Late in the year 2023, there was quite a bit of hype in the bourbon world with the news that Old Forester was finally releasing a new addition to the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series. As many can imagine, the year ended with TTB labels circulating about the internet and on several bourbon websites with enthusiasts speculating about the mashbill and cost. So if you have not figured it out yet, today’s review is from the Old Forester Distilling Co. and is of their new bottle, Old Forester 1924.

Bottle Information

From the Old Forester website: The bottle marks an important point in Old Forester’s 153-year history. During Prohibition, more than 200 distilleries in Kentucky alone were forced to close. Old Forester, however, continued operations because the federal government issued it one of six permits to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distillers, with different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This special release commemorates that moment in time. This release honors the 100th anniversary of that whiskey innovation. Old Forester is the only bourbon brand produced before, during and after Prohibition.

• Distiller: Bottled by Old Forester Distilling Co.
• Mash Bill: 79% Corn; 11% Rye and 10% Malted Barley
• Proof: 100
• Age: 10
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $115
• 2024 National Average: $299
• Official Website

When this new bottle was finally released, many were skeptical as it was released at quite an inflated price of $125. Additionally, it was announced that this was not the same mash bill used for the rest of the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series. Rather, Old Forester chose to use the mashbill used to create Early Times and King of Kentucky. Since the release, this bottle is still a bit elusive in NoCo, yet I have slowly been seeing it pop up in several of the stores I regularly visit. Unfortunately, most of those stores still have Old Forester 1924 priced above $250, yet I was able to find one bottle priced at about $150 and decided to pull the trigger on purchasing it. Overall, this is a great 10-year-old product with those classic bourbon notes of vanilla and oak with the addition of sweet dark fruits and spice. This is a damn good addition to the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series and dare I say the best of the lineup? With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Caramel, Sweet Dark Fruit (Apple/Plum), Vanilla, Oak, Chocolate, and Luxardo Cherry
• Palate: Chocolate Cherry Cordial, Apple, Vanilla, Baking Spice, Oak, and Tobacco
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Sweet Fruit Fading to a Dry Spiced Oak
• My Rating: Drink It!/Save It! (This is a damn good addition to the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series… and dare I say the best of the lineup?!?!)

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™