Picture this, a superhero who is also funny and handsome. The 1924 Old Forester is the Clark Kent of the liquor industry. The story of the distillery company is full of heroic anecdotes and it is a bouquet of heavenly flavors. On the nose, you can note caramelized sugar, toasted oak, and ripe stone fruits, layered with hints of dark chocolate, baking spices, and orange zest. On the palate you’ll observe waves of butterscotch, toffee, and vanilla complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle rye spiciness. And the history is even more flavorful.
The Historical Significance of Old Forester 1924
The Old Forester 1924 history is over a century old. During Prohibition, while over 200 Kentucky distilleries were forced to shut down, Old Forester remained operational thanks to receiving one of just six federal permits allowing them to bottle their existing whiskey stocks for medicinal purposes. They expanded their operations in 1924 by acquiring and bottling whiskey barrels with varied mash bills from neighboring distilleries that had been forced to close. In 1933, Prohibition repealed. Production of Old Forester increased. It is the only Bourbon sold by the same company before, during and after Prohibition. To help during World War II, Old Forester started producing industrial alcohol. Business flourished and in 2015, the bourbon brand acted as a hero again after a fire struck down three buildings on Whiskey Row– all part of a project to redevelop the historic buildings into new lofts, retail and restaurant space called 111 Whiskey Row. The fire was reported to be in the same block the Brown-Forman Corp. plans to create the Old Forester distillery experience, reported the USA Today. Our hero distillery became a vital piece of support while structural integrity was restored to the entire block, delaying completion by about one year. In 2018, Old Forester 1924 completed its full circle and came back to the Whiskey Row, housed in the same building that the brand called home from 1882 – 1919.
The 1924 edition was a nod to the original release and a blend that preserved the elegance of bourbon during the Prohibition era.
Tasting Notes – A Bourbon with Legacy
Whoever does the bourbon flavor review for the Old Forester 1924 is an extremely lucky person. So many reviewers rate it as their perfect sip. The Old Forester taste is home to different flavors– sweet and spice. The bourbon tasting notes include a rich and inviting bouquet of caramelized sugar, toasted oak, and ripe stone fruits, layered with hints of dark chocolate, baking spices, and orange zest, on the nose. The palate is full-bodied and complex, with waves of butterscotch, toffee, and vanilla complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle rye spiciness. Along with this the malted barley adds a creamy texture, while notes of dried cherry and tobacco provide depth and balance. It finishes with a long and warming lingering flavors of caramel, toasted almond, and a gentle spice, tapering into a smooth, slightly smoky conclusion.
How Old Forester 1924 Stands Out Among Other Bourbons
If we talk about the differences between other bourbons and the Old Forester 1924, the first point is the historical significance. It carries a rich flavorful history from the time of the Volstead Act or commonly known as the National Prohibition Act, where alcohol was allowed to be sold only for medicinal purposes. Old Forester bought shutting down industries and continued selling their whiskey. So, while many modern bourbons rely on manufactured heritage stories, Old Forester's 1924 expression represents an authentic piece of American whiskey history.
Old Forester 1924 is made with 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley, while other Old Forester bourbons use 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. These varied mash bills from different distilleries create a complexity that sets it apart from traditional single-source bourbons. While in Old Forester’s comparison, competitors have maintained strict consistency in their mash bills, Old Forester 1924's blend of different grain recipes provides a more nuanced flavor profile.
Old Forester 1924 has a unique taste that's different from other Old Forester bourbons. Some say it has notes of fudge, marzipan, and tobacco on the nose, and a chocolate-covered graham cracker dusted with cinnamon on the palate. Others say it's spicy on the tongue with a rich mouthfeel.
When compared to other luxury bourbons, Old Forester 1924 has more historical significance than artificial "small batch" marketing, has greater complexity than single-recipe competitors, and a unique proposition as a Prohibition-era inspired blend.
The Ideal Pairings with Old Forester 1924 Bourbon
Old Forester 1924 is a perfect drink. But what if we told you that you can make it taste even better? Yes, yes it is possible. Just pair it with the right food and let this combo work its magic. The spirit of bourbon creates an enlightening experience, with its initial warmth awakening the palate and heightening taste sensitivity. This foundation sets the stage for a gush of flavors - from sweet caramel and honey to bright citrus, smoky notes, hearty grains, and rich dark fruits. These complex flavor components harmonize beautifully with food, enhancing and elevating the overall dining experience.
To know the right bourbon food pairings is extremely important. You need to focus on fats, skip spicy foods and always trust sweets. Rich fatty foods like ham, chocolate, cheese, or salmon coat your mouth and create the perfect foundation. Once you sip the spirit, the alcohol transforms these fats and flavors into an extraordinary tasting experience. Any sweet treat, may it be a sweet dessert like creme brulee or cheesecake or sour patches and Halloween candies, anything works like magic when paired with bourbon.
Some of our customer favorite Old Forester 1924 pairings are our Wine, Cheese & Charcuterie basket, and the Best of SF basket which has chocolate cookies, chocolate almonds, shortbread cookies and more. Our customers at The Epicurean Trader really know what they’re doing.
Where to Find Old Forester 1924 and Why It’s Worth the Investment
Now we would like to think that we have convinced you to buy Old Forester 1924. May you be a bourbon collector, or just someone looking to try something new or somebody who is stuck with what bourbon to give your boss, this luxury bourbon purchase is the right next step. It is a remarkable limited-edition release that honors a pivotal chapter in Old Forester’s storied history, and tastes like heaven.
When in the 1920s Prohibition period, all distilleries were shut down, Old Forester remained the absolute constant. This luxury bourbon carries legacy, heritage with it and is a must-have for collectors and aficionados. Available at countless retail and online stores, this limited-edition bourbon is everybody’s favorite. But being available only around a certain time of the year, it gets hard to find being sold out too quickly. So our advice? Grab it fast. Easiest way to do so? The Epicurean Trader. We offer not only this spirit, but many other such luxury brands and the perfect food pairings baskets too!
