Today, Old Forester announces the newest release in its coveted and award-winning Whiskey Row Series – 1924.  This 10-year-old age-stated bourbon is 100 proof and comprises a new mash bill for the brand.

Available nationwide, this marks the fifth installment in the Whiskey Row Series. Rather than the traditional Old Forester recipe (72% corn; 18% rye and 10% malted barley), 1924 debuts a new mash bill (79% corn; 11% rye and 10% malted barley).

The bottle marks an important point in Old Forester’s 153-year history.

During Prohibition, more than 200 distilleries in Kentucky alone were forced to close. Old Forester, however, continued operations because the federal government issued it one of six permits to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distillers, with different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This special release commemorates that moment in time.

This release honors the 100th anniversary of that whiskey innovation.  Old Forester is the only bourbon brand produced before, during and after Prohibition.

“We are honored to commemorate this historical milestone with a new featured mash bill and a beautiful 10-year age statement,’ Master Taster Melissa Rift said. “It allows whisky lovers to taste just how dynamic our brand can be while staying rooted in our rich history.”

Old Forester 1924 is 50% ABV (100-proof) and is available nationwide starting today at participating retailers and at Old Forester Distilling Co. for $115.

I was lucky enough to be given a sample of this new release.  I am very excited about it as 1910 and 1920 are two of my all time favorites.  1910 is number 3 on my best double oaked bourbons behind two very allocated releases, making it the best available one.  1920 is one I consider my "deserted island" bourbon of the ones you can find everyday.  This is the bottle I would choose to drink everyday if I could only choose one.  

While the 1924 is nearly double the price of the 1910 and 1920, let's see if it's worthy of that price tag.  On the nose I get amazing dusty oak notes, figs, tobacco, light banana, and chocolate brownies.  These flavors pop out and are very present.  The palate continues this really nice dusty, leathery, oak note with chocolate, nuts, and graham cracker making an appearance at the tail end.  The finish lingers quite a while but isn't warm at all.  

The balance of the sweet notes against the old oak is exquisite!  To me, it drinks much older than a 10-year-old bourbon but not overly oaked.  The best comparison I have is that it is a really good batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof without the heat but all the outstanding sweet and oak flavors!  While the price tag may be debatable for some, it's more than worthy of a purchase.   This is one you'll pour to enjoy the greatness of each flavor and note necessarily a social or daily drinker.  You'll pour this, sit in your leather chair in silence, and peacefully contemplate the amazing profile Old Forester was able to develop with this release!