Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:08 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 1920 vs 1910 vs 1897 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 1920 vs 1910 vs 1897: Comparison
Old Forester 1897: A blend of raisins, leather, cherry, and caramel, leading to a palate of caramel, vanilla, and cherries, with a dark chocolate finish.
Old Forester 1910: Sweet cherries and maple on the nose, with a palate of caramel and cherries, and a smoky oak finish.
Old Forester 1920: Caramel and banana aromatics, a palate of brown sugar and vanilla, ending in a spiced oak finish.
Verdict: Old Forester‘s lineup offers a delightful journey through history with each expression.
From the bottled-in-bond 1897‘s traditional richness to 1910‘s dessert-like sweetness and 1920‘s prohibition-era strength and balance, each bourbon brings its unique charm and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
These expressions showcase Old Forester’s mastery in crafting bourbons that appeal to a wide range of palates, making any choice a worthy exploration into the brand’s storied legacy.
Related: Old Forester Bourbon Ranked
Old Forester 1897: Sweet Surrender or Pricey Indulgence?
- 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 Proof
Old Forester 1897 promises a smooth, sweet journey at 100 proof. Let’s see if it delivers a flavor explosion or leaves your wallet feeling a little empty.
Aroma: Dive into a rich tapestry of aromas: raisins, leather, cherry, caramel, and a whisper of oak char. This sets the stage for a complex and enticing experience.
Palate: The creamy texture welcomes you, followed by a burst of sweetness. Notes of banana, caramel, cherries, and a touch of black pepper dance on your tongue, creating a harmonious chorus of flavors.
Finish: It lingers for a medium to long time, showcasing notes of chocolate, cherries, and caramel. While it lacks the warmth some might expect, it remains pleasant and satisfying.
The Verdict: Old Forester 1897 delivers a remarkably smooth sip, especially for its 100-proof strength. The sweet and enjoyable experience comes free of any harshness or unpleasant notes. However, here’s the kicker:
Price Point Ponder: While undeniably good, keep in mind that Old Forester 100 offers a nearly identical taste profile at half the price. So, the question lingers: Is the smoother experience and historical reference of 1897 worth the premium?
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you prioritize a smoother, historical sip and have the budget for it, 1897 won’t disappoint. But if value is key, 100 might be your golden ticket to similar flavor satisfaction.
Ready to make your decision? Remember, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to enjoying good bourbon. Choose the path that best suits your taste and budget!
Old Forester 1910: A Dessert-Inspired Journey Through Charred Oak
- 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
Old Forester 1910 invites you on a sweet and smoky sip, inspired by a historical detour. Let’s explore if it delivers dessert in a glass or leaves you wanting more.
Aroma: Delicate sweetness takes center stage with prominent cherries and a touch of maple syrup. Charred oak whispers in the background, hinting at the smoky journey ahead.
Palate: A creamy embrace welcomes you, followed by a burst of cherry flavor. Rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and even old leather join the party, all balanced by the ever-present charred oak.
Finish: Hold on tight! The finish goes long, dominated by robust charred oak. Hints of vanilla and caramel peek through, offering a touch of sweetness against the smoke. The warmth is pleasant, but never overwhelming.
The Verdict: Think dessert in a glass! This bourbon boasts a sweet and well-balanced profile, where the richness of cherries dances with the smoky presence of charred oak. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness but don’t shy away from complexity.
Enjoy It Neat: This pour is already sweet, flavorful, and smooth – adding ice or water might mask its unique character. Savor it neat to enjoy the full experience.
A Historical Twist: Remember, this release commemorates a historical accident! A fire in 1910 led to the double-barreling in charred oak, creating a flavor profile unlike any other Old Forester expression.
Ready to indulge your sweet tooth with a smoky twist? Old Forester 1910 awaits, offering a unique sip steeped in history and flavor.
Old Forester 1920: Prohibition Power with Balanced Delight
- 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: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Step back in time to the roaring twenties with Old Forester 1920! This barrel-strength bourbon promises a sip rich in history and flavor. Let’s see if it delivers.
Aroma: Immerse yourself in a wave of honeyed sweetness, complemented by rich caramel, and playful hints of banana and rye spice. A subtle alcohol note completes the picture, offering a preview of the warmth to come.
Palate: The velvety creamy texture welcomes you, carrying flavors of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar, all laced with a pleasant nutty richness. As promised, the higher proof delivers a gentle warmth, adding a satisfying depth to the experience.
Finish: It lingers for a medium length, showcasing a pleasing dryness and warmth. Imagine a cinnamon aftertaste dancing with lingering notes of caramel, oak, and a touch of spice. While not the longest finish, it leaves a satisfying impression.
The Verdict: Old Forester 1920 shines as an excellent sipping bourbon. It’s beautifully balanced and flavorful, showcasing the magic of where strength complements, not overpowers, the experience. While the finish might not be the longest, it offers all the desirable qualities: sweetness, warmth, rich oak, and a complete absence of harshness.
A Touch of History: Remember, Old Forester is one of the few bourbons that kept flowing during Prohibition! This 115-proof release pays homage to that era, representing a barrel sample chosen by the company president himself.
Ready to explore a piece of bourbon history with a balanced, flavorful punch? Old Forester 1920 awaits, offering a sip you won’t forget.
Proof, aging & price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Proof | Age |
| 1897 Bottled in Bond | $56 | 100 | 4 |
| 1910 Old Fine Whisky | $60 | 93 | 4 +/- |
| 1920 Prohibition Style | $64 | 114 | 4 +/- |
They are all made using the same mash bill comprised of:
- 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley.