Old Forester is one of the most renowned and well-rounded bourbon brands in America, but which one should you buy? We did the hard work for you, and came up with the ultimate ranking for all 17 Old Forester bourbons.
Old Forester is one of the most historic bourbon brands in America. Old Forester was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. It claims to be the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles. This helped ensure quality and consistency at a time when most whiskies were sold in barrels and prone to tampering.
Old Forester is produced in Kentucky and is owned by the global spirits company Brown-Forman. While Old Forester offers several specialty and limited edition bourbons, their core range consists of bourbons at 86 proof, 100 proof, and a higher proof single barrel expression.
A Note on the Mashbill
Technically speaking, bourbon is a style of American whiskey made predominantly from corn and aged in charred new oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years. By law, bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into barrels for aging at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at 80 proof or more. Most bourbon uses the standard “mash bill” of around 70% corn. But Old Forester uses 65% corn instead of rye in its mash bill. This gives its bourbons a sweeter and smoother taste profile.
Ranking Old Forester Bourbon from Best to Worst
The bourbons featured in this ranking aim to highlight Old Forester’s varied expressions, from rare limited editions to their core lineup. Tasting notes, aging details, and bottling specs below to showcase the nuances of each bourbon.
Below, we have a listed ranking of the best Old Forester bourbons, and a detailed ranking that follows it. The detailed ranking of the Old Foreter lineage goes into a little more specifics of each bourbon, and will give you the full picture of each of these bottles.
Old Forester Bourbon Ranking
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
- Old Forester 1924 10-Year
- Old Forester President’s Choice
- Old Forester 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
- Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey
- Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond
- Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof
- Old Forester Single Barrel
- Old Forester 100 Proof
- Old Forester Statesman
- Old Forester Old Forester Single Barrel Rye
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
- Old Forester Rye
- Old Forester 86
- Old Forester King Ranch
- Old Forester Mint Julep
Detailed Ranking of the Best Old Forester Bourbons
1. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Birthday Bourbon’s spot a top this Old Forester ranking should surprise no one. It commands a price point that can range from $300 – $600 per bottle, depending on the year. It also regularly sits atop rankings of the best bourbons year-to-year. As such, it is a premier allocated bourbon (here’s a list of allocated bourbons), and a bottle you should grab if you see it for a reasonable price.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a highly sought-after limited edition release. It celebrates the birthday of George Garvin Brown, the founder of Brown-Forman. The 2023 edition, for instance, was a blend of 103 barrels filled on May 5, 2011, and aged in Warehouse I on the 5th floor.
It was the first release blended by Melissa Rift, Master Taster for Brown-Forman, following Jackie Zykan’s departure. The bourbon is known for its rich tapestry of scents. This includes summer fruits, buttercream, sugar cookie, and apricot, with a palate that transitions to leather and stout oak, and a finish characterized by toasted almond and walnut notes.
Want to grab a bottle? Good luck. You might have to get lucky with a lottery or employ some of your Bourbon Hunting skills.
2. Old Forester 1924 10-Year
Old Forester 1924 is the new kid on the block. But it already commands the top ranking spot on our (and many other) Old Forester whiskey row lists. Released in 2024, it represents the fifth release in Old Forester’s Whiskey Row Series, which pays tribute to the founding year of the brand. This 10-year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey delivers a remarkably smooth and complex sipping experience. 1924 is also a limited annual release, and right now is one of the harder-to-find Old Forester Bottles.
The 1924 bottle is a nod to the brand’s history during Prohibition when it was one of the few distilleries allowed to operate legally. The 2024 release features a new mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley. It is aged for 10 years. Old Forester 1924 presents a delightful aroma with notes of apple cider, butterscotch, and seasoned oak, while the palate offers a creamy mouthfeel with red currant, cranberry, and plum.
The finish is mildly dry with dominant oak flavors, and the bourbon stands out for its backstory and the unique circumstances under which it was created.
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.
3. Old Forester President’s Choice
Old Forester President’s Choice is a unique single barrel offering that stands out in the Old Forester lineup for its exclusivity and historical significance. And no, this isn’t named after the United States President.
Each barrel of President’s Choice is hand-selected by the current president of Old Forester, making it a personal reflection of the president’s palate1. This tradition dates back to the 1940s and was revived in recent years to celebrate the brand’s heritage and the opening of their new distilling facility on Louisville’s Whiskey Row.
Compared to other Old Forester bourbons, President’s Choice is typically bottled at a higher proof. This ranges historically from 110-120 proof, and is aged for around 6 years. It’s a limited availability release, often only sold at the distillery, which adds to its allure among bourbon enthusiasts.
Want to grab a bottle? Good luck. Prices for President’s choice can range from $250 – $2000, depending on the year.
4. Old Forester 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old
Old Forester uses their 117 Series to flex. We can’t cover all the bottles, but Old Forester innovates with this series and it includes such bottles as High Angel’s Share, Warehouse H, and Whiskey Row Fire. Our favorite is the 1910 Extra Old.
The Old Forester 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old is part of a series that experiments with the aging process to create unique flavor profiles within the Old Forester family. The 1910 Extra Old is a limited-edition expression that takes the standard 1910 Old Fine Whisky and extends its aging in a secondary barrel for an additional 24 months. This process intensifies the caramel notes and adds depth to the whiskey. This distinguishes it from the standard 1910 Old Fine Whisky, which is already known for its rich caramel and sweet profile.
The 117 Series showcases the brand’s innovative side, pushing the boundaries of traditional bourbon aging to explore new taste experiences.
5. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style should be on everyone’s shelves. It’s a well-rounded, affordable bourbon that is a staple for sipping or cocktails. You can’t go wrong with this bourbon, and there’s not a single bourbon enthusiast out there that doesn’t respect this bottle.
1920 is a robust addition to the Whiskey Row Series, representing the brand’s endurance through the Prohibition era. It is bottled at 115 proof, which is a nod to the typical barrel proof during that time. This expression is distinct from others in the Whiskey Row lineup due to its higher proof and rich flavor profile that includes dark chocolate and seasoned oak. It’s a testament to Old Forester’s ability to produce a bourbon that is both a throwback to a bygone era and appealing to modern palates.
6. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey
Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey is also part of the Whiskey Row Series. It is notable for its double-barreling process, which was a historical accident turned signature method. The second barreling gives it a unique flavor profile with a rich caramel and sweet taste, setting it apart from the rest of the Old Forester expressions.
It’s a bourbon that celebrates innovation born out of necessity and has become a beloved staple for its creamy texture and deep flavors.
According to Old Forester:
Like others in the series, 1910 Old Fine Whisky represents a specific point in Old Forester’s nearly 150-year-old history. In October 1910, a fire caused the bottling line to be shut down for an indefinite period of time. Complicating matters, there was a vat of mature whisky waiting to be bottled. Otherwise facing ruin, this whisky was instead stored in new, charred oak containers to rest until the line could be repaired. The resulting product, the first documented double-barreled whisky, was both different from Old Forester and remarkable enough to become an entirely new expression – Very Old Fine Whiskey.
7. Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond
Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond pays homage to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This act was made to ensure the authenticity and quality of the whiskey. It adheres to the strict guidelines of being 100 proof and aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years. (See also: What is Bottled in Bond Bourbon?)
The 1897 expression stands out in the lineup for its adherence to these historical standards, offering a bold and flavorful experience with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It’s a bourbon that not only respects the legacy of the past but also delivers a taste that resonates with contemporary bourbon aficionados.
8. Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof
Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof (also referred to as “Barrel Strength”) is strong. As part of the brand’s single barrel selections, this bottle is barrel strength, offering a pure and potent taste of the whiskey as it comes straight from the barrel. This range typically varies in proof, at a whopping 130 to 135, showcasing an undiluted expression in Old Forester’s lineup.
Launched in 2020, this expression has quickly gained attention for its boldness and depth.It offers a distinct experience that differs from barrel to barrel. Despite some critical responses to its value proposition, given its price point and age statements (a typical bottle runs $75+, and there’s no age statement), many bourbon enthusiasts appreciate the characteristics that can range from barrel to barrel. If you buy a bottle of Barrel Strength, keep in mind that while barrels are phenomenal, there’s definitely some rough barrel selections out there that should never have seen the light of day.
9. Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof
Rightly so, Old Forester Single Barrel comes in right behind the “Barrel Proof” expression of this lineup in our ranking. Old Forester discontinued their 90-proof single barrel bourbon around 2020, when they introduced the “Barrel Proof” expression. Shortly thereafter, they transitioned this bottling to a 100-proof expression.
Each bottle from Old Forester’s Single Barrel line is a unique expression. They offer a singular taste profile that varies from barrel to barrel. Bottled at 100 proof, it provides a robust yet balanced flavor, making it a more approachable option within the brand’s extensive range. This expression allows connoisseurs to explore the nuances of single-barrel variations, each with its own story and character.
Introduced as part of an enhancement to Old Forester’s single barrel program, the Single Barrel expression has carved out its niche among bourbon aficionados. While it doesn’t pack the same high-proof punch as its Barrel Strength counterpart, it’ stands out for its consistency in quality and flavor.It’s still a great expression for people who want dip their toes in single barrel bourbon without the barrel proof potency and price point.
10. Old Forester 100 Proof
Also known as “Old Forester Signature”, Old Forester 100 Proof stands as a flagship whiskey for the brand. With a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and aged around four years, Old Forester 100 Proof delivers a classic bourbon experience with notes of caramel, oak, and a hint of spice that lingers on the palate.
Old Forester has marketed their 100 proof as more of a cocktail bourbon than a sipping bourbon. While it’s technically a more stable expression than its Single Barrel 100 Proof counterpart (above), the ceiling for quality on this bourbon isn’t as high.
This expression is boring, standard, and a go-to affordable bourbon for nicer cocktails.
11. Old Forester Statesman
Old Forester statesman is sweet, fruity, and drinkable. Coming in at a mild 95 proof, Statesman contains no age statement and commands a price of around $55-60 per bottle.
Old Forester Statesman is a no age statement bourbon that was originally released as a tie-in with the 2017 movie, Kingsman: The Gold Circle. It is bottled at 95 proof and blended from hand-selected casks from the warmest places in Old Forester’s warehouse.
In our opinion, it’s drinkable, overpriced, and kind of mid. This is a good bottle to introduce to any of your friends that are just now dipping their toes in the world of bourbon.
12. Old Forester Single Barrel Rye
Released in 2021, Old Forester Single Barrel rye is a newer expression in Old Forester’s lineup. Just like with the rest of Old Forester’s single barrel selections, each bottle is unique. This whiskey, however, gets bonus points for also being a barrel strength single barrel bourbon, clocking in at a formidable 120-130 proof.
The whiskey is crafted from Old Forester’s original rye recipe, which consists of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn, offering a rich and spicy taste that’s complemented by a sweet and bitter finish with notes of caramel, vanilla, bread, oak, and a hint of orange1.
Positioned as a premium offering, Old Forester Single Barrel Rye stands out with its dessert-forward aroma, featuring creamy vanilla and lemon custard alongside rich caramel and dark brown sugar. It’s a limited release, chosen from 75 barrels, and is only the second product to be made from the Old Forester rye recipe created in 2019. If you’re lucky, you can find this priced at around $80 for a 750mL bottle. However, this bottle is generating tater hype and can run for around $200 on a bad day.
While this bottle is undoubtedly a solid rye from a great rye recipe, there have been a lot of misses. While each bottle has a high ceiling, there’s barrels that should never have made it into the single barrel selection for Old Forester’s Single Barrel Rye.
13. Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Out of the entire Whiskey Row series, Old Forster comes last in our ranking, but don’t let that detour you.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch is the first expression in Old Forester’s Whiskey Row series (along with Old Forester 1924, 1920, 1910, etc…). This expression pays tribute to the year Garvin Brown crafted the original small batch whiskey at 322 West Main St. on Louisville’s Whiskey Row.
The Old Forester 1870 expression is handcrafted in this tradition, by blending three different bourbons from different warehouses, different distilling dates and of different profiles. It is also bottled at the same 90 proof. Due to this homage, the label bears the words Original Batch.
1870 Original Batch has a reputation for being an easy-to-drink bourbon. However, the price point ($40-$60), age (4-5 years), and proof (90) make it one of the more skippable installations in the Whiskey Row series.
14. Old Forester Rye
Old Forester released their Rye in 2019, as the first rye expression Old Forester has ever produced in their 150 year history. Crafted with a blend of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn, this expression offers a bold and spicy flavor profile that sets it apart.
Old Forester has positioned its rye itself as a versatile and approachable whiskey. With its smooth yet robust character, this rye is equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or as the base for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
While Old Forester’s Rye is undoubtedly solid, there’s other better ryes out there. This line is brand new, and holds a lot of promise. It will be very interesting to see how Old Forester develops their rye in coming years.
(See also: “Everything You Need To Know About Rye Whiskey“)
15. Old Forester 86
At 86 proof, Old Forester 86 is a cheaper, lower-proof version of Old Forester 100. It’s standard, delicious, and emblematic of many of the other pours that Old Forester offers.
If you have to choose your favorite Old Forester bourbon, there’s other pours that are better than this at a similar price point. Old Forester is good, but average.
16. Old Forester King Ranch
Availible only in Texas, Old Forester King Ranch is a mashup between (obviously) the Old Forester brand and King Ranch brand. It’s 105 proof, which is nice, but there’s nothing really distinctive or special about this poor.
Here’s what Old Forester has to say about it:
Old Forester King Ranch Edition™ celebrates the union of two iconic American brands – Old Forester and King Ranch. Together, we created a proprietary batch of Old Forester Bourbon – a bespoke blend of whisky matured in heavily charred barrels, and filtered through King Ranch mesquite charcoal.
Available only in Texas, this expression is an homage to the values held by both Old Forester and King Ranch: hard work, ingenuity, and a lasting legacy. Old Forester King Ranch Edition™ is presented at 105 proof.
Candidly, our take, is that this bottle is kind of a marketing gimmick. You can find better Old Forester pours in the list above.
17. Old Forester Mint Julep
Old Forester Mint Julep comes dead last in our ranking of the brand’s bourbon. But actually it’s not half bad for what it is. If you’re looking for a good stand alone bourbon, Old Forester Mint Julep ain’t it. It’s 60 proof and essentially a cocktail-in-a-bottle.
If you’re looking for a very solid, ready-to-drink cocktail, this will absolutely suffice. It’s delicious and perfect for a bottle-to-party drink.
Ranking and Pricing Old Forester Bourbon
Several of Old Forester’s bottles are allocated. Don’t overpay! Here’s a ranking of where we think the price should fall for the Old Forester bottles you’re after. In most, if not all, cases the below price should reflect the fair price you would pay for a 750 mL bottle.
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon – Fair Price: $377.39
- Old Forester President’s Choice – Fair Price: $255.30
- Old Forester 117 Series: 1910 Extra Old – Fair Price: $312.20
- Old Forester Old Forester Single Barrel Rye – Fair Price:$198.15
- Old Forester 1924 10-Year – Fair Price: $146.55
- Old Forester King Ranch – Fair Price: $139.99
- Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof – Fair Price: $136.24
- Old Forester Single Barrel – Fair Price: $102.20
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style – Fair Price: $75.47
- Old Forester Statesman – Fair Price: $75.08
- Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond – Fair Price: $73.68
- Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey – Fair Price: $68.82
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – Fair Price: $67.26
- Old Forester Rye – Fair Price: $38.13
- Old Forester 100 Proof – Fair Price: $37.95
- Old Forester Mint Julep – Fair Price: $37.57
- Old Forester 86 – Fair Price: $31.62
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