How to Drink Old Forester 1920

Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 12:57 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Old Forester 1920: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Enjoy it after resting for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass, with a dash of water, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
• Water moderates its high-proof, enhancing caramel and oak notes.
• Ideal for sipping, not an overly prolonged finish.
• The flavor profile includes caramel, banana, rye spice, vanilla, and a touch of nuttiness.
• Suitable for cocktails like Bourbon Manhattan and Spiced Bourbon Toddy.
• It pairs well with foods like blue cheese stuffed dates, charcuterie, dark chocolate tarts, grilled steak, and pecan pie.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Old Forester 1920

“The best way to drink Old Forester 1920 bourbon is to first allow it to rest for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass at room temperature, followed by adding a dash of water. “, states Bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

Adding water moderates the intensity of its high proof while accentuating its caramel and oak notes.

The bourbon’s character shines as a superbly balanced and flavorful drink, effectively managing its 115 proof to present a rich taste without overwhelming the senses.

The finish, while not overly prolonged, offers the qualities of a premium bourbon: a pleasing sweetness, a gentle warmth, and a noticeable oak influence that blends well with the other flavors, ensuring none are too dominant.

I frequently find myself gravitating towards this bourbon, drawn to its robust yet harmonious nature, especially considering its excellent value for the quality offered.

I enthusiastically recommend Old Forester 1920.

Its status as one of Old Forester’s best Bourbons is well-deserved and hardly surprising.

Related: Compare Old Forester 1910 vs 1920

Adding Water

The Old Forester 1920 unmistakably exhibits a bold character, with its high proof being distinct yet pleasantly smooth, offering a robust experience.

Introducing a bit of water to the whiskey softens its intensity, allowing the sweet flavors to be more pronounced and enjoyable.

My suggestion is to first engage in nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aroma, then proceed to sip it from the initial pour, gradually adding water in small increments until you achieve the flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.

On the Rocks

While some enjoy whiskey on the rocks, I find that ice can dilute the rich flavors of Old Forester 1920.

If you prefer your bourbon chilled, consider using whiskey stones, particularly stainless steel ones, to cool the drink without watering it down.

Suggested Glassware

A Glencairn whisky glass or a traditional bourbon tumbler is ideal for drinking Old Forester 1920.

These glasses help to concentrate the bourbon’s complex aromas, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

Tasting Notes

The nose of the Old Forester 1920 is marked by caramel, with nuances of banana, rye spice, and a slight ethanol presence.

In terms of texture, the whiskey is creamy, delivering a full-bodied and gratifying sensation.

Its taste combines vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar with a hint of nuttiness.

While it has a mild warmth, it remains comfortably mellow.

The finish is moderately long, somewhat dry, and warm, offering a lasting aftertaste of cinnamon, accompanied by flavors of caramel, oak, and a touch of spice.

Old Forester 1920 in Cocktails

Although Old Forester 1920 is a superb sipping bourbon, its bold flavors also make it a great choice for cocktails:

Bourbon Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Cherry for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass.
2. Fill with ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry.

Spiced Bourbon Toddy

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Hot water
• Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Bourbon, honey, and lemon juice in a mug.
2. Top with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Bourbon and Ginger Highball

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• Ginger ale
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in Bourbon
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Pairing with Food

Old Forester 1920 pairs well with a variety of foods, especially those that complement its rich and bold flavors:

1. Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates: The sweet and nutty flavors of the dates and walnuts complement the caramel and vanilla notes of the bourbon.
2. Smoked Gouda and Charcuterie Board: The smoky cheese and savory meats pair well with the spicy and fruity undertones of Old Forester 1920.
3. Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Tart: The bitterness of dark chocolate and the tartness of raspberries enhance the bourbon’s complex profile.
4. Grilled Steak with Bourbon Glaze: The rich, savory flavors of the steak and the sweet bourbon glaze create a harmonious pairing with Old Forester 1920.
5. Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream: The sweet, nutty flavors of the pie and the creamy bourbon-infused whipped cream are a delightful match for this robust bourbon.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store in a cool, dark place.
• Keep the seal tight to prevent oxidation.
• Best enjoyed within a few months after opening for optimal flavor.

About Old Forester 1920

Old Forester stands out as one of the few bourbon distilleries that were allowed to remain operational during the Prohibition era.

In adherence to the regulations of that period, all whiskies were marketed for “medicinal purposes” and required to be bottled at 100 Proof.

Their 115-proof offering is a homage to the barrel sample that would have been prepared by Owsley Brown I, the company president, at the onset of Prohibition.

This release exemplifies the boldness and distinctiveness characteristic of that time.