Old Forester 1924 Bourbon / Batch 2
The Stats
- Distillery: Old Forester Distillery
- Location: Kentucky
- Type: Bourbon
- Age: 10 Years Old
- Proof: 100 (50% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley
- Release: Spring 2025
- Price: $115
Vintage Vibes. Modern Muscle. Old Forester has never been shy about its history. But the 1924 expression doesn’t just nod to the past—it brings age, depth, and a new mash bill to the table, proving that even a legacy brand can still surprise us.
The 2025 batch of Old Forester 1924 marks the second release in this age-stated line from the Whiskey Row Series, and it brings more than just numbers on a label. With a 10-year age statement, a unique mash bill, and a steady 100 proof, this bottle delivers balance, oak, and boldness in a way that feels classic—but elevated.
A New Recipe for an Old Classic
Old Forester has always relied on a consistent house mash bill—until now. 1924 features a different recipe:
79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley—lower rye than the traditional 18%, giving this expression a richer, sweeter, and more oak-driven character.
The result is unmistakably Old Forester, but deeper and more refined, thanks to the decade spent in barrel. This isn’t just a longer-aged 1910 or 1920—it’s its own thing, built with intention and bottled for those who like their bourbon full-flavored without going full barrel-proof.
Ok, you might be asking, does this batch vary from batch 1 of 2024? We haven’t blinded them next to each other yet, but they seem very similar. Assuming Old Forester has an exceptionally curated batching system. If we do a blind, we’ll update this post.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Classic Old Forester warmth, but turned up a notch. Toasted brown sugar, red fruit, chocolate cream pie filling, and rich oak notes dominate the nose, followed by hints of vanilla custard, caramel, baking spice, and a subtle note of leather. There’s a sweet-savory balance that signals maturity.
Taste:
Silky and rich. A baker’s kitchen. It opens with caramel, red fruit, and cinnamon, then builds into dark chocolate, clove, and seasoned oak that coats the mouth. The rye is subtle, letting the corn and oak shine, while a creaminess from the malted barley smooths out the edges.
Finish:
Medium-long. Charred oak, dried orange peel, and soft spice notes linger, complemented by a hint of toasted almond. It’s warm and sweet on the exit, but never sharp, showing age and proof in equal measure—a true beauty of balance.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
9 / 10 - Excellent
Old Forester 1924 (2025 Batch) is everything you want in a heritage bottle with a modern edge: aged, proofed right, and distinct in flavor. The revised mash bill and 10-year age statement set it apart, not just from the Whiskey Row series, but from much of the category.
It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just a reminder of how smooth it can be when built with purpose.
This is classic bourbon with grown-up depth. A little harder to find? Sure. But if you see it, don’t hesitate.
