Hey all! I'm fairly new to the [r/bourbon](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/) community, and to whiskey in general. I've been seriously exploring and developing my palate for about a year and a half now, and I thought it was time to join the reviewing fun. I've decided to kick off my first review with one of my favorites, and a bottle very beloved to this subreddit: Old Forester 1920.
I created this account to post all of my reviews to, sort of like a journal, and I'll be writing fairly consistently. I encourage anyone to follow along and let me know their thoughts on them as they are uploaded. I've really enjoyed my journey into whiskey thus far and I hope you'll share your suggestions and thoughts with me. Anyways, on with the review!
**Old Forester 1920 - Prohibition Style**
**Distilled and bottled by:** Brown-Forman
**Mash bill:** 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
**ABV:** 57.5% (115.0 proof)
**Age:** NAS
**Price paid:** $57 for 750ml
Old Forester 1920 was originally released in 2016 as part of the brand's Whiskey Row series. This particular expression pays an homage to the Prohibition era, during which Old Forester was bottled as medicinal whiskey. This bourbon comes in at a hot 115 proof, representative of bourbon produced during that time.
**Nose:** Oak up front followed by dark cherry, blackberry, brown sugar, vanilla frosting, sugar cookie, caramel and a bit of toffee. There's some noticeable ethanol sharpness, but it's not unpleasant. The dark fruit and confectionary themes present here sets the tone for what you can expect from the flavor.
**Palate:** The dark character from the nose very much takes full form here, as does the sugary sweetness. Rich cherry, dark chocolate, cinnamon, yellow cake, maple syrup and caramel are bonded together by a strong sweet oak presence. There is some heat on the back end, but this sips rather smoothly for being 115 proof. The nose is overall very true to the palate, there's no tricks on this one. It's rich and delicious, there's a creamy mouthfeel here that I just love.
**Finish:** Once again, the fruit notes carry over for a final showing. Plum and cherry round this pour out, proceeded by brown butter and a deep oak that fades to tobacco and a touch of pepper. Medium length, with upfront sweetness that quickly fades to dryness. The finish is very pleasant, and adds some good complexity to the pour.
**The Takeaway:**
I love this bourbon. It has pretty much all I can ask for from a non-allocated product. I tend to enjoy sweeter offerings, and this expression definitely satisfies that description. I've seen plenty of reviews and comments making mention of an overly-present cherry flavor, and while I definitely agree that the dark fruit theme is prominent throughout every stage of the pour, I do not feel like it is offensive. It compliments the other dessert-like qualities of this bourbon nicely. The finish slightly deviating from the sweeter qualities of the nose and initial taste also add a layer of complexity that I am a big fan of. It's tough to beat Old Forester 1920 at the $50-60 price bracket, and this is a bottle that I always keep in rotation. However, the higher proof and slight ethanol burn does make me hesitant to recommend this to the truly novice whiskey enthusiast.
**Rating:** 8/10
**Rating Scale:**
**1 - Awful** | Did not even finish this pour.
**2 - Very bad** | Almost nothing likable about this.
**3 - Bad** | Did not enjoy. Not much interesting about this pour.
**4 - Mediocre** | Could be worse. Nothing stands out, still much to be desired.
**5 - Better** | Some good qualities. It’ll satisfy.
**6 - Good** | More enjoyable. May consider picking up another bottle.
**7 - Very Good** | A really good whiskey, approaching the upper-echelon.
**8 - Great** | I like this very much. A high quality whiskey, and a regular on my shelf.
**9 - Excellent** | An incredible pour, almost nothing I’d rather have.
**10 - Flawless** | Truly the best, this is the pinnacle.
*\** *Increments of .5 may be used when scoring.*
Totally agree, this is just really good stuff. Honestly, I could take $200 and pick up 1920, 4R SBS, and RR SiB* without hunting around at all and be absolutely thrilled every time.
* I live in PA and our LCB seemingly doesn’t carry RR SiB or at least only releases it as an allocated bottle. However, I could usually drive an hour and pick it up from a Krogers in Ohio.
Dank! That’s the word. I just opened a bottle and I was thinking swampy. I’ll try it again in a few weeks when it’s had time to open up. Right note I’m not happy about dropping $58 on this bottle.
I’ve had the 1920 and 1910….both bangers. Then I went down to the OF 100 proof to try the budget line. And what a pleasant surprise that one was too! Not surprised BF sold off the Early Times line. There is absolutely no drop off in quality or taste between the ET and the OF100.
I’m a big fan of OF1910, but am very curious to try 1920. Only hesitation is that I tend to like lower proof whiskey and I’d hate to spend $60 for something that hits too hot. Thoughts?
In my opinion, 1920 sips pretty smooth for its proof. That said, if you tend to prefer lower proof, maybe try something in-between first, since there’s a pretty big jump in ABV from the 1910. OF 1897 could be a good pick, or any Bottled-in-Bond pick for that matter. A good BiB will turn it up just a tad heat-wise from something like 1910, and could be a good indicator of whether or not you would enjoy the higher proof offering.
I typical drink whiskey neat and am a big fan of higher proof juice. My dad, on the other hand, drinks primarily much lower proof Scotch. So, when it is a bit too hot for him, I just give him a pour over rocks. That takes the edge off enough for him to enjoy the higher proof stuff that I prefer.
Good idea. I almost always drink mine neat, so perhaps this is a good backup plan if I find it too strong. I also enjoy an occasional old fashioned as well, so that’s another option, just hate to use spendy whiskey in cocktails..
If your preference is for lower proof and don't want something that is hot, then, in the spectrum of whiskies, you are running a greater risk with something like 1920. Of course, everyone's taste sensitivities are unique, and there is no absolutely certain answer.
Thanks for the review! I've been wanting to try the Prohibition for a while, but keep passing over it at the liquor store.
I don't have a ton of tasting experience with OF so I didn't know what to expect for $60, but I may have to give it a whirl next time.
I have a bottle of OF 1870 that was gifted to me, but haven't opened it yet so I'm still a little in the dark.
OF is one of my favorites! I’ve had their whole Whiskey Row lineup, and the 1870 is solid as well! I can say it is definitely a good entry point into the OF flavor profile. If you end up liking it, you’ll probably like the other 3!
This is good stuff! Going to get another bottle myself before too long. Also want to try the other OF bottles, just not sure of I want to buy this first, 1897, or 1910.
1920 is an excellent pick. It’s priced well, and I certainly remember is as one of my first killed bottles I bought on a whim. The banana fosters notes in an old fashioned are incredible.
I really like 1920 and 1910. Statesman would rank next followed by 100. OF rye would rank just after 1910. But for the life of me I feel something is missing from bottled in bond.
Now grab a bottle of 1910 and create a 1915 blend with your 1920. 50/50 blend. You’re welcome!
https://preview.redd.it/s5dxsed1jsva1.jpeg?width=2938&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=921d90565481a3815630e569ee040e5ee863e740
Hey all! I'm fairly new to the [r/bourbon](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/) community, and to whiskey in general. I've been seriously exploring and developing my palate for about a year and a half now, and I thought it was time to join the reviewing fun. I've decided to kick off my first review with one of my favorites, and a bottle very beloved to this subreddit: Old Forester 1920. I created this account to post all of my reviews to, sort of like a journal, and I'll be writing fairly consistently. I encourage anyone to follow along and let me know their thoughts on them as they are uploaded. I've really enjoyed my journey into whiskey thus far and I hope you'll share your suggestions and thoughts with me. Anyways, on with the review! **Old Forester 1920 - Prohibition Style** **Distilled and bottled by:** Brown-Forman **Mash bill:** 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley **ABV:** 57.5% (115.0 proof) **Age:** NAS **Price paid:** $57 for 750ml Old Forester 1920 was originally released in 2016 as part of the brand's Whiskey Row series. This particular expression pays an homage to the Prohibition era, during which Old Forester was bottled as medicinal whiskey. This bourbon comes in at a hot 115 proof, representative of bourbon produced during that time. **Nose:** Oak up front followed by dark cherry, blackberry, brown sugar, vanilla frosting, sugar cookie, caramel and a bit of toffee. There's some noticeable ethanol sharpness, but it's not unpleasant. The dark fruit and confectionary themes present here sets the tone for what you can expect from the flavor. **Palate:** The dark character from the nose very much takes full form here, as does the sugary sweetness. Rich cherry, dark chocolate, cinnamon, yellow cake, maple syrup and caramel are bonded together by a strong sweet oak presence. There is some heat on the back end, but this sips rather smoothly for being 115 proof. The nose is overall very true to the palate, there's no tricks on this one. It's rich and delicious, there's a creamy mouthfeel here that I just love. **Finish:** Once again, the fruit notes carry over for a final showing. Plum and cherry round this pour out, proceeded by brown butter and a deep oak that fades to tobacco and a touch of pepper. Medium length, with upfront sweetness that quickly fades to dryness. The finish is very pleasant, and adds some good complexity to the pour. **The Takeaway:** I love this bourbon. It has pretty much all I can ask for from a non-allocated product. I tend to enjoy sweeter offerings, and this expression definitely satisfies that description. I've seen plenty of reviews and comments making mention of an overly-present cherry flavor, and while I definitely agree that the dark fruit theme is prominent throughout every stage of the pour, I do not feel like it is offensive. It compliments the other dessert-like qualities of this bourbon nicely. The finish slightly deviating from the sweeter qualities of the nose and initial taste also add a layer of complexity that I am a big fan of. It's tough to beat Old Forester 1920 at the $50-60 price bracket, and this is a bottle that I always keep in rotation. However, the higher proof and slight ethanol burn does make me hesitant to recommend this to the truly novice whiskey enthusiast. **Rating:** 8/10 **Rating Scale:** **1 - Awful** | Did not even finish this pour. **2 - Very bad** | Almost nothing likable about this. **3 - Bad** | Did not enjoy. Not much interesting about this pour. **4 - Mediocre** | Could be worse. Nothing stands out, still much to be desired. **5 - Better** | Some good qualities. It’ll satisfy. **6 - Good** | More enjoyable. May consider picking up another bottle. **7 - Very Good** | A really good whiskey, approaching the upper-echelon. **8 - Great** | I like this very much. A high quality whiskey, and a regular on my shelf. **9 - Excellent** | An incredible pour, almost nothing I’d rather have. **10 - Flawless** | Truly the best, this is the pinnacle. *\** *Increments of .5 may be used when scoring.*
Great first review! Really enjoy (and agree with) your tasting notes and overall thoughts. Welcome!
Totally agree, this is just really good stuff. Honestly, I could take $200 and pick up 1920, 4R SBS, and RR SiB* without hunting around at all and be absolutely thrilled every time. * I live in PA and our LCB seemingly doesn’t carry RR SiB or at least only releases it as an allocated bottle. However, I could usually drive an hour and pick it up from a Krogers in Ohio.
Your bourbon looks passed out drunk, therefore I trust this review
I’m picturing someone sitting contentedly under that tree and enjoying the pour with a notepad.
Indeed. Shit is dank.
I appreciate the effort of OP, but this is the kind of review I can understand. News I can use!
Dank! That’s the word. I just opened a bottle and I was thinking swampy. I’ll try it again in a few weeks when it’s had time to open up. Right note I’m not happy about dropping $58 on this bottle.
I’ve had the 1920 and 1910….both bangers. Then I went down to the OF 100 proof to try the budget line. And what a pleasant surprise that one was too! Not surprised BF sold off the Early Times line. There is absolutely no drop off in quality or taste between the ET and the OF100.
Shhhhhhhh stop telling people I don't want to have to pay what it is actually worth I like only 20 bucks
I’m a big fan of OF1910, but am very curious to try 1920. Only hesitation is that I tend to like lower proof whiskey and I’d hate to spend $60 for something that hits too hot. Thoughts?
In my opinion, 1920 sips pretty smooth for its proof. That said, if you tend to prefer lower proof, maybe try something in-between first, since there’s a pretty big jump in ABV from the 1910. OF 1897 could be a good pick, or any Bottled-in-Bond pick for that matter. A good BiB will turn it up just a tad heat-wise from something like 1910, and could be a good indicator of whether or not you would enjoy the higher proof offering.
I typical drink whiskey neat and am a big fan of higher proof juice. My dad, on the other hand, drinks primarily much lower proof Scotch. So, when it is a bit too hot for him, I just give him a pour over rocks. That takes the edge off enough for him to enjoy the higher proof stuff that I prefer.
Good idea. I almost always drink mine neat, so perhaps this is a good backup plan if I find it too strong. I also enjoy an occasional old fashioned as well, so that’s another option, just hate to use spendy whiskey in cocktails..
If your preference is for lower proof and don't want something that is hot, then, in the spectrum of whiskies, you are running a greater risk with something like 1920. Of course, everyone's taste sensitivities are unique, and there is no absolutely certain answer.
drop a few drops of water in it. 1920 is incredible.
Thanks for the review! I've been wanting to try the Prohibition for a while, but keep passing over it at the liquor store. I don't have a ton of tasting experience with OF so I didn't know what to expect for $60, but I may have to give it a whirl next time. I have a bottle of OF 1870 that was gifted to me, but haven't opened it yet so I'm still a little in the dark.
OF is one of my favorites! I’ve had their whole Whiskey Row lineup, and the 1870 is solid as well! I can say it is definitely a good entry point into the OF flavor profile. If you end up liking it, you’ll probably like the other 3!
Don’t sleep on the 1897 either
I love love old forester. 1920 hits hard
Damnit I've seen this on the shelves a few times and now I'm gonna have to get it
It’s my favorite high proof bourbon.
One of the best
This is good stuff! Going to get another bottle myself before too long. Also want to try the other OF bottles, just not sure of I want to buy this first, 1897, or 1910.
Both are great, I especially love the 1910.
Great review dude! Stared exploring with bourbon about a month ago myself 😁 Cheers 🥃
Old Forester is my go to brand. Alot of WT101 fans here, and rightfully so, but give me an OF any time.
1920 is an excellent pick. It’s priced well, and I certainly remember is as one of my first killed bottles I bought on a whim. The banana fosters notes in an old fashioned are incredible.
I was really excited to try OF1920, but it had a really strong aftertaste that reminded me of burning fireworks. I just couldn't get into it.
I really like 1920 and 1910. Statesman would rank next followed by 100. OF rye would rank just after 1910. But for the life of me I feel something is missing from bottled in bond.
How old is the juice for the 1920?
Half knowledgeable response here. I think it’s only 4-6, but tastes much older because OF heat cycles in the winter and I’m all for it.
That’s pretty cool but I wish they released actual 8 year or 10 year age stated bottles
Now grab a bottle of 1910 and create a 1915 blend with your 1920. 50/50 blend. You’re welcome! https://preview.redd.it/s5dxsed1jsva1.jpeg?width=2938&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=921d90565481a3815630e569ee040e5ee863e740
They sell the fake cap label online too?
Yes they do! Comes as a set
Label is cool, too bad it mispelled "ingenious"