Old Forester 1920 vs 1910

Old Forester is a legendary bourbon brand that has been producing some of the finest whiskeys since 1870.

The brand has a rich legacy and is celebrated for its ability to maintain the traditional style of whiskey making while embracing modern techniques. Two of their expressions from the Row Series, Old Forester 1920 and Old Forester 1910, have garnered attention for being great-tasting whiskeys.

Old Forester 1920 boasts a higher alcohol proof, making it bolder, richer, and more flavorful than Old Forester 1910. The 1920 expression comes in at 115 proof, while the 1910 comes in at a slightly lower 93 proof. Both whiskeys are double-barreled, but the 1920 is aged for a longer period, giving it a more intense flavor profile.

Whiskey enthusiasts often debate which expression is better, and there are arguments to be made for both. Some prefer the boldness of the 1920, while others enjoy the smoother, more subtle taste of the 1910. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. In this article, we will take a closer look at both expressions, examining their similarities and differences to help readers make an informed decision when choosing between the two.

History of Old Forester

Old Forester is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that was first introduced in 1870.

The brand was created by George Garvin Brown, who was a pharmaceutical salesman before he started his own distillery. Brown’s goal was to create a high-quality bourbon that was consistent in taste and quality, which was a rarity at the time.

The name “Old Forester” was chosen because it was a reference to the job of the forester, who was responsible for overseeing the quality of the wood used to make barrels. The first batch of Old Forester was sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles, which was an innovative approach to packaging at the time.

Old Forester became a popular brand of bourbon in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and it was one of the few brands of whiskey that was allowed to be sold during Prohibition for medicinal purposes. The brand continued to grow in popularity after Prohibition was repealed, and it became a staple of the “Whiskey Row” in Louisville, Kentucky.

Today, Old Forester is owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation, which is a large American-owned spirit and wine company. The brand has a rich history and is known for its high-quality bourbon, which is still made in the same way that it was over a century ago. Old Forester is a beloved brand of bourbon that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.

Understanding the Old Forester Series

Old Forester is a bourbon brand that has been around since 1870. Over the years, the brand has produced several different bourbon varieties, including the Old Forester 1920 and 1910.

These bourbons are part of the Whiskey Row series, which also includes the Old Forester 1870 Original Batch, Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond, and Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky.

The Whiskey Row series pays homage to the historic Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, where Old Forester was founded. Each bourbon in the series represents a different point in Old Forester’s history.

The Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is a tribute to the brand’s survival during Prohibition. It is a high-proof bourbon with a mash bill that includes 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The bourbon is aged for at least four years in new, charred oak barrels, resulting in a rich, spicy flavor with notes of dark chocolate and caramel.

The Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky, on the other hand, is a tribute to a fire that destroyed the Old Forester distillery in 1910. To continue production, the brand had to purchase whiskey from other distilleries and blend it with their own.

This resulted in a unique flavor profile that is replicated in the Old Forester 1910. It has a mash bill that includes 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and is aged in new, charred oak barrels that have been heavily toasted. The result is a smooth, sweet bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel.

The Old Forester 1870 Original Batch is a tribute to the brand’s founder, George Garvin Brown, who created the first bottled bourbon in 1870. It has a mash bill that includes 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and is aged in new, charred oak barrels. The bourbon is then blended to replicate the flavor profile of the original Old Forester.

The Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond is a tribute to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which established strict standards for bonded whiskey. It has a mash bill that includes 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and is aged for at least four years in new, charred oak barrels. The bourbon is then bottled at 100 proof, which was the standard for bonded whiskey at the time.

Detailed Comparison: Old Forester 1920 vs 1910

Old Forester 1920 and 1910 are two popular bourbons from the Old Forester distillery.

While both are part of the Whiskey Row series, they have distinct differences in flavor, aroma, and alcohol content. In this section, we will compare Old Forester 1920 and 1910 in detail.

Alcohol Content

Old Forester 1920 has a higher alcohol proof of 115, while Old Forester 1910 has an alcohol proof of 93. Both bourbons are aged for around 4 to 6 years, but the higher alcohol content in Old Forester 1920 gives it a bolder and richer flavor profile.

Flavor

Old Forester 1920 has a more complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate. It has a rich and full-bodied taste with a long finish. On the other hand, Old Forester 1910 is sweeter and smoother, with a taste that resembles a dessert in a glass. It has a distinct flavor of toasted marshmallows, caramel, and honey, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.

Aroma

Old Forester 1920 has a strong and robust aroma, with hints of oak, vanilla, and spices. It has a rich and complex nose that sets it apart from other bourbons. Old Forester 1910, on the other hand, has a sweet and fruity aroma, with notes of honey, caramel, and toasted marshmallows.

Similarities

Both Old Forester 1920 and 1910 are part of the Whiskey Row series and are aged for around 4 to 6 years. They are both made from the same mash bill, which gives them a similar flavor profile. They also have a smooth and easy-to-drink taste that makes them popular among bourbon enthusiasts.

Differences

The main difference between Old Forester 1920 and 1910 is their alcohol content and flavor profile. Old Forester 1920 has a higher alcohol proof and a more complex flavor profile, while Old Forester 1910 has a sweeter and smoother taste.

Taste Test

In a taste test, Old Forester 1920 was found to have a bolder and richer taste, with a long and satisfying finish. Old Forester 1910, on the other hand, was found to be sweeter and smoother, with a taste that resembled a dessert in a glass. Both bourbons were highly rated by tasters, with Old Forester 1920 coming out on top for its bold and complex flavor profile.