Rounding out this run of Old Forester is THE most requested whiskey review for the site: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style. Clocking in at 115 proof, it’s the highest proof of the “new” core which seems at odds with something referencing prohibition. Though once you dig in, it makes a bit more sense.
During prohibition, the Old Forester distillery was allowed to stay open and make medicinal whiskey. During this time they barreled at 100 proof making the end result, post-angel’s share, around 115 proof. This is their homage to the whiskey they made during prohibition.
With the interesting details covered, it’s time to get to crack this whiskey, get to drinkin’ and see which is better: the story, or the whiskey.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Style: Bourbon (Straight)
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Old Forester
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Cask (x2)
Age: 4+ Years
ABV: 57.5%
Price: $55
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Tasting Notes
EYE
Polished oak
NOSE
Oak, caramel, roasted nuts, vanilla pudding, copper, corn bread, honey, dried dark fruit and some baking spice.
This is what I’m talking about, this is Old Forester bourbon.
PALATE
Oak, caramel, roasted nuts, vanilla pudding, copper, corn bread, honey, dried dark fruit and some baking spice and farmy notes.
Carbon copy of the aroma with a slight addition of some grainy/farmy notes peeking through towards the end.
FINISH
Long -> Oak, cocoa, baking spice, dried dark fruit and copper fades dryly to a grainy/farmy quality.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Great balance, full body and a warm heavy feel.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style – Overall Thoughts and Score
This is, without a doubt, the king of the current core line and makes sense why I keep getting so many requests to review it. The aroma and palate are dark and heavy, but in a warm and inviting way – like a giant bear blanket. The finsh pulls out the best notes from the palate and fades away slowly.
It does get a bit dry and tannic as it fades out, leaving the mouth a bit dry and puckered, but I’ve never minded a bit of that, just like I don’t mind a bit of sulfur. It adds a bit more dimension to the Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style and the experience of drinking it. All-in-all, I’m digging!
Score: 4/5
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Review $55
Summary
This is a heavy, HEAVY, whiskey. The complexity does suffer a bit under its oaky weight, but not enough to really complain about.
Overall
4- Nose (4)
- Palate (4)
- Finish (4)
- BBF (4)
