LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Old Forester, the iconic Kentucky bourbon brand from Brown-Forman, has brought back its acclaimed 1924 expression for a second year, delighting whiskey enthusiasts nationwide. This 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 100 proof, is the fifth release in the popular Whiskey Row Series and features a unique mash bill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley—setting it apart from the brand’s traditional recipe. With rich tasting notes of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, warm cinnamon, and chocolate-covered graham crackers, it’s a smooth yet bold sip that highlights Old Forester’s innovative spirit.
The 1924 bourbon pays tribute to a pivotal moment during Prohibition, when over 200 Kentucky distilleries shut down, but Old Forester persisted thanks to one of just six federal permits for medicinal whiskey production. In 1924, the brand sourced barrels from closed distilleries with varying mash bills and bottled them under the Old Forester name—a creative move that’s now commemorated in this age-stated gem. “With a new mash bill and 10-year age statement, 1924 features a unique taste unlike any other Old Forester expression, but fits perfectly within our storytelling Whiskey Row series,” shared Master Taster Melissa Rift. After selling out quickly upon its 2024 debut, this re-release is now available at participating retailers for a suggested price of $119.99. Head to the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville or visit oldforester.com for more details and to explore the full Whiskey Row lineup.
More about Old Forester Bourbon
Old Forester Bourbon has a fascinating backstory that’s like a time capsule from the Wild West era of whiskey. Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, a pharmaceutical salesman in Louisville, Kentucky, it earned the title of “America’s First Bottled Bourbon.” Back then, most whiskey was sold straight from barrels at saloons, often watered down or tampered with—yikes! Brown revolutionized the game by sealing his bourbon in glass bottles for guaranteed quality and consistency, even naming it after a doctor friend (originally “Forester” with two r’s). It’s the only bourbon brand continuously produced and sold by the same family company (Brown-Forman) before, during, and after Prohibition, when it was one of the few allowed for “medicinal” purposes. Today, classics like the smooth 86 Proof and bolder 100 Proof sit alongside fun historical recreations in the Whiskey Row series, nodding to key moments like 1920’s Prohibition-style high-proof pours.
While Old Forester is proudly a Kentucky straight bourbon (made with at least 51% corn for that signature sweet, vanilla-caramel vibe), the world of American whiskey offers exciting variety to keep your taste buds adventuring. Rye whiskey flips the script with at least 51% rye grain, delivering a spicier, peppery kick perfect for bold cocktails like Manhattans—think of it as bourbon’s feisty cousin. Tennessee whiskey follows bourbon rules but adds a charcoal-filtering step for extra smoothness (Jack Daniel’s is the famous example). Then there’s wheat-heavy “wheated” bourbon for softer, bread-like sweetness, or even corn whiskey for a raw, moonshine-like edge. Whether you’re sipping Old Forester neat or mixing up something new, exploring these types is like a delicious history lesson in a glass—cheers to that!
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