I've Tried Hundreds of Whiskeys. This Bourbon Is Surprisingly Affordable for Its Proof

You might've missed the date, but it was recently the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. The 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on December 5, 1933. It finally put an end to 13 years of the 18th Amendment, also known as the Volstead Act, which enforced a nationwide ban on manufacturing, selling, and transporting alcoholic beverages. 

It’s hard to imagine a world where we couldn’t purchase a bottle of bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, or other random spirit at relatailers. But, for thirteen years, Americans were forced to illicitly distill, import, and transport alcohol if they wished to imbibe it.

Interestingly, even though this period in American history provokes a negative feeling in most drinkers, some distillers craft pre-Prohibition and Prohibition-era whiskeys. The era featured complex, flavorful, and high-proof whiskeys that have a timeless feel. Of all the Prohibition-style whiskeys, none is more famous than Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style.

I’ve written about spirits for almost two decades. In that time, I’ve been lucky enough to sample countless classic bourbons from iconic brands like Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark. But, when it comes to sipping the flavors of a bygone era, none of the brands listed even come close to the authenticity and quality-to-value appeal of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style.

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First released in 2016, the 115-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey begins with a mash bill of 72 percent corn, 18 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley. It doesn’t carry an age statement, but many believe it’s matured for at least four years. It's double oak matured, first in new American oak barrels then heavily charred oak barrels.

The third expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style, got its name because Brown-Forman, makers of Old Forester, received a permit referred to as KY-3, making it one of only six Kentucky distilleries that were granted approval to produce bourbon for medicinal purposes.

The folks at Old Forester produced medicinal bourbon throughout Prohibition before reverting back to traditional bourbon after the Volstead Act was repealed in 1933. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same brand before, during, and after Prohibition.

It’s well-known for its complex, nuanced, memorable flavor that begins with a nose of caramelized sugar, dried cherries, cocoa powder, maple candy, oak, and wintry spices. The palate is a symphony of candied nuts, toffee, cracked black pepper, charred wood, vanilla beans, and baking spices. The finish is a warming, lightly smoky mix of orchard fruits, dark chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch.

While I could sing this whiskey’s praises just for its noteworthy, balanced flavor profile, it’s also remarkably affordable. This can’t-miss expression can be yours for around $55 to $65 for a 750ml bottle. One sip and this legendary Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is guaranteed to find a permanent spot in your liquor cabinet or on your bar cart.

So, next time you find yourself scrolling online retailers or strolling along the aisles of your local liquor store slack-jawed with no idea what bourbon to purchase, grab a bottle of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Whisky. It’s not just a taste of days gone by. It’s a high-proof whiskey well-suited for slow-sipping on a cold or snowy winter nights and the perfect base for an old fashioned, Manhattan, whiskey sour, and every other whiskey-based cocktail you’ll imbibe during the winter months and beyond.

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