Old Forester Birthday Bourbon vs Old Forester 1920: 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 Birthday Bourbon 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 Birthday Bourbon vs Old Forester 1920: Comparison

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: A limited-edition bourbon featuring cherry, caramel, and leather on the nose, with a palate of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, ending in a caramel-vanilla finish. At 104 proof, it’s a historical sip with a rating of

Old Forester 1920: Delights with caramel and banana on the nose, leading to a buttery palate of brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel, concluding with a cinnamon and oak spice finish. It’s 115 proof and brings a bold and satisfying sip.

Verdict: Both Old Forester Birthday Bourbon and Old Forester 1920 shine with their unique historical connections and rich flavor profiles. While the Birthday Bourbon offers a special annual allure and bragging rights, the 1920 presents a robust, high-proof Prohibition-era experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: Celebrating Heritage, But Is It Worth the Hype?

Nose: Cherry, leather, caramel
Palate: Brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, oak
Finish: Caramel, vanilla, oak spice
Alcohol content: 104 proof (52% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Old Forester Statesman

Limited Edition Allure: This small-batch bourbon, released annually on George Garvin Brown’s birthday, carries a unique historical charm. But does it warrant the chase?

Sweet & Spicy Nose: Cherry candy, leather, and caramel create an inviting aroma, with a fleeting ethanol whisper reminding you of its high proof.

Balanced Palate: While lacking a bit in body, the flavors are pleasing. Brown sugar and cinnamon roll notes intermingle with oak, followed by a subtle nail polish touch some might find off-putting.

Lingering Warmth: The finish delivers rich caramel, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice, extending medium to long on the palate.

Enjoyable, But Not Unforgettable: This bourbon is certainly pleasant and easy to drink, but doesn’t quite reach the “memorable” mark. Comparable or even superior bourbons are readily available.

So, is it worth the effort?

Limited availability: Expect lines, lotteries, and inflated secondary market prices due to its limited nature.
Comparable alternatives: Consider exploring other readily available options.

If you:

Value historical significance: Appreciate the connection to George Garvin Brown and its limited-edition status.
Enjoy lighter-bodied profiles: Find its nuanced sweetness and mild oak character appealing.

Then, give it a try. But weigh the effort and cost against readily available alternatives before jumping through hoops.

Remember: Ultimately, the best bourbon is the one you enjoy most, regardless of rarity or hype. Explore, experiment, and find your perfect glass!

Old Forester 1920: A Prohibition-Era Spirit Reimagined for Modern Palates

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 1870

Sweet & Spicy Symphony: Dive into a sweet aroma of caramel and banana, delicately laced with rye spice and a whisper of ethanol. This hints at a complex flavor journey ahead.

Buttery Bliss: Prepare for a luxurious mouthfeel – buttery and smooth. Savor notes of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar, followed by a rich, nutty undertone.

Warmth You Can Handle: The 115 proof delivers a noticeable warmth, typical of high-proof bourbons, but it’s balanced and doesn’t overpower the flavors.

Lingering Delight: The finish isn’t overly long, but it leaves a pleasant impression. Expect a dry, warm cinnamon aftertaste alongside hints of caramel, oak, and a touch of spice.

Is it Good? Absolutely! Old Forester 1920 shines as:

A superb sipper: Balanced, flavorful, and smooth, it’s a delight to savor neat.
A taste of history: Paying homage to the Prohibition era, it offers a unique perspective on Kentucky bourbon.
No off-putting notes: Just pure enjoyment, free from harshness or unpleasant surprises.

But remember:

The warmth is present: If you’re not used to high-proof spirits, start slow and sip carefully.
Finish could be more complex: While enjoyable, some might crave a longer, more intricate finish.

Overall, Old Forester 1920 is a well-crafted bourbon with historical charm and delightful flavors. It’s a worthy choice for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

Bonus Fact: Old Forester is the longest continuously running bourbon brand in the world, dating back to 1870!