspired, Barrel-Proof Character  |  Distillery: Old Forester

Production & Heritage

Old Forester holds the distinction of being America's first bottled bourbon, continuously produced by Brown-Forman since 1870—even maintaining a medicinal whiskey permit through Prohibition. The 1920 expression uses the house mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, aged a minimum of four years in new charred American oak barrels at a 100-proof barrel entry. During maturation, the angel's share naturally concentrates the liquid to approximately 115 proof, and rather than proofing down, the distillery bottles at that full-barrel strength to honor the flavor profile bourbon would have carried in 1920. The result comes from meticulous barrel selection and blending rather than any finishing or secondary maturation technique.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense cherry preserves and drippy dark caramel before deepening into cocoa powder, thickened maple syrup, and seasoned oak spiciness. Roasted nuts and dried fruit emerge as the glass warms.

Taste: The palate entry is immediately rich—dark caramel coats the tongue, giving way to layers of malt nuttiness, sweet graham cracker, and chocolate fudge at mid-palate. Green peppercorn, coriander spice, and a hint of cedar arrive at the peak, providing structure without overwhelming the sweetness. Despite 115 proof, the alcohol integrates remarkably well; Whisky Advocate noted it is "hard to believe this is over 100 proof."

Finish: The finish is extremely long, beginning with tart apple crispness that transitions into toasted marshmallow, smoky charred oak, and lingering chocolate. Cinnamon and cherry carry through to the very end, rewarding patience between sips.

How to Drink 1920 Prohibition Style

At 115 proof, this bourbon rewards a few drops of water or a single large ice cube to open up the layers of caramel, chocolate, and dark fruit without diminishing intensity; neat is equally satisfying once the glass has rested for a few minutes.

• Old Fashioned: The dense caramel and baking spice backbone holds its structure beautifully against sugar and bitters, even with dilution from ice.
• Boulevardier: The high proof and chocolate-forward character push through sweet vermouth and Campari, creating a richer, more assertive variation.
• Manhattan: Cherry and dark fruit notes in the bourbon complement sweet vermouth naturally, while the 115 proof prevents the whiskey from disappearing in the mix.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts seeking barrel-proof intensity with accessible complexity
• Gifting a whiskey lover who appreciates historically inspired expressions
• Building high-proof Old Fashioneds and Manhattans with serious depth
• Side-by-side tastings across the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Forester 1920 taste like? The dominant profile centers on dark caramel, chocolate fudge, and cherry preserves, layered with baking spice and charred oak. Despite 115 proof, the alcohol is remarkably well-integrated, letting nuances of graham cracker, coriander, and toasted marshmallow emerge clearly.

How does Old Forester 1920 compare to E.H. Taylor Small Batch? E.H. Taylor Small Batch is a bottled-in-bond bourbon at 100 proof (50% ABV) with a lighter, more floral and vanilla-forward profile, scored 90 points by Whisky Advocate. Old Forester 1920 runs 15 proof higher with a denser, darker flavor profile emphasizing chocolate, cherry, and caramel, earning 91 points from the same publication.

Is Old Forester 1920 good for sipping neat? Yes—despite its high proof, reviewers consistently note how well the alcohol integrates into the flavor, making it one of the more approachable barrel-strength-style bourbons for neat sipping. A brief rest in the glass or a few drops of water can further soften the entry.

Where is Old Forester 1920 made? It is produced at the Old Forester Distillery on Whisky Row in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, operated by Brown-Forman, which has produced the Old Forester brand continuously since 1870.

What foods pair well with Old Forester 1920? Dark chocolate truffles amplify its cocoa and cherry notes. Smoked brisket or pulled pork matches the charred oak character. Pecan pie echoes the caramel and nut flavors in the bourbon. Aged cheddar or Gruyère stands up to the high proof, and crème brûlée mirrors the dessert-like sweetness in the finish.

What sizes does Old Forester 1920 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Old Forester 1920 worth the price? Old Forester 1920 positions as a premium bourbon that consistently over-delivers relative to its price tier, which is why Whisky Advocate designated it a Value Pick alongside its 91-point score. Its Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition further reinforces its standing among bourbons that cost significantly more.

Why Old Forester 1920?

What separates this expression from the crowded high-proof bourbon field is its historically grounded production approach: entering barrels at 100 proof and bottling at the natural maturation strength of 115 proof, rather than simply choosing an arbitrary proof point. The result is a bourbon where intensity and nuance coexist—dense caramel and chocolate complexity without the harsh ethanol bite that plagues many overproof competitors. A 91-point score and Value Pick designation from Whisky Advocate, combined with Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, place it among the most critically validated bourbons on the shelf. For drinkers who want barrel-proof character with proven consistency from America's oldest continuously produced bourbon brand, the 1920 Prohibition Style is a benchmark.