I will start this article with a short history lesson for the fans of Old Forester. So, in case you didn’t know, Old Forester was founded in 1879 by George Garvin Brown.
And since then, it’s been a synonym for high-quality bourbon. Moreover, it’s one of the oldest bourbon brands. That’s why people trust Old Forester and have bought their premium bourbon for over a century.
Additionally, Old Forester sells different types of bourbon. They all differ in flavor, aging processes, and strength because they’re bottled differently (some at a lower proof, while others at barrel strength with a stronger flavor).
In other words, Old Forester has something for everyone. However, if you’re new to the whiskey world, finding the best Old Forester for your needs can be overwhelming.
Although all Old Forester bourbons have a great taste and smoothness, not every single product will make a good fit for you. Below, I will look closely at the best bourbons by this brand to help you find the perfect match, so let’s dive right in.
15 Best Old Forester Bourbons
As promised, here’s a list of some of the best Old Forester bourbons you can try and pick a favorite:
1. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
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The name of this bourbon references the Prohibition era of the 1920s. During this time, the production and sale of alcohol were prohibited in the US.
So, many distilleries were making alcohol in great secrecy. And one of those distilleries was Old Forester. The company claimed to make bourbon for “medicinal purposes only” and continued working during Prohibition with some other brands.
In my experience, the Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is a versatile drink with a very rich history. I used this bourbon in different cocktails because it’s bold, so it doesn’t get overpowered by other drinks.
However, it’s also great for sipping near or on the rocks.
If you’re looking for a bourbon that combines history, versatility, and quality, look no further than this one. It’s popular among whiskey enthusiasts and bartenders.
You will notice it’s a drink with deep flavor and character. Lastly, it makes you feel like you’re sipping a piece of history.
2. Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Whisky
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Another bourbon by Old Forester with a rich history is the 1870 Original Batch Whisky. It was named after the year the bourbon became the first sold sealed glass bottles.
Moreover, it’s a mix of hand-picked barrels by the master distiller and made to replicate the initial bourbon by Old Forester made in 1870.
The 1870 Original Batch Whisky comprises a 10% malted barley mash bill, 18% rye, and 72% corn. The best part? It’s aged for about four years in new, charred oak barrels.
At the first sip of this bourbon, you will taste the rich and smooth caramel, vanilla, and spice flavor. The drink has a long, warm finish and a 45% ABV or 90 proof.
Overall, it’s perfect for bourbon enthusiasts who prefer balanced drinks with a rich history.
3. Old Forester Single Barrel
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The Single Barrel by Old Forester is bottled from a single barrel with a distinctive flavor that can vary from barrel to barrel. Moreover, it’s aged about four years and provides a smooth, mellow taste.
Therefore, it’s perfect for sipping near or on the rocks. If you pick this bourbon, you will enjoy a rich and complex flavor with oak, vanilla, and caramel notes.
However, the flavor might vary depending on the barrel, making this bourbon different. It’s a great choice for people looking for new, exciting bourbons to try.
4. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey
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The 1910 Old Fine Whiskey by Old Forester is part of the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. These series celebrate the company’s history.
The name of this bourbon refers to a fire that ruined the distillery that year, causing the loss of aged stock. The whiskey made that year was aged in new, charred oak barrels to compensate for this loss.
The same process is used for making this bourbon. As you can notice, every bourbon by Old Forester has a history.
Impressive features of this bourbon include a double-barrel aging process in new, charred oak barrels for a while before being moved to a second charred barrel.
This process gives the bourbon extra flavors and aromas, resulting in a strong and complex flavor that makes 1910 unique.
5. Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond
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Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond is another bourbon part of the Old Forester Whiskey Row series, celebrating the brand’s legacy and history.
The name “1897” comes from when the Bottled in Bond Act was passed, which mandated that bourbon be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years before being bottled at 100 proof.
Key features of this bourbon include the attachment to the Bottled in Bond Act, which ensures that the bourbon is of the highest quality and consistency, aging about four years in new, charred oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof.
These features produce a rich, robust drink perfect for sipping neat or classic bourbon cocktails.
6. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
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If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you will love the annual limited edition release by Old Forester. It’s named the Birthday Bourbon and is released each year to celebrate the birthday of the founder of Old Forester, George Garvin Brown.
What you need to know about this bourbon is that it’s a highly coveted bottling aged for a specific number of years before being sold.
Unique features include varying ages and proof.
So, if you’re searching for a bourbon with a unique flavor that others can’t replicate on the market, consider the Birthday Bourbon by Old Forester.
Each release of this bourbon has a distinct flavor, and it’s great for those looking for a special, limited-edition bourbon that they could enjoy on a special occasion.
7. Old Forester Statesman
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The Statesman by Old Forester is made in partnership with the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle. It’s named after the Statesman, a fictional US spy organization featured in the movie.
The Statesman is a mix of hand-picked barrels aged for about four years and bottled at 95 proof. This process produces a full-bodied taste with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes.
Moreover, the higher proof gives this bourbon a kick and makes it stand out from others.
Old Forester Statesman is excellent for people looking for a bold, complex drink with a unique backstory.
It’s great for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in traditional bourbon cocktails.
8. Old Forester 86 Proof
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The 86 Proof by Old Forester consists of a mash bill of corn rye and malted barley. It’s also aged four years in new, charred oak barrels.
As the name suggests, this bourbon is bottled at 86 proof. It’s a classic bourbon with a sweet and spicy taste with vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel notes.
Key features include a mellow taste and lower proof.
These features make this bourbon easy to drink. You can pair the 86 Proof with different ingredients and mixers.
However, it’s also great when sipped neat or on the rocks. Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-drink, and cheaper bourbon by Old Forester, consider the 86 Proof.
9. Old Forester 100 Proof
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The 100 Proof by Old Forester is a mix of carefully picked batched aged for about four years and bottled at 100 proof.
If you’re in the market for a bold and robust bourbon, consider the 100 Proof. It’s a high-proof bourbon with a full and complex flavor. When you taste this bourbon, you will notice the spicy taste with pepper, vanilla, and caramel notes.
The higher proof gives this drink a kick and makes it stand out. It’s great for people looking for a bold, flavorful drink with higher proof.
Lastly, it’s ideal for sipping near or on the rocks, but you can also use it in your favorite cocktails, as it works well with different ingredients and mixers.
10. Old Forester Mint Julep
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The Mind Julep by Old Forester is a pre-made cocktail including the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, and mint.
You can purchase the Mint Julep in a 1-liter bottle and serve it over ice. It’s convenient for people who don’t have the time to prepare drinks.
I love the Mint Julep because it’s smooth and refreshing with well-balanced sweet and minty flavors. The best part? It’s reasonably priced!
Lastly, Mint JulepIt has a low alcohol content of 30%. In fact, the alcohol content of this drink is lower than the typical 40% ABV of straight bourbon whiskey.
So, it’s perfect for those who prefer lighter drinks.
11. Old Forester Barrel Strength
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As the name suggests, the Barrel Strength by Old Forester is bottled straight from the barrel. It’s unfiltered and uncut high-proof bourbon, which means it’s bottled at full cask strength. Also, it doesn’t contain any water, nor it’s filtered.
This process gives it a stronger and more complex flavor than the usual bourbon by Old Forester. Moreover, the Barrel Strength is aged for about four years.
It’s bottled at a proof that varies from batch to batch. However, it usually ranges from 130 to 135 proof. So, consider the Barrel Strength if you want a bold bourbon.
It definitely packs a punch and ensures a unique drinking experience. I would suggest serving this bourbon in a smaller and more concentrated portion, as it’s strong with high alcohol content.
Enjoy the Barrel Strength neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktails, like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
12. Old Forester President’s Choice
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Old Forester President’s Choice is a limited-edition bourbon release created to celebrate the brand’s long-standing tradition of producing quality bourbon.
The President’s Choice series features unique blends named after the brand’s former president, George Garvin Brown.
The Old Forester President’s Choice release is usually a blend of bourbons aged for varying lengths, resulting in a complex and flavorful profile.
Each year, the blend for Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is uniquely crafted by the master distiller through careful selection.
Even though the combination of ingredients may change each year, you can be sure it’s always made with great care to guarantee an excellent taste.
This bourbon is usually bottled at barrel strength from 110-120 proof, which means it’s not diluted with water before bottling, allowing the full flavor and character of the whiskey to shine through.
However, it’s a limited edition release, so it can be difficult to find.
13. Old Forester King Ranch Edition
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The King Ranch Edition by Old Forester is a special release in collaboration with the historic Texas ranch, King Ranch, known for horse and cattle breeding operations.
This bourbon is a mix of whiskeys aged for years in heavily charred barrels. The drink is also filtered through King Ranch mesquite charcoal, eliminating any impurities and giving the King Ranch bourbon a smoky character.
This process results in a unique bourbon that pays homage to the extensive history and traditions of the ranch. Moreover, it comes in a distinctive bottle that features the ranch logo.
However, finding this bourbon can be hard since it’s a limited edition release. Lastly, it’s more expensive than other Old Forester bourbons.
14. Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch Proof
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Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch Proof is a limited edition bourbon released in 2020 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Old Forester brand. It’s a high-proof bourbon with a batch strength of 126.8 proof (63.4% ABV).
Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch Proof bourbon is made from a mash bill made of corn, rye, and malted barley, then aged in new American charred oak barrels, and the exact duration of the aging process is kept a mystery.
Tasting notes for Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch Proof describe it as having aromas of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a rich and complex palate and notes of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate. It has a long, warming finish with a hint of smoke.
This bourbon’s exceptional quality and rarity make enthusiasts and collectors go wild. They’re always on the lookout for this limited edition release.
15. Old Forester The 117 Series: High Angels’ Share
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The 117 Series is a limited edition line of bourbons from Old Forester, and High Angels’ Share is the first expression in this series. This bourbon is named after the “angel’s share,” which refers to the amount of whiskey that evaporates during aging.
High Angels’ Share has a strong aroma of oak and vanilla, followed by caramel, toffee, and spice flavors.
The higher rate of evaporation that occurs during aging on the higher floors of the warehouse results in a more concentrated flavor profile with a richer and more complex taste.
The bourbon is bottled at a robust 110-proof (55% ABV), which gives it a bold and warming finish.
Related Questions
What Bourbons Are Made at Old Forester?
Old Forester produces different types of bourbon whiskies with various ages, proofs, and flavor profiles. Some bourbons currently made at Old Forester include Old Forester 86 Proof, Old Forester 100 Proof, Old Forester Statesman, Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style, and Old Forester 1870 Original Batch.
Other bourbons made at Old Forester include Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey, Old Forester Single Barrel, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (annual release), and Old Forester Whiskey Row Series.
Old Forester also occasionally releases special limited edition bourbons, such as the Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch Proof, released in 2020 to commemorate the brand’s 150th anniversary.
Does Old Forester Taste Like Jack Daniel’s?
Although they’re American whiskey brands, Old Forester and Jack Daniels don’t taste the same. They share caramel and vanilla notes, but their distinct production methods and ingredients result in unique and different flavor profiles.
What Does Old Forester 1897 Taste Like?
The high-proof Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond has a rich and complex caramel, toffee, and vanilla flavor, with hints of oak, baking spices, and a touch of rye spice.
Which Old Forester Bourbon is Hard to Find?
You might not have luck finding several limited editions of Old Forester, including Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Old Forester 150th Anniversary, Old Forester President’s Choice, and Old Forester Single Barrel.
What’s Your Pick?
Overall, Old Forester produces a wide range of bourbons with rich, complex flavors and a smooth and satisfying finish.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-quality American bourbon, look no further than Old Forester. Give some of the premium bourbons above a try, and pick a favorite.
