Old Forester 1920 Bourbon is a Bourbon Whiskey from the Old Forester Whiskey brand crafted in United States .
Old Forester 1920 Bourbon is a high-proof whiskey that pays homage to the Prohibition era, when the distillery was one of only ten granted permission to continue producing whiskey for medicinal purposes. This 115-proof bourbon recreates the "medicinal" whiskey of that time, offering a bold and complex flavor profile that's both a nod to history and a treat for modern bourbon enthusiasts. Interestingly, during Prohibition, patients could obtain a prescription for whiskey from their doctor and receive a pint of bourbon from a pharmacy every ten days. This loophole allowed Old Forester to continue production and maintain its status as America's First Bottled Bourbon, a title it still holds today.
Old Forester 1920 Bourbon stands out for cocktail enthusiasts due to its bold, high-proof character (115 proof) that holds up beautifully in mixed drinks. This expression pays homage to Prohibition-era bourbon, offering intense flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon that add depth and complexity to classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Old Forester 1920 Bourbon shines when sipped neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing its robust flavors to unfold gradually on the palate. This high-proof whiskey also stands up beautifully in spirit-forward cocktails, making it ideal for cooler autumn evenings paired with hearty dishes like grilled meats or rich, smoky barbecue.
Nose: Rich caramel and vanilla lead, followed by toasted oak and a hint of dark cherry. Spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg emerge, along with a subtle smoky char. There's a slight ethanol bite, reminding you of its high proof.
Palate: Full-bodied and intense. Dark chocolate and espresso hit first, followed by waves of butterscotch and maple syrup. Rye spice builds, bringing black pepper and clove. Charred oak provides a sturdy backbone. The high alcohol content creates a warming sensation without overwhelming the flavors.
Finish: Long and satisfying. The sweetness fades, leaving lingering notes of dark fruit, particularly dried figs and raisins. Toasted pecans and leather emerge. A pleasant oak dryness and residual spice tingle on the tongue, inviting another sip.
Old Forester 1920 Bourbon is crafted using a high-rye mashbill and aged in heavily charred oak barrels. What's intriguing about its production is that it's bottled at 115 proof (57.5% ABV), mimicking the batches of Old Forester that were bottled exclusively for medicinal use during Prohibition, giving modern drinkers a taste of history.
Search our full library for recipes using this bottle.
Explore LibraryDiscover delicious ways to enjoy Old Forester 1920 Bourbon in our curated Cocktail Library.
View RecipesTop shelf bourbon!
Too hard to choose? Send a gift card.
Please drink responsibly. CA Residents: Proposition 65 Warning.
