Old Forester 1897 vs Old Forester 1910: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:52 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 1897 vs Old Forester 1910 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 1897 vs Old Forester 1910: Comparison

Old Forester 1897: Combines raisins, leather, cherry, and caramel aromas with a palate of caramel, vanilla, cherries, banana, and pepper. Its dark chocolate, oak, and caramel finish make it a sweet, robust option.

Old Forester 1910: Offers a bouquet of cherries, maple syrup, and charred oak, with flavors of cherries, caramel, and leather. The oak char, caramel, and vanilla finish create a smooth, dessert-like experience.

Verdict: Old Forester 1897 impresses with a complex, sweet profile at 100 proof, offering depth and warmth. Old Forester 1910, slightly lower in proof, delights with its dessert-like sweetness and smooth finish, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Old Forester 1897: A Smooth & Sweet 100-Proof Adventure

Nose: Raisins, leather, cherry, caramel, oak
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cherries, banana, pepper
Finish: Dark chocolate, oak, caramel
Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, cocktail
Similar to: Old Forester 100

Step back in time with Old Forester 1897, a 100-proof bourbon boasting rich aromas of raisins, leather, cherry, and caramel. A touch of oak char adds depth, hinting at the journey this spirit has taken.

On the palate, creamy smoothness welcomes you, followed by a wave of gentle sweetness. Imagine bananas blending with caramel and cherries, accented by a touch of black pepper. The finish lingers with chocolaty notes, cherries, and caramel, devoid of any harsh warmth.

Impressively smooth for its proof, Old Forester 1897 delivers a pleasant and sweet experience. However, it’s worth noting that its close cousin, Old Forester 100 Proof, offers a nearly identical taste profile at half the price.

Old Forester 1897 Facts:

72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley mash bill
Bottled-in-bond (single distiller, single season, 4+ years in bond)
Brown-Forman Distillery, Shively, KY
Made since 1870, the longest continuously produced bourbon

Intrigued by a smooth, sweet 100-proof bourbon? Old Forester 1897 fits the bill. But weigh its charm against the value offered by its close relative, Old Forester 100 Proof.

Old Forester 1910: A Sweet & Smooth Cherry Jubilee in a Glass

Nose: Cherries, maple syrup, charred oak
Palate: Cherries, caramel, leather, charred oak
Finish: Oak char, caramel, vanilla
Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
How to drink: Neat, rocks
Similar to: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Craving a dessert in a glass? Look no further than Old Forester 1910. This bourbon tantalizes your nose with faintly sweet aromas of rich cherries, drizzled with a hint of maple syrup and smoky oak.

On the palate, it’s smooth sailing with a creamy texture. Those luscious cherries make a comeback, joined by a choir of caramel and vanilla. Undertones of aged leather and charred oak add depth and intrigue.

The finish is a lingering melody of oak, with subtle hints of vanilla and caramel keeping the sweetness alive. There’s a touch of warmth, but it’s more like a fireplace on a chilly night, not a bonfire.

Think sweet, harmonious, and easy to drink. This bourbon shines brightest neat, allowing its full flavor profile to blossom.

Old Forester 1910 Facts:

Around 4 years old (no age statement)
72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley mash bill
First brand to bottle in sealed glass for quality assurance
Continuously distilled and sold by the founding family since before Prohibition

Ready to indulge in a sweet and smooth bourbon experience? Give Old Forester 1910 a try. You might just discover your new favorite dessert drink.

How do Old Forester 1897 and Old Forester 1910 differ?

Old Forester 1910 pays homage to a specific moment in history: the temporary halt of the bottling line in October 1910, which resulted in the whisky being aged further in new, charred oak containers.

This unique double-barreling technique marks an important milestone in the distillery’s history.

On the other hand, the Old Forester 1897 is a bottled-in-bond release.