Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon Whisky

Product Description

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: A High-Proof Tribute to Bourbon's Toughest Era

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is the third expression in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, a lineup of historic bottlings that each recreate a key moment in the brand's long history. Old Forester is America's first bottled bourbon, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, and this release looks back at 1920, when Prohibition began and almost every distillery in Kentucky was forced to close.

Brown-Forman, the maker of Old Forester, was one of only six Kentucky distilleries granted a permit to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes during Prohibition. Its permit, KY-3, let the distillery keep operating, and the first bottles produced under that permit appeared in 1920. At the time, whiskey had to be bottled at 100 proof. Because Old Forester entered the barrel at 100 proof, the angel's share would have concentrated it to about 115 proof after maturation. To mark that history, Old Forester bottles 1920 Prohibition Style at 115 proof, to show the rich, bold flavor of that barrel proof bourbon almost a century ago.

How Old Forester 1920 Is Made

This bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon made from Old Forester's mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, aged in new charred oak barrels. It carries no age statement, but as a straight bourbon it is at least four years old. It's bottled at 115 proof (57.5% ABV) and is minimally filtered. The high proof brings out the rye and gives this bourbon a thicker, more concentrated character than the brand's 86 and 100 proof bottles, while the 18% rye stays present without overpowering.

Tasting Notes

Nose: An intense medley of cherry preserves, chewy caramel, dark chocolate, thick maple syrup, and candied spiced nuts.

Palate: Dark caramel coats layers of malt nuttiness, chocolate, and nougat, warmed by rye spice and brightened by a hint of cedar.

Finish: Long and decadent, with toasted coconut, dark chocolate, charred marshmallow, and seasoned oak spice.

Food Pairings

The cherry, chocolate, and maple character in Old Forester 1920 pairs well with dark chocolate, pecan pie, bourbon-glazed ribs, and smoked brisket. Its rye spice also goes well with aged cheddar, candied bacon, or a good cigar. For dessert, try it with a chocolate torte, bread pudding, or a smoked-caramel ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

At 115 proof, Old Forester 1920 is best sipped neat or with a splash of water to open up the aromas. A single large ice cube will temper the proof while keeping the aroma intact. It also makes a bold Old Fashioned, where the high proof stands up to bitters and sugar without getting watered down. Many bourbon fans consider it one of the best values in high-proof Kentucky bourbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is Old Forester 1920? 115 proof (57.5% ABV).

Why is it called Prohibition Style? It recreates the barrel proof bourbon Old Forester produced under its medicinal permit during Prohibition, which came out of the barrel at about 115 proof.

What is the mash bill? 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.

How old is it? It has no age statement, but as a straight bourbon it is at least four years old.

Is it part of a series? Yes. It's the third expression in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, which also includes 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond, and 1910 Old Fine Whisky.

Where is it made? In Kentucky by Brown-Forman, maker of Old Forester.

Is it cask strength? It's a high-proof bourbon bottled at 115 proof, designed to reflect the barrel proof of the Prohibition era rather than a single barrel's proof.

Explore More

Want to explore the rest of the Whiskey Row Series? Try the Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky, a double-barreled expression, or the limited Old Forester 1924 10 Year Old Whisky. Browse our full Bourbon collection for more high-proof Kentucky bourbons.

The Quality Liquor Store Guarantee

At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your bourbon is in good hands.