Old Forester brings back special release named ‘Whiskey of the Year’ bourbon pick
An Old Forester special release that was named 2024 Bourbon of the Year by Bourbon Podcast is back for a second year.
Old Forester 1924, which honored the 100th anniversary of the brand, was first released in January 2024 and sold out nationally in just weeks.
Now, the expression is returning to shelves everywhere as part of the Whiskey Row Series, a collection of Old Forester expressions that highlight special moments from the brand’s 153-year history.
Where to buy Old Forester 1924
It’s a 10-year-old bourbon, bottled at 100 proof and has a suggested retail price of $119.99. It will be available at the Old Forester Distilling Co. in Louisville starting Jan. 10 and is available now to buy online at shop.oldforester.com. It will be on shelves nationally.
Old Forester in Louisville was one of six distillers permitted to stay open during Prohibition to bottle existing whiskey stocks as medicine; in 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from neighboring closed distillers, each with different mashbills, and bottled that as Old Forester. This special release commemorates that.
“Old Forester 1924 quickly became a consumer favorite of our beloved Whiskey Row Series,” said assistant master distiller Caleb Trigo in a news release. “We are glad to see it return to stores, bars and restaurants across America.”
Tasting notes, mashbill
The bourbon features a mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye and 10% malted barley rather than the traditional Old Forester recipe of 72% corn, 18%rye and 10% malted barley.
“With a new mashbill 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,” said master taster Melissa Rift. “After such a quick sell-out last year, this re-release gives more whiskey drinkers the chance to taste — and love — this dynamic expression.”
According to the tasting notes, Old Forester 1924 has a nose with soft notes of fudge, cocoa, marzipan and cured tobacco layered over rich oak and warm cinnamon. On the palate, it’s chocolate-covered graham cracker dusted with cinnamon, with a finish of spice and graham cracker crumbles.
