Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon Review. Still the best $60 bottle on the Market?

Introduction

Old Forester 1920 is widely regarded as the standout release from the brand’s Whiskey Row series—a collection that honors pivotal moments in the company’s history. Introduced in 2016, 1920 Prohibition Style pays homage to the era when Old Forester was one of the few distilleries legally allowed to produce whiskey for medicinal purposes during Prohibition. Bottled at a robust 115 proof, this expression quickly earned a reputation for its rich, full-bodied profile and became a fan-favorite nearly overnight.

But while the early batches of 1920 delivered a layered, decadent pour packed with chocolate, dark fruit, and spice, there’s been growing sentiment in recent years that the magic has faded. And I agree. Over the past 4–5 years, the quality of 1920 seems to have dipped—still good, still a value at retail—but lacking the complexity and wow factor that defined those early bottlings.

A recent development that could be influencing that shift? Brown-Forman—the parent company of Old Forester—announced it will no longer operate its own cooperage. This is a significant move, considering they were one of the few distillers with a vertically integrated barrel production process. With future barrels now being sourced externally, it raises important questions about consistency and control over aging. Barrels are more than storage—they’re responsible for 60–70% of a bourbon’s flavor. Differences in toast, char, wood grain, and seasoning could all subtly impact how future releases taste, potentially influencing expressions like 1920 even further down the road.

In this review, we’ll explore the current state of Old Forester 1920, discuss its place within the broader Whiskey Row lineup, and weigh whether it’s still worth the price of admission in 2025.

Background: The Whiskey Row Series

Old Forester’s Whiskey Row Series is a curated collection of bourbons that commemorate pivotal moments in the brand’s storied history. Each expression is named after a significant year, reflecting milestones that have shaped Old Forester’s legacy. Here’s an overview of the series:

• 1870 Original Batch
  Launched: 2014
  This expression pays tribute to the year George Garvin Brown founded Old Forester, becoming the first to sell bourbon exclusively in sealed glass bottles to ensure quality. It’s a blend of barrels from three different warehouses, each with varying entry proofs, bottled at 90 proof to replicate the original batching process.
• 1897 Bottled in Bond
  Launched: 2015
  Celebrating the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, this bourbon adheres to the act’s strict standards: distilled in one season, by one distiller, at one distillery, and aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse. Bottled at 100 proof, it offers a richer and more robust profile.
• 1910 Old Fine Whisky
  Launched: 2018
  This expression is inspired by a 1910 incident where a fire halted bottling, leading to mature whisky being stored in a second barrel. The result was a unique, double-barreled bourbon with a smooth, sweet character. Today, 1910 undergoes a similar second barreling process, imparting deep caramel and toasted oak notes.
• 1920 Prohibition Style
  Launched: 2016
  During Prohibition, Old Forester was one of the few distilleries granted a permit to continue producing bourbon for medicinal purposes. This 115-proof expression reflects the style of bourbon that would have been available during that era—bold, intense, and full-flavored.
• 1924 10-Year-Old
  Launched: 2024
  Commemorating the 100th anniversary of a significant innovation during Prohibition, this 10-year-old bourbon features a new mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley, deviating from Old Forester’s traditional recipe. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distilleries, each with different mash bills, and bottled them under its own label. This release honors that moment, offering a unique flavor profile with notes of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, and cured tobacco, layered over hints of rich oak and warm cinnamon.

Each bottle in the Whiskey Row Series not only delivers distinct taste experiences but also serves as a liquid time capsule, capturing the essence of significant periods in Old Forester’s enduring history.

Bottle Details

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon

• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• ABV: 57.5% (115 Proof)
• Mash Bill: 72% Corn / 18% Rye / 10% Malted Barley
• Age: NAS (rumored to be 4–6 years)
• Distillation: Brown-Forman Distillery, Louisville, KY
• Price: $55–65 (Retail)
• Notes: Part of the permanent Whiskey Row Series lineup

Tasting Notes

Nose:

Initially inviting, with classic Old Forester signatures—dark brown sugar, cocoa, and cherry cola. There’s still a toasty oak and spice backbone, but compared to older batches, the richness has thinned. What used to be dense layers of fig and molasses now come across as more muted—like the volume’s been turned down. Still enjoyable, but lacking that IT factor from previous releases in earlier years.

Palate:

Bold on entry thanks to the 115 proof, but the complexity has softened. Chocolate-covered cherries, cinnamon stick, and light leather are present, but feel less integrated than before. A touch of ethanol shows up mid-palate, something I don’t recall in the original 2016–2018 batches. It’s still flavorful, with that Brown-Forman banana note peeking through, but overall leans toward a spicier, thinner experience than what longtime fans might expect.

Finish:

Medium to long, with lingering oak tannins, a hit of nutmeg, and burnt caramel. There’s a bit of dry astringency toward the end that pulls the finish back from greatness. Where older batches finished with velvety cocoa and dark fruit, this one dries out and fades a touch too quickly.

How Much Would I Pay for Old Forester 1920?

💰 Max Price I Would Pay:
$65

It’s still a high-proof, flavorful bourbon with a solid retail price—but no longer the must-buy it once was. At $60, it remains a good value for those who want proofy pours with history and brand recognition.