Like many bourbon drinkers that have jumped headfirst into the exhilarating world of liquid brown gold, I spend countless hours reading and watching other enthusiasts’ reviews of bourbon and whiskey. Unfortunately, this often leads me to see multiple reviews of the same bourbon and then leaves me wanting to taste all of them for myself.

This week’s review is exactly one of these bourbons I mentioned above. I jumped into this wonderful world of bourbon a little over a year and a half ago now and have heard nothing but good things about Old Forester, specifically one product. From the fabulous Brown-Forman Shively Distillery, this week’s review is of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon.

From their website: The Volstead Act of 1920 which initiated Prohibition in the USA granted permits to six distillers in Kentucky to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Through one of these permits, Old Forester continued to be produced as medicinal whiskey on Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row. It is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company that has been available for sale before, during and after Prohibition. During this time, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 Proof. With a barrel entry proof of 100, the “angel’s share” would have created a 115 proof whiskey after maturation. To pay homage to this era, Old Forester presents 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon at 115 proof to represent the rich flavor profile this bourbon had nearly 100 years ago.

It seems the secret is out now, as a year ago this bourbon gem was seen everywhere but is now becoming increasingly harder to find on shelves in Northern Colorado. Nonetheless, I was still able to find a bottle in my local liquor store for $55, actually under MSRP, and the shelf still had a few bottles as of a week or so ago. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Fruity, Chocolate, Brown Sugar, and Bananas Galore! Slight, but not overpowering, ethanol nose.
• Palate: Bold spices with strong dark chocolate-covered banana flavors.
• Finish: Short upfront spices with lingering notes of dark chocolate and barrel char.
• 2022 MSRP: $60
• 2022 National Average: $60
• My Rating: Mix It!

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman