Old Forester 1920
Intro: From OF website:
In crafting 1920, we were able to spend time thinking about the legacy of Owsley Brown I and what was an incredibly unique era in our country’s history – Prohibition. 1920 Prohibition Style is our toast to the innovative and enduring spirit of Old Forester.
This 115 proof expression is the third release in our Old Forester Whiskey Row series and celebrates the brand’s continued distillation during Prohibition. For 13 years, the production, transport and sale of alcohol was strictly prohibited. However, Old Forester was granted a permit to continue distilling on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. The 115 proof expression represents a barrel sample that company president Owsley Brown I would have batched at the beginning of Prohibition.
Review:
The Nose...
Carmel and aged oak.
The first sip... initial heat which causes an eye squint and teeth clinch but afterward the broad flavors come roaring in. Vanilla and carmel. One of the best products by OF! The second sip...hot but great flavors. It stings the front of the tongue but not the back. At 115 proof this is a very smooth bourbon! Give it thirty seconds after you swallow to get the full profile. It's one of those bourbons that 45 seconds later you still have a great taste and want another sip.
Is it worth the $?
It's X-pensive. I'm sorry to say it. I hate that it's $62+ for this bourbon. I think it would be better suited at $35 - $40. It should be in your collection if you can swing it. Bring it out for the father in law who is a stickler for good liquor.
Quick story...this past thanksgiving my in laws were a the house. My mother in law...who never drinks...asks me which of my 100+ bottles is "the best one"...loaded question... So I walk her through some explanation of what I have and what I think is good...she could not have cared less. Then the question..."which one is the most expensive...?" Ok, remember to have a high pitch nasal voice when saying that sentence to yourself. I say, it's this one. I reach for and grab the 10 year Old Rip Van Winkle. I show her, she snatches it from my hand. My father in law is at the counter sitting on a stool about 4 feet away...his head snaps around. The wife is on the other side of that counter, she perks up. My eyes fire at my mother in law...she already has the topper out of the bottle. The sound ricochets around the kitchen of said action... My mouth opens but before I can speak words to this devil woman, she has already started to pour...and pour...my prized bourbon into her coke zero...1 oz...2 oz...3 oz...gone! My hands reach for her throat to choke the life out of her but they stop at my bottle and I grab it from her rat claws, at the same time my father in law yells "Deb!" I quickly re-cork the bottle and shove it back into the cabinet. I turn around in horror, my wife sees me and knows how mad I am. The beast takes a drink...makes a face...says "oh, its too strong!" and goes to pour it out! I flip out! "WHAT THE F$&K ARE YOU DOING!" Mind you this is thanksgiving...a family holiday! And now I have to kill her! I grab the drink from her cold clam hand and start drinking it as fast as I can, thinking that if I get drunk enough, fast enough, I may not care...didn't work! It's almost as bad as when she ran the water, full hot, in the master shower for 5+ hours on end...but that's another story...