1924 is the fifth entry in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, and it marks the most consequential year in the brand's survival. When Prohibition closed more than two hundred American distilleries, Old Forester continued because it held a federal permit to bottle whisky as medicine. In 1924 the company went further, acquiring barrels from distilleries that had been forced to shut and bottling that whisky under its own name. This release honors the centenary of that moment, and it is the only bourbon brand that can claim continuous production before, during and after Prohibition. What makes this bottling genuinely interesting is that Old Forester did not simply age its house recipe longer. 1924 uses an entirely new mash bill of 79 percent corn, 11 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley, considerably more corn and considerably less rye than the traditional 72, 18 and 10 recipe behind the rest of the range. More corn means more sweetness and a rounder body; less rye means the spice steps back and lets the wood and grain lead. Ten years in barrel and a bottling strength of 50 percent alcohol by volume do the rest. The result pours a deep dark graham cracker color. The nose is fudge, cocoa, marzipan and cured tobacco over rich oak and warm cinnamon. The palate delivers chocolate covered graham cracker with cinnamon running through it, and the finish carries spice and graham cracker crumbles at real length, warming rather than hot despite the proof. Drink it neat and give it time.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Louisville, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky |
| Expression |
1924, Whiskey Row Series |
| Age |
10 years |
| Mashbill |
79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Series |
Whiskey Row Series, fifth installment |
| Producer |
Old Forester Distilling Co., Brown Forman |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep dark graham cracker.
Nose: Fudge, cocoa and marzipan lead, with cured tobacco over rich oak and hints of warm cinnamon.
Palate: Rich and rounded, with chocolate covered graham cracker and cinnamon running throughout, supported by toasted oak and caramel.
Finish: Long and warming, closing on spice and graham cracker crumbles with a sustained oak note.
FAQ
What proof is Old Forester 1924? It is bottled at 100 proof, or 50 percent alcohol by volume.
What is the mash bill? 79 percent corn, 11 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley. This is a new recipe created for 1924, distinct from the traditional Old Forester mash bill of 72 percent corn, 18 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.
What does the name 1924 refer to? The year Old Forester acquired barrels from distilleries closed by Prohibition and bottled that whisky under its own name. The brand survived Prohibition through a federal permit to bottle whisky as medicine.
What is the Whiskey Row Series? A collection marking distinct moments in Old Forester's history, comprising 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond, 1910 Old Fine Whisky, 1920 Prohibition Style and this 1924 10 Year Old.
Why is whisky spelled without an E? Old Forester has used the Scottish spelling since its founding, and it appears that way on the label.
Where can I buy Old Forester 1924 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
