If you’re like bourbon, you’ve probably heard of Old Forester. This iconic brand has been around since 1870 and has a rich history of producing quality bourbon. In recent years, Old Forester has released two special editions that have caught the attention of whiskey lovers: Old Forester 1910 and Old Forester 1920.
Both of these bourbons are part of the Old Forester Whiskey Row series, which pays homage to the brand’s history and heritage. Old Forester 1910 is known as “Old Fine Whisky” and is a double-barreled bourbon. It’s aged in new charred oak barrels before being finished in lightly toasted barrels. Old Forester 1920, on the other hand, is a “Prohibition Style” bourbon that’s bottled at a higher proof than the 1910. It’s aged in new charred oak barrels and has a bold, rich flavor. So, which one is better? Let’s take a closer look.
History of Old Forester 1910 vs 1920
Old Forester is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. It is one of the oldest bourbon brands in the world, with a history dating back to 1870. The brand was named after its founder, George Garvin Brown, who was a pharmaceutical salesman before he started his own whiskey business. He wanted to create a whiskey that was consistent in quality and taste, and that could be trusted by consumers.
Old Forester 1910
Old Forester 1910 is part of the Whiskey Row Series, which was introduced in 2014 to celebrate the brand’s rich history. The series includes Old Forester 1870 Original Batch, Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond, and Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style. Old Forester 1910 is a blend of barrels that were aged in different parts of the warehouse, resulting in a unique flavor profile. The whiskey is named after a fire that destroyed part of the Old Forester distillery in 1910. The fire caused the whiskey to be stored in different parts of the warehouse, which led to the creation of the unique blend.
Old Forester 1920
Old Forester 1920 is also part of the Whiskey Row Series and was launched in 2016. The whiskey is named after the year when Prohibition began in the United States. During Prohibition, Old Forester was one of the few brands that was allowed to be produced for medicinal purposes. Old Forester 1920 is a tribute to the brand’s resilience during this difficult time. The whiskey is made from a blend of barrels that were aged for at least 4 years and bottled at 115 proof (57.5% ABV). The high alcohol content gives the whiskey a bold and rich flavor profile.
Production Process
Old Forester 1910’s Production Process
When it comes to the production process, Old Forester 1910 undergoes a unique double-barrel aging process that sets it apart from other bourbons. After the initial aging in new charred oak barrels, the whiskey is transferred to heavily charred barrels that have been lightly toasted. This process imparts a richer, more complex flavor profile to the whiskey.
The mash bill for Old Forester 1910 is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The whiskey is distilled at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, and is bottled at 93 proof.
Old Forester 1920’s Production Process
Old Forester 1920’s production process is similar to that of Old Forester 1910. The mash bill is the same at 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The whiskey is also distilled at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
However, Old Forester 1920 is aged in new charred oak barrels for a longer period of time than Old Forester 1910. This extended aging period gives the whiskey a bolder, more robust flavor profile. Old Forester 1920 is also bottled at a higher proof of 115, which adds to its intensity.
Taste Comparison
Old Forester 1920 boasts a higher alcohol proof, making it bolder, richer, and more flavorful than Old Forester 1910. The higher proof also means that it has a stronger kick and a more intense burn. If you’re looking for a bourbon with a lot of character and depth, then 1920 is the way to go.
On the other hand, Old Forester 1910 is like a dessert in a glass. It has a sweeter flavor profile with notes of caramel, dark fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla. The influence of the double barreling is quite noticeable, and with a lower proof, the 1910 has less of a kick compared to the 1920. If you prefer a smoother, more easy-drinking bourbon, then 1910 might be the better choice for you.
Price Comparison
When it comes to comparing Old Forester 1910 and 1920, one of the most significant factors to consider is the price difference. A bottle of Old Forester 1910 costs around $59.99, whereas a bottle of Old Forester 1920 is roughly $64.99.
While the price difference may not seem significant, it is essential to note that the Old Forester 1920 is bolder, richer, and boasts a higher alcohol content. The $5 difference between the two bourbons is justifiable because of these factors.
If you are someone who is looking for a more affordable option, then Old Forester 1910 may be a better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more intense and robust flavor, then Old Forester 1920 may be worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
Old Forester 1910 and 1920 are both exceptional in their own right, and each has its own unique flavor profile.
If you prefer a sweeter and smoother taste, then Old Forester 1910 might be the better choice for you. Its notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit make for a delicious sipping experience.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bolder and spicier bourbon, then Old Forester 1920 is the way to go. Its higher proof and notes of cinnamon, pepper, and oak give it a more intense flavor profile.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet and smooth sipper or a bold and spicy bourbon, you can’t go wrong with either of these two options.