Bourbon Review
Old Forester 1920
Prohibition Style — Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey · 115 Proof
⚑ Placeholder review — tasting notes to be updated after the pour.
The Story
The 1920 is the boldest expression in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, a lineup of four bourbons inspired by different chapters in the brand's history. This one nods to Prohibition, when Old Forester was one of a handful of distilleries licensed to produce bourbon for "medicinal purposes" — which, conveniently, kept the lights on through the dry years. The 115-proof bottling is a deliberate callback to the style of whiskey that would have been produced at that strength before dilution or blending. It doesn't ask permission and doesn't apologize for it.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Bold from the first whiff — concentrated caramel, toasted oak, and dark fruit push forward with confidence. There's a pleasing mint and cherry cola character that's distinctly Old Forester, amplified by the higher proof. A splash of water opens it up nicely if the heat is a lot, revealing dark chocolate and dried fig underneath.
Palate
Big, chewy, and warming. The 115 proof delivers a mouthfeel that the lower-proof expressions in the lineup simply can't match. Brown sugar and vanilla anchor the sweetness while bold oak tannins, cinnamon, and black pepper provide structure. There's a molasses note mid-palate that gives it a distinctive richness.
Finish
Long and warming with lingering spice and oak. The sweetness fades into a dry, peppery tail. If you add a small splash of water the finish softens considerably and the fruit notes come back around. Either way, it sticks around.