History & Legacy
Old Forester, launched in 1870 by George Garvin Brown in Louisville, Kentucky, was the first bourbon sold in sealed glass bottles to ensure quality and consistency—a revolutionary step compared to barrel sales of the era. It remained in continuous production before, during, and after Prohibition, making it one of the few legacy bourbons to span that tumultuous period.
Naming Origins
Originally spelled “Old Forrester” after Dr. William Forrester, it later dropped an “r” to avoid legal issues but retained its tribute to the physician.
Distilling Roots
Early production involved blending whiskey from multiple nearby distilleries (Mattingly, Mellwood, Atherton), ensuring flavor consistency from the start.
Old Forester Bourbon: Tasting Notes, Bottles, and Best Picks for 2025
Old Forester isn’t just another bourbon brand—it’s a piece of American whiskey history. It was the first bourbon to be sold in sealed glass bottles (back in 1870!), making it one of the most trustworthy names in whiskey. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a long-time fan, Old Forester has something for every palate and budget.
Let’s break down each of the most popular Old Forester bottles—including fan favorites like the 1920 and 1910—and explore what makes each one unique in 2025.
1. Old Forester Bourbon (86 Proof) – The Classic Starter
Price Range: $20–$25
ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
Best For: Beginners, casual sipping, mixing
This is the flagship bourbon that started it all. Smooth, approachable, and affordable, it’s great for those just getting into bourbon. It brings mild sweetness, hints of vanilla and oak, and a light finish that won’t overpower your palate.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Soft caramel, light spice
- Palate: Vanilla, sweet corn, mild oak
- Finish: Clean, slightly dry
Perfect For: Bourbon and Coke, sipping neat, or Old Fashioneds.
2. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style – Bold & Spicy
Price Range: $60–$70
ABV: 57.5% (115 Proof)
Best For: Bold whiskey lovers, cocktail bases
Inspired by the whiskey styles from the Prohibition era, Old Forester 1920 is big, bold, and loaded with flavor. It packs a punch but stays balanced, offering rich chocolate, caramel, and toasted oak notes with a peppery kick.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Dark chocolate, toffee, baking spices
- Palate: Brown sugar, cherry, oak char
- Finish: Long, spicy, warming
Perfect For: Sipping with a splash of water or using in whiskey-forward cocktails.
3. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky – Rich & Dessert-Like
Price Range: $55–$65
ABV: 46.5% (93 Proof)
Best For: Sweet bourbon lovers, after-dinner sips
1910 is essentially the dessert of the Whiskey Row series. It’s double-barreled for a richer, darker flavor and texture. Think crème brûlée, dark fruit, and chocolate. It’s smooth and layered, making it a fan favorite.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Chocolate, toasted marshmallow, caramel
- Palate: Brown sugar, spice, dried figs
- Finish: Smooth, creamy, lasting sweetness
Perfect For: Sipping neat or pairing with dessert.
4. Old Forester 1924 – The Newcomer with an Aged Edge
Price Range: ~$115
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Best For: Experienced drinkers, collectors
1924 is one of Old Forester’s newer limited releases and boasts an impressive 10-year age statement. It’s a full-bodied bourbon with deep complexity—ideal for those who love older, well-aged whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Leather, tobacco, molasses
- Palate: Dark cherry, toasted oak, brown sugar
- Finish: Dry, spicy, and long-lasting
Perfect For: Slow sipping, gifting, or a special occasion.
5. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (Including 2024 Edition)
Price Range: $200+ (MSRP), often higher on resale
ABV: Varies yearly; 2024 edition is 53.5% (107 Proof)
Best For: Collectors, serious enthusiasts
Released every year on September 2nd (founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday), this limited edition bourbon is one of the most sought-after in the whiskey world. The 2024 edition is aged 12 years and offers an incredibly rich profile with deep caramel, oak, and fruit notes.
2024 Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Dark caramel, dried cherries, baking spice
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, chocolate-covered nuts
- Finish: Long, warming, and well-balanced
Perfect For: Collecting, celebrating, or savoring slowly on a special day.
6. Old Forester Single Barrel – Full Flavor, One-of-a-Kind
Price Range: $80–$100
ABV: Varies (often over 60% / 120 Proof)
Best For: Bold bourbon fans, unique flavor seekers
Each bottle of Old Forester Single Barrel comes from one unique barrel, meaning no two are the same. This cask strength bourbon is packed with personality—strong, spicy, and intensely flavorful.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Vanilla bean, toasted oak
- Palate: Dark fruit, pepper, sweet corn
- Finish: Bold and lingering
Perfect For: Hardcore bourbon lovers who want variety and intensity.
7. Old Forester Statesman – A Stylish Bourbon with Substance
Price Range: $50–$60
ABV: 47.5% (95 Proof)
Best For: Movie fans, stylish sipping
Originally created in collaboration with the Kingsman movie franchise, Statesman is more than just a gimmick. It’s warm, rich, and smooth—great for casual sipping or showing off on a bar shelf.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Spicy cinnamon, orange peel
- Palate: Butterscotch, toasted oak, clove
- Finish: Warm, slightly dry
Perfect For: Fans of unique collabs or those who want a refined pour without the high price.
8. Old Forester Rye – A Spicy, Sippable Rye
Price Range: $25–$30
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Best For: Rye newcomers, cocktail mixers
Old Forester Rye launched in 2019 and instantly became a go-to for bartenders and budget-conscious sippers alike. Its high malt content makes it smooth for a rye, but it still delivers that peppery punch.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Mint, clove, apple skin
- Palate: Rye spice, brown sugar, dill
- Finish: Crisp, spicy, refreshing
Perfect For: Rye-based cocktails like the Manhattan or sipping on ice.
9. Old Forester Distillery – Where the Magic Happens
Location: Louisville, KY (Whiskey Row)
Tour Info: Offers guided tours, tastings, and barrel-viewing experiences
The Old Forester Distillery in Louisville is more than just a place that makes whiskey—it’s a full-blown experience. The $45 million facility combines history and innovation, letting you watch the entire process from fermentation to bottling.
Perfect For: Whiskey nerds, tourists, and fans of bourbon history.
Also Read: Top Budget Whiskey for Beginners
Old Forester Bourbon Collection
| Product Name | Price Range | ABV (Proof) | Best For | Tasting Highlights | Perfect For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Forester Bourbon (86 Proof) | $20–$25 | 43% (86 Proof) | Beginners, casual sipping, mixing | Nose: Caramel, light spice Palate: Vanilla, sweet corn Finish: Clean, dry |
Bourbon & Coke, Old Fashioneds |
| 2 | Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style | $60–$70 | 57.5% (115 Proof) | Bold whiskey lovers, cocktail bases | Nose: Chocolate, toffee Palate: Brown sugar, cherry Finish: Long, spicy, warming |
Sipping with water, strong cocktails |
| 3 | Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky | $55–$65 | 46.5% (93 Proof) | Sweet bourbon lovers, after-dinner sipping | Nose: Marshmallow, caramel Palate: Brown sugar, figs Finish: Creamy, dessert-like |
Pairing with dessert, sipping neat |
| 4 | Old Forester 1924 | ~$115 | 50% (100 Proof) | Experienced drinkers, collectors | Nose: Leather, molasses Palate: Cherry, oak, brown sugar Finish: Dry, spicy, complex |
Gifting, slow sipping, special occasions |
| 5 | Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 | $200+ | 53.5% (107 Proof) | Collectors, serious enthusiasts | Nose: Cherries, spice Palate: Oak, chocolate, nuts Finish: Rich, long, balanced |
Celebrating, collecting, special pours |
| 6 | Old Forester Single Barrel | $80–$100 | Varies (60%+ / 120+ Proof) | Bold bourbon fans, unique barrel lovers | Nose: Vanilla, oak Palate: Dark fruit, pepper Finish: Bold and long |
High-proof sipping, collecting barrel picks |
| 7 | Old Forester Statesman | $50–$60 | 47.5% (95 Proof) | Movie fans, stylish sipping | Nose: Cinnamon, orange Palate: Butterscotch, clove Finish: Warm, lightly dry |
Stylish gifting, sipping casually |
| 8 | Old Forester Rye | $25–$30 | 50% (100 Proof) | Rye newcomers, cocktail lovers | Nose: Mint, clove Palate: Brown sugar, dill Finish: Crisp, spicy, refreshing |
Rye Manhattans, sipping on ice |
| 9 | Old Forester Distillery | Tour: Varies | N/A | Whiskey enthusiasts, bourbon tourists | Full production tour experience including fermentation, distillation, and bottling | Visiting Whiskey Row, bourbon history buffs |
Final Thoughts: Which Old Forester Should You Try First?
- On a budget? Try the Old Forester Bourbon 86 Proof or Rye.
- Want something bold? Go with 1920 or Single Barrel.
- Love sweet dessert-like bourbon? 1910 is your match.
- Ready to splurge? Seek out the Birthday Bourbon or 1924.
- Looking for a collectible? The Statesman or Single Barrel is a fun place to start.
Old Forester continues to lead the pack when it comes to balancing heritage, quality, and variety. No matter your taste or budget, there’s an Old Forester out there waiting for you to pour a glass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Forester Bourbon
Q1: Where is Old Forester made?
Old Forester is made in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Old Forester Distilling Co. on historic Whiskey Row.
Q2: Is Old Forester a good bourbon?
Yes, Old Forester is considered a high-quality bourbon known for its consistency, rich flavor, and strong value across all expressions.
Q3: Which Old Forester is best?
The most popular pick is Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style, praised for its bold, full-bodied flavor and 115 proof strength.
Q4: Where is the Old Forester distillery located?
The Old Forester Distillery is located at 119 W Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky—right on the famous Whiskey Row.
Q5: Who owns Old Forester?
Old Forester is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, a major American spirits company that also owns brands like Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve.
Q6: Is Old Forester bourbon good?
Yes, it’s well-regarded among bourbon drinkers for offering great taste, historical significance, and a wide range of options.
Q7: Who makes Old Forester?
Old Forester is distilled and bottled by Brown-Forman at their facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
Q8: What is the best Old Forester?
While personal preferences vary, the 1920 Prohibition Style and the annual Birthday Bourbon releases are often considered the best.
Q9: How much does Old Forester bourbon cost?
Prices vary by expression. Standard bottles start around $25–$30, while premium and limited editions like Birthday Bourbon can exceed $150.
Q10: Which Old Forester is the best?
Many bourbon fans rank Old Forester 1920 as the best for its strong, complex character and excellent value.