Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Bourbon (750Ml)

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style takes you back to a strange time for bourbon. When Prohibition began in 1920, only six Kentucky distilleries got permits to bottle whiskey for medicinal use. Old Forester was one of them. It kept bottling on Louisville's Whiskey Row the whole time. No other bourbon was sold by one company before, during and after Prohibition.

Back then, whiskey went into the barrel near 100 proof. Years in the warehouse concentrated it to around 115 proof. This bottle recreates that strength, so you get it at 115 proof. It is the third release in the Whiskey Row Series. Reviewers list the familiar Old Forester mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

The nose is rich and dark. You get cherry preserves, dripping caramel, dark chocolate and thick maple syrup over spiced oak. On the palate, dark caramel meets malty, nutty notes and sweet graham cracker. Green peppercorn and coriander add a spicy lift, with a light touch of cedar. Drinkhacker also finds dried orange, grapefruit and mixed florals, plus hints of licorice. The finish opens with a crisp, tart apple note. It then turns long and smoky, with toasted marshmallow, chocolate and more graham cracker.

At this strength, go slowly. Start neat, then add a little water or one large cube. It also makes a bold Old Fashioned, or use it as the base of a classic cocktail of your own. Serve it with dark chocolate, smoked meats or a rich dessert.

If you enjoy big, chocolatey bourbon with real history, keep this one on your shelf.