Eagle Rare vs Old Forester 1920: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:57 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Eagle Rare vs Old Forester 1920 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!

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.

Written by: J Highland

Eagle Rare vs Old Forester 1920: Comparison

Eagle Rare: Toasted oak, orange peel, and maple syrup on the nose, with a palate of oak and dried fruit. Finish is long with oak, tobacco, leather. A journey for oak lovers.

Old Forester 1920: Caramel, banana, and spice on the nose, with a palate of brown sugar and vanilla. Finish is medium with cinnamon and oak. Smooth despite high proof.

Verdict: “Both Eagle Rare and Old Forester 1920 offer unique experiences. Eagle Rare is for those who appreciate a rich oak influence, while Old Forester 1920 balances high proof with a smooth, flavorful profile.”, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top Sipping Bourbons under $50

Eagle Rare: Matured & Oaky, But Not for Faint Palates

Nose: Toasted oak, orange peel, maple syrup
Palate: Oak, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, baking spice
Finish: Oak, tobacco, leather
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Smoke Wagon

Eagle Rare soars with a distinctive character, thanks to its extended aging compared to its Buffalo Trace cousin. But be prepared for a journey dominated by oak.

First sniff: Toasted oak takes center stage, followed by whispers of orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup. Intriguing, but oak-forward.

Creamy embrace: The palate welcomes you with a lusciously creamy texture, almost buttery. Brace yourself, though, as oak reigns supreme initially.

Flavors unfold: Don’t despair! As the oak subsides, vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and baking spices emerge, creating a balanced and harmonious dram.

Lingering farewell: The finish is a marathon, not a sprint. Expect a long-lasting oaky bite, accentuated by aged leather and tobacco notes. A touch of water softens it, but oak remains the star.

Is it for you?

Oak aficionado?: If you crave bold oak in your bourbon, Eagle Rare delivers.
Sipping savants: This is a pour for experienced bourbon lovers who appreciate complexity.
New to bourbon? Start elsewhere. The oak intensity might overwhelm you.

Remember:

MSRP matters: Find it at its suggested retail price, as inflated prices make it less appealing.
Oak-forward experience: Expect oak to be the dominant flavor, with other notes playing supporting roles.
Explore for balance: If you prefer a more balanced oak-fruit-spice profile, consider other aged bourbons.

Cheers to a unique bourbon journey!

Old Forester 1920: A Smooth & Flavorful Prohibition Throwback

Nose: Caramel, banana, spice, ethanol
Palate: Brown sugar, vanilla, caramel
Finish: Medium, cinnamon, caramel, oak, spice
Alcohol content: 115 proof (57.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, rocks
Similar to: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Step back in time with Old Forester 1920, a bourbon bottled at 115 proof to evoke the era of Prohibition. This isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a flavorful and smooth experience worthy of its heritage.

Sweet caramel dominates the nose, joined by hints of banana, rye spice, and a whisper of alcohol. Think warm brown sugar cookies with a touch of complexity.

The palate is creamy and inviting, offering vanilla and caramel upfront, followed by hints of brown sugar and nutty undertones. The higher proof delivers a pleasant warmth, but it’s balanced and never overwhelming.

The finish is moderate in length, but it leaves a satisfying impression. Think comforting cinnamon, lingering caramel, oaky dryness, and a subtle touch of spice.

What makes it special?

Exceptional balance: Despite its higher proof, it drinks incredibly smooth and avoids harshness.
Rich flavor profile: Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and rye spice create a harmonious and enjoyable experience.
Historical nod: Bottled at 115 proof to represent Prohibition-era samples, offering a unique connection to history.

Remember:

Not for beginners: The higher proof might be intimidating for newcomers.
Limited sweetness: While sweet, it’s not cloying and emphasizes other flavors.
Worth exploring: If you enjoy balanced, flavorful bourbons with historical significance, this is a must-try.

Cheers to a taste of bourbon history!