Old Forester 1870 vs Old Forester 1920: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:11 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 Old Forester 1870 vs Old Forester 1920 in this in-depth 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

Old Forester 1870 vs Old Forester 1920: Comparison

Old Forester 1870: This bourbon offers a comforting blend of fruit cake-like aromas, with a palate that matches in warmth and familiarity. Its finish provides a cozy balance of sweetness and oak, making it a go-to for easy sipping.

Old Forester 1920: Delivers a robust bakery counter experience on the nose, with a palate rich in vanilla and caramel, complemented by a spicy finish. Despite its higher proof, it maintains a commendable balance, offering a deep and flavorful experience.

Verdict: While Old Forester 1870 charms with its mellow and approachable profile, perfect for those seeking simplicity and smoothness, Old Forester 1920 stands out for those craving a more intense, flavor-rich bourbon experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Both embody the heritage and quality of Old Forester, yet cater to different palates and occasions.

Your preference will likely hinge on your taste for strength and complexity versus smoothness and tradition.

Related: Top Old Forester Whiskeys

A Mellow & Nostalgic Journey: Old Forester 1870

Nose: Raisins, leather, cherry, caramel, oak
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cherries, banana, pepper
Finish: Dark chocolate, oak, caramel
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, cocktail
Similar to: Old Forester 100 Proof

Taking a step back in time, Old Forester 1870 offers a smooth and approachable bourbon experience.

Aroma: Imagine the warm scent of a fruit cake, laced with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

Palate: The fruit cake theme continues, joined by cinnamon, toasted caramel, and a touch of oak. It’s a comforting familiarity, reminiscent of simpler times.

Finish: A moderate linger with a subtle oak bitterness balances the sweetness. Think cozy fireside vibes.

Is it a winner? Absolutely, if you seek a no-fuss, easy-drinking bourbon. Its charm lies in its smoothness, not complexity.

Neat or on the rocks? Perfect! Its mellow nature might not stand up to strong cocktail ingredients in an Old Fashioned.

A Timeless Tradition: Aged up to 4.5 years, it honors the 1870s practice of blending whiskeys from different warehouses for consistency. The 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley mash bill adds a touch of heritage.

Looking for a laid-back bourbon? Old Forester 1870 might just be your new go-to. Remember, its focus is on ease, not adventurous flavor profiles.

A Sweet & Spicy Sip Through History: Old Forester 1920

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: Old Forester Statesman

Aroma: Imagine a bakery counter filled with caramel and banana bread, with a touch of rye’s spicy warmth.

Palate: The creamy texture coats your tongue with vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, and a rich, nutty depth.

Finish: A medium-length dance of cinnamon, oak, and spice lingers pleasantly, leaving you wanting more.

More than just good? Absolutely! This well-balanced sipper handles its high proof gracefully, offering a flavorful experience.

Prohibition Powerhouse: Aged around 4 years, its 115 proof pays homage to that era. And with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, it delivers complexity.

A Legacy in Every Bottle: Owned by Brown-Forman alongside Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, Old Forester boasts the longest continuous production of any bourbon, dating back to 1870!

Ready to taste history? Old Forester 1920 might just become your new favorite.

Note: While delicious, its high proof might not suit everyone. Consider adding a splash of water to adjust the intensity.