A rather fascinating whiskey from Kentucky distillers, Old Forester. This Bourbon follows on two others in this popular series that attempts to resurrect the style of ages gone by: the 1897 Bottled in Bond and the 1870 Original Batch.

This bottling aims to capture the character of spirit made during the Prohibition era. During Prohibition, most distilleries closed – many for good. Old Forester was able to remain open, producing spirit for “medical purposes.” The flavours of this whiskey are based upon a barrel sample batched by the company’s president, Owsley Brown I, at the start of the “noble experiment”.

Old Forester have attempted to produce a barrel proof whiskey like those made at this time, which has led to some changes in bottling strength. During Prohibition, whiskey was required to be bottled at 100 proof. Distillers often barrelled the whiskey at this strength too, in a bid to avoid over-dilution. This Bourbon has been bottled at 57.5% ABV (115 proof), as Old Forester have made accommodations for the angel’s share.

1920 Prohibition Style is likely made with the usual Old Forester mashbill: 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, resulting in a well-balanced, sweet and spicy Bourbon.

This dram offers notes of dark fruits: plums and black cherry, with touches of barrel char, rye spices and caramel. A growing oak character begins to dominate, with plenty of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg spice, and a little creamy custard.

A wonderful piece of liquid history.

• Product type
  Bourbon
• Distillery / brand
  Old Forrester
• Country
  USA
• Region
  Kentucky
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Cask type
  New Oak
• Non-chillfiltered
  Yes
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  034893