I'm a converted Scotch drinker. My wife used your videos to select my Christmas presents this year, 1792 Small Batch, and Old Forester 1920, OMG! Thanks guys!
Yeah me too - scotch guy. I got a bottle of 1910 last night and was pleasantly surprised. It's pretty good and holds up against the scotches in value for money in my opinion ($54 at the Virginia ABC store).
Very weird we're not alone in converting from Scotch. Not that it's not great but bourbon has that spark the soul is after. So much more variety & if they could finish in Ex-Bourbon barrels, there would be no contest globally🤌🏼🥃Great wife right there!
Old Forester is sentimental to me. On an overnight pass from Basic training in Fort Polk, I took a bus to Deritter, LA. I walked around the town. Found a local hamburger stand (not MacDonald or similar) Walked back to the four unit motel. Confused, I asked the landlady 'is this a dry town or something'? She replied something like 'yeah would you like a drink? She delivered an Old Forester pint bottle half full and 4 cans of Budweiser to my room at no charge. Next morning, she had friends take me to church and after church, to the country club for lunch. There is more to this testament of Southern Hospitality in the late 60s but it gets too far off the Old Forester theme.
There are a number of TH-cam channels that do a good job of covering bourbon, but for some reason I keep coming back to this channel. You guys seem to consistently hit the mark on reviewing the bourbons that most of us bourbon drinkers can relate to and learn from. Keep up the good work
1920 was my first high proof Bourbon and it drinks so smooth! I do drink mostly Old Fashioneds but compared to other pours it drinks so smooth and tons of flavor and it doesn't feel super hot to me.
Beginner bourbon junkie and I gotta say you guys are the only bourbon channel I follow. Amazing honest reviews and you don't talk down to those of us who are new to bourbon. We all have to start somewhere.... I just bought my first bottle of OF 1920 yesterday, drove two hours to get it. I was a little hesitant about the proof on this and almost caved and went with the 1910. With everything I've tried so far I've stayed in the low 90 range. This bottle is phenomenal! I'm so glad I trusted my gut and your recommendation on this after my first viewing of the video. Thank you guys! You're a great follow and I look forward to more select distiller videos!
Thanks so much for joining us! Plz remember when your first getting started, do your research when buying. Be as educated as possible and stay away from impulse buys. Always have fun!
Old Forester and Knob Creek are my go-to budget brand bourbons. I love the strong apple/cherry notes of those two in particular, how they just start to smell better the longer they sit in the glass, and that warm Kentucky hug feeling you get as they go down. I've tried to branch out to some of the others but I notice their flavors tend more towards strong banana notes, and I prefer the cinnamon/apple notes of KC and OF.
I have a bottle of the 1920. It is an excellent pour. Every time I sip a glass I can feel the tension easing away. There are only a few whiskeys that do this. Excellent therapy for a day of stress!
I absolutely love 1920. It’s my barometer to measure bourbon by for me at any price. It has won every blind I’ve done that it’s been in. I’m probably crazy, but I get a little chocolate covered cherry in it, along with most other quintessential bourbon flavors.
I really like Old Forester because I can always find it at a reasonable price. 1910 & 1920 are my favorites depending on my mood. I don't want to chase unicorns and pay ridiculous prices for them. Old Forester always delivers and I can find it.
Love Old Forester. For me it’s 1920, followed by 1910, then Signature 100. To me those are easily the best of the OF line. The rest of them I think there are better bottles from other distilleries at their price points.
Well this makes me quite curious, because I didn't much care for the 86 and 100. I'm quite interested in trying the 1920 and 1910, but the price points just don't have me itching to pull the trigger.
I agree with your lineup for sure although 20 vs 10 is a hard one. Both super good. I’m nursing a single barrel 100 store pick. It’s a flavor bomb in my mouth. I might get sad when it’s all gone haha
For me here in Arizona, 1920 can't be beat, then 1910 and then the 100 I recently went to Mexico and brought a big 1.75 liter of OF 100 , it was the juice everyone loved for our 3 day getaway.. Hell yeah !!! Great show as always !
Love Old Forester. I'm not super-experienced, but so far the 1920 is up there with the best bourbon I've ever tried. And for the value, the 100 is hard to beat.
So, the Old Forester Statesman comes out of the movie starring Jeff Bridges, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle". Its concerns a British Secret Service entity that saves the world and revolves around a Kentucky distillery headed by Bridges. The Old Forester 1910 is the product of what happened to that distillery in 1910 - a severe fire which began with the barrels burning. In order to save the whiskey from exploding, they transferred it into as many severely charred barres as could be salvaged. The whiskey was fabulous. So this new iteration is aged in severely charred (called an alligator char) barrels, hence the notes of burnt sugar and dark caramel. It is my favorite of all those you have just reviewed.
I am sure many followers of SBL would love to hear the real story behind Old Forester 1910, and Keslyn Howard, a tour guide at Old Forester, would be the perfect person to tell.
@@wmbenson68 I’d love to! It does involve a fire, but actually a fire on our bottling line when we were in our original 1883 distillery on Main Street Louisville. It wasn’t too detrimental but we did have a lot of bourbon that never made it into a bottle. So the big question became “what are we to do with all of this free floating bourbon?” The owner at the time (the founders son) Owsley Brown decided to put that free floating bourbon back into some brand new charred oak barrels. That way he could store them away easier and also keep the integrity of their being a bourbon. When they decided to get these barrels out about 2ish years later they didn’t really care that they were one of the first people to make a double barrel bourbon, but when Owsley tried it he was like wow this tastes like a good old mature whiskey. So they brought it to market back in 1912 as their “old fine whiskey”. We actually have an original unopened bottle of the old fine whiskey on display at our distillery now. This distillery once again resides in the same building from 1883 on Main Street! This story inspired us to make todays version of 1910, however we do treat that second barrel differently these days. We will char it (a proprietary time) about 15 seconds before disintegration starts to occur on the inside of that barrel. This allows the char to have a really great affect on the product even though it’s only sitting in that second barrel about 7-9 months! We now also have 1910 experimental bottles as well, such as 117 series 1910 extra old and 1910 extra extra old!
@@keslynhoward9998 Many thanks for that clarification. I bought the 1910 the first year it was introduced (comparing it to the three others in the “Whiskey Row series) and absolutely loved it. Compared to the 1920, which many bourbonites prefer as getting “more bang for the buck (higher proof), the 1910 isn’t in it for the bang but rather the wonderful layer upon layer of extracted flavors produced but the “alligator” char, the lush and lingering mouthfeel and protracted smoothness of the finish. A sipping bourbon at its finest which continues to reveal itself with slight oxidation. My guess is the two others mentioned in your reply, the 117 series 1910 extra old and the extra extra old on not publicly available?
Between 1910, 1920 & 1897, I keep going back to 1910. I get an overpowering medicinal cherry flavor with the 1920 that just doesn't agree with my pallet. The 1897 has a little more baking spice compared to the 1910. The 1910 is my go-to bourbon served neat, I love it!
I have both 100 proof offerings, the 1910, 1920, and a barrel proof, and I agree with the people that believe you can’t go wrong with OF…I think they maintain the most consistent, reasonably-priced, and mostly accessible lineup of any other distillery.
I love Old Forester. 1920 is my favorite, but I’m still trying to get my hands on one of those Barrel Proof bottles. 1910 is ok, but I like the bottled in bond and probably the regular 100 better. 1910 cannot compete with Woodford Double Oaked in terms of double oaked bourbons.
Been searching for a new bourbon for awhile after my coach JB stopped making his slapdick agave whiskey ….well let me tell you I went out purchased 1870, 1910, 1920 Did a taste test and off your video and never having old forester I guessed each one right very first time hats off to SLB for finding me my new favorite bourbon in this order 1920, 1910, and 1887 What a great maple brown sugar note in 1920 and 1910 can’t wait to pair it with my cigars ….kudos SLB
Picked up an Old Forester Single Barrel Cask Strength store pick the other month. A local Co-op turned 100 years and brought in several different things to celebrate through their liquor stores one of which was this so could not resist and picked up 2. Also picked up the Whiskey Row pack consisting of 3 375ml bottles of 1897, 1910 and 1920.
I've been into collecting Bourbon for a short time...I've bought, Basil, Motor City, Blantons, Eagle Rare, BTrace, Woodford d.o., E Craig,,and 1910 -- 1910 is me and my dad's ABSOLUTE FAVORITE
I like to get the 100 if I'm traveling and take it back to the hotel. 1920 is pretty much my go to sip. Stellum is my second go to. Both around 60 clams here in Nashville.
I’m a little late to the party 😂. Thank you for all your great reviews. A buddy and I were in our local ABC store and he was trying to buy a bottle of Old Forester Statesman, I was looking at the 1920. I quickly went to TH-cam and came across this video. We both walked out with a bottle of 1920!! 😂
OF 100, OF 100 Rye, 1897 - BIB, 1910, 1920 and Cooper Craft 100. And we can't forget OF 1915. Did blind tasting with my neighbors and I took a new bottle of OF 1897. Three neighbors all agreed that the BIB reminded them of medicine. afterwards, I set the bottle aside for a couple of months and retried it - excellent.
I've been an Irish whiskey guy for a long time - had a few bourbons (including Pappy 23) but never been pulled towards them. I got a bottle of 1910 this weekend and don't want to drink anything else now. Straight Cherry Cola and Oak.
Like 4 Rose's, I have never had an Old Forester I was upset with. In fact the Statesman is my 3rd favorite OF, and I put it head and shoulders above Eagle Rare in head to head blinds.
Curious to see how the 4 Roses compares to the OF 86. Just about done with the OF 86 which for the price point is really good IMO and will open the 4 roses after that. I did pick up another bottle of OF 86 because there was only a few left at the local liquor store. Not as good as the 1910 or 1920 but at half the price it is for sure a good pour. I have tried the 4 roses single barrel and thought it was very good. Maybe just a little behind the 1910 and 1920 as far as flavor.
@@Glock2201 my favorite one of the OF is the 1897 BIB, I prefer it over the 1910 or 1920. 1920 would be a close 2nd and Statesman would be #3 for me. The Small Batch 4R is my favorite one of that bunch too.
Good review and held my interest. I've only tasted the 86 proof and the 1920. I friggin LOVE the 1920! It has more chocolate than any other bourbon I've tasted so far, and with the vanilla and sometimes I'm even tasting graham cracker I've come to call it my S'Mores Bourbon. About the 1870, I get annoyed when a classic tasting bourbon is called "beginners" or "entry level." Classic American bourbon is not expensive and is most often absolutely delicious and affordable as daily sippers and when I hear "beginners" or "entry" as catagorizations I'm hearing someone catagorize themself as a snob.
Great show, as usual! Thank you for your honest and sincere approach to tasting, as well as explaining. It’s very enjoyable. I have a few ideas for future videos, if I may be so bold. 1) You mention almost every show that this or that has a ‘quintessential’ bourbon flavor. It would be great to have a show where you describe what it is that makes a bourbon ‘quintessential’ to you. For example, is there a base flavor you look for? Is it a group of basic flavors that make up a certain flavor profile? Are there nuance flavors that give it that touchstone quality? What are the nuances or flavors that contribute to the quintessential quality? What nuances ‘disqualify’ a bourbon as being quintessential? Once addressed, have a blind test of some of your favorite ‘quintessential’ bourbons. That is one idea for a show. 2) You’ve done many very interesting shows of bourbons at a certain price point and you identified this one is worth the money, or a good value at this price, and others you felt were not worth that money. What about a show of the bourbons you feel are the best value, at a number of different price points, and perhaps a blind taste of them as well? Thank you for a great show that is interesting and educational. Can’t wait for the next one!
My picks are: 1 1910 2 1920 3 1897 These are all great 👍🏻 The others are all great mixers (brand of choice in most cocktails) - with the exception of Statesman - just don’t like that one. Best overall line in my opinion right ahead of Turkey.
I just want thank you. I picked up a bottle of the Old Forester 1920 based on your opinion, and its amazingly good. I’ve never had any of their brands, and it’s pretty damn good. Thank you, bottoms up, and cheers. 👍
checking out online reviews right now, never had OF before. Just got a bottle of 100 today at my local store for $17, really excited to check it out later!
Picked up the 86 to possibly use in an old fashion . Will be heading toward your other favorite.... Had Redwood emeril Rye for a timer while I grilled the other day... really enjoyed it...
@@slbdrinks Can't find Old Forester Rye to save my life..... Got a local great liquor putting it on order.. No Luck as of yet.. Redwood Forest Grand Lost Emerald Rye is pretty easy to find here and is one of my favorites.
OF 1920 is by far my favorite bourbon. It's proofy, but so layered. I think I get something new from it each time I drink it. So complex and wonderful. I've never tried the 1897, but based on Trenton's review I think that's going to have to be my next bottle.
John, I live in North Nashville and totally agree with you. Bourbon prices around here have really spiked recently, and the good stuff has gotten much harder to find.
Just bought my first 1920 today, going to give it a try tonight!!! Thank you for all your videos, kinda new at this, and they have helped a lot. I haven't had a bad pour yet!!
I’m newer to whiskey & bourbon. I had the 1870 since December, thank God I’m finally almost done with it! Not a fan! But looking forward to trying the 1920 for sure!
Old Forester 1920 and 1910 are must haves. Such delicious juice. I love the 1910 so much, but that 1920, when it opens up, is amazing. It might be my favorite bourbon out there ATM. I have tried the 1897 and it's solid, but it didn't live up to the 1910 or '20. Other than that, the 100 proof is solid juice too, always worth having a bottle on hand. I haven't found the Statesman 95 proof near me yet, but glad I saw this video so I can save my excitement for something else.
Early in my bourbon life (three years ago), I took a flight of the years and the 1897 was my pick. I recently purchased a bottle of 1870 and 1920 and the 1920 took the gold!! I'm going to get bottle of the 1897 in the next week or two and try a flight again! My tastes have changed dramatically in three years.
Im a big Old Forrester fan. My two favorites is the 1897 B and B and the 1920. Very hard to beat the 1920, so smooth it is hard to believe it is a 115 proof. I have had some $100 bourbons that do not come close to the 1920.
Yep. I'm an OF lover too. Love my 100 proof and 1920. I also love the rye. I've never heard good comments on the Statesman. I just finished my 1920 and will probably pick up an 1897 based on this review. Keep it up boys...
Hi Kurt. I know you made this vid some time ago but I am just adventuring into Old Forester and went back to review. You and Kurt make such fun and informative posts. It is now my main go to for things whiskey. My pallet seems more similar to yours than Trent's preferring warm, spicy and sweet to fruity and sour notes (I grew up before Skittles-lol). I am just venturing into Old Forester and am planning to buy my first two bottles. I am definitely getting the 1920 but would like your advise on the other. For reference my favorites include Knob Creek 9 yr CS, Russel's 10 yr CS, and Jim Beam Single Barrel CS. My daily drinkers are Rebel 100, WT 101, and KB (9Yr 100). I am not so keen on Heaven Hill products ( have Larceny, ECSB, and HH BiB). I generally sip neat but occasionally , if I am drink a cocktail, it is an Old Fashion. For my second bottle do you recommend OF 100 or OF Rye 100?
I’m more of a scotch drinker and islay in particular but always have a bottle of the 86 in my collection. I can get it as cheap as £17 when it’s on offer and at that price it’s an amazing drink.
I am watching this after subscribing about a week and a half ago. Still early on my bourbon journey, and I am trying different whiskey to find what I like. That being said I picked up my second bottle of the orange label 100 today. The first bottle was amazing. So far I have tried a lot of the $35 and under bourbons, tomorrow I will look for a bottle of WT Rare Breed, the 101 was outstanding.
Kurt, I bought a 1920 a couple of weeks ago based on your March Madness. I thought it was ok at first taste, but trying it now, I get all the complexities you were talking about. Good stuff! Keep up the good work! :)
I have the same exact gripes with the Statesman. There is just an underlying bitterness that just doesn't do it for me. Appreciate Team SLB and their Patreons for this suggestions. The OF line is so readily available at retail in my area. I love their rye and the 1910 and my 1920 are my go to pours on a Friday.
@@slbdrinks I went back today and bought it. It's a pretty amazing sip. 1920 pretty much my go to but have you tried Stellum yet? They have Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon and Rye. I've not had the rye ,but the others are amazing. It's become my other go to. Barrel Craft makes it...blends it,I believe they source the juice.
I love the 1910. I had both the 20 and the 10 at the same time. I felt like I wanted to like the 20 better because of the prohibition thing was kind of cool. The 10 was just so good
Really!?! In a blind taste I found the 1910 to resemble paint thinner more that any others. The 1920 which is higher proof is a amazing whiskey..........but the 1910 is paint thinner lol
I give the edge to 1910 over 1920. For me, that proof point is just right and I don’t think you lose any taste. Old Forester is great. I only wish I could find the other selections you profiled.
try the 86 and 100. I avoided them bc the screw tops and smaller looking bottles. Once I got them I didnt regret. that 86 is beyond what youd think of an 86 proofed item. Its fantastic. Look for reviews and maybe give it a shot for $20
@@andrewlowden322 Need to explore the KC line. Went to Heaven Hill last year. Turned me on to Elijah. I have me a bottle of the a122. Saving it for a special evening.
Taste wise, 1910 for me is better sipping than 1920. I used to go for the high proof, but lately I've been enjoying the 90 to 100 for an enjoyable dram.
@@slbdrinks I always thought at about 100 proof the Statesman would be even better. I also love the Ol Forester 100 at $24 Its my everyday drinker. Although the most recent bottle I bought I didn't care much for it. It had a harsh bite to it and I could pull the flavor. Can you get a bad bottle?
Just had a 2018,2019,2020 birthday bourbon flight at old forester for $50. great value and nice to taste the differences. Love the single barrel barrel picks I always pick them up.
Really love what you guys awe doing. I just spent 10 days with my son visiting Kentucky . Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown were fantastic. In fact my Wife is related to Elijah Craig (distance relation of course). Having recently been there I would be interested in you doing a show on some of the “lesser known or newer” distilleries such as Peerless, Rabbit Hole, Lux Row, Castle and Key, etc…. Some you have touched on (I am still working my way thru your videos and you may have covered them) but I would be interested in seeing some of these appear in your reviews. Love the show and appreciate the knowledge you and your son are providing. Thanks.
I'm quite green when it comes to OF, but the two (86 and 100) I had didn't impress me. I was happy to see the 1920 come into town recently, but at $60, I wasn't ready to roll the dice given the tasting notes of the younger brothers. There are a couple others at lower price points that I know are winners. I wanted to try that 1915 blend, but $115 (plus tax) to do so? Eh. I think I can wait.
I really enjoy watching these videos. Just a calm presentation and description of the different bottles. And... here is the most important part >>> your choice of bottles to review is relevant to available brands to buy. I watch to learn about what my next purchase might be.
I have only been drinking bourbon for around 1.5 years. Have gone through combined total of around 40 bottle of Canadian, Bourbon, Tennessee including 2 bottles of scotchish whiskey. I have had Old Forest 86, 100 and Prohibition Style. Out of the 3 for me at the time I preferred the 100. My taste in whiskey changes regularly so I wonder how I would rate the 3 today. I see statesman everywhere and just never got around to picking one up. I guess im happy I never did as it appeared to be universally hated.
I agree with your ranking from best to worst. Thanks for also highlighting the flavors notes because I was having a hard time of what I was tasting and what to look for. Thanks again!
Great review. Prices around the Chicago burbs are higher than where you are. That being said you can pick up a 1.75 of the 100 to ease the price per pour.
Just getting into a bottle of 1920. I'm drinking it on rocks and it's very hot. It's got a ceiling of hotness and mintyness. It's not like a stick of spearmint gum. It's like a drag off a menthol cig. Maybe that works for you all who like minty cigs. I'd like a lot more caramel and char nodes to this one. Edit: I'm saying this with love and you're right most of the time. :)
Very good presentation indeed! Thank you Kurt! It's shameful that in my country( Finland) American whiskeys are very hard to find and with ridiculous prices ( for example Jack Daniel's old n:o 7 is 38€ = 42 USD and Gentleman Jack is 55 USD). And Old Forrester isn't available at all !
I love OF so much, including the Rye. I still haven't had the 1897 or 1870 because I just grab the 100 proof or 86 proof at a fraction of the price. One day I'll have to give it a try.
I just now sipped some 1920 for the first time. I don't like higher proof due to the bite. You and Trent have often said the 1920 is smooth and I agree the 1920 is amazing. Thanks! I think this is my all time favorite now.
If I had a chance to travel to the States, Old Forester would the first brand that I will pick up from the shop. Looking forward to trying the 1920. Have heard so many great things about it!!
The Rye is basically allocated here in Tampa so every time I see one I buy it. I have like 11 or so bc its so good and still only $24 when I can find it
I'm a converted Scotch drinker. My wife used your videos to select my Christmas presents this year, 1792 Small Batch, and Old Forester 1920, OMG! Thanks guys!
Yeah me too - scotch guy. I got a bottle of 1910 last night and was pleasantly surprised. It's pretty good and holds up against the scotches in value for money in my opinion ($54 at the Virginia ABC store).
You better treat her right brother! lol
Your wife is pretty cool
Very weird we're not alone in converting from Scotch. Not that it's not great but bourbon has that spark the soul is after. So much more variety & if they could finish in Ex-Bourbon barrels, there would be no contest globally🤌🏼🥃Great wife right there!
I'll also add, if you want a remarkable experience.... mix some malty scotch with a deep bourbon. Probably the best thing I've ever tasted.
Old forester in my book has to be one of the best line ups there are. I’ve only had three of them so far. You can’t go wrong.
Fantastic distillery with options for everyone!
Josh, I agree completely!
Only had 3 but you know it's the best? Huh 🤔
Old Forester is sentimental to me. On an overnight pass from Basic training in Fort Polk, I took a bus to Deritter, LA. I walked around the town. Found a local hamburger stand (not MacDonald or similar) Walked back to the four unit motel. Confused, I asked the landlady 'is this a dry town or something'? She replied something like 'yeah would you like a drink? She delivered an Old Forester pint bottle half full and 4 cans of Budweiser to my room at no charge. Next morning, she had friends take me to church and after church, to the country club for lunch. There is more to this testament of Southern Hospitality in the late 60s but it gets too far off the Old Forester theme.
The 1910 is not only my favorite Old Forester, but one of my favorite bourbons period.
There are a number of TH-cam channels that do a good job of covering bourbon, but for some reason I keep coming back to this channel. You guys seem to consistently hit the mark on reviewing the bourbons that most of us bourbon drinkers can relate to and learn from. Keep up the good work
Yeah same I'm always going back to these guys and brewzle for bourbon related content
For me it’s these Guys and TJ over at Brewzle
1920 was my first high proof Bourbon and it drinks so smooth! I do drink mostly Old Fashioneds but compared to other pours it drinks so smooth and tons of flavor and it doesn't feel super hot to me.
Beginner bourbon junkie and I gotta say you guys are the only bourbon channel I follow. Amazing honest reviews and you don't talk down to those of us who are new to bourbon. We all have to start somewhere.... I just bought my first bottle of OF 1920 yesterday, drove two hours to get it. I was a little hesitant about the proof on this and almost caved and went with the 1910. With everything I've tried so far I've stayed in the low 90 range. This bottle is phenomenal! I'm so glad I trusted my gut and your recommendation on this after my first viewing of the video. Thank you guys! You're a great follow and I look forward to more select distiller videos!
Thanks so much for joining us! Plz remember when your first getting started, do your research when buying. Be as educated as possible and stay away from impulse buys. Always have fun!
Old Forester and Knob Creek are my go-to budget brand bourbons. I love the strong apple/cherry notes of those two in particular, how they just start to smell better the longer they sit in the glass, and that warm Kentucky hug feeling you get as they go down. I've tried to branch out to some of the others but I notice their flavors tend more towards strong banana notes, and I prefer the cinnamon/apple notes of KC and OF.
Old Forester 86 is the pour I give people who are new to it and I think Ive turned more people onto Whiskey / Bourbon with that than any thing else.
1920 is one of the best whiskeys I ever had. I was blown away.
I just started a humble bourbon collection, up to 30 bottles but that 1920 is definitely my jam so far
I have a bottle of the 1920. It is an excellent pour. Every time I sip a glass I can feel the tension easing away. There are only a few whiskeys that do this. Excellent therapy for a day of stress!
Well said sir!
I absolutely love 1920. It’s my barometer to measure bourbon by for me at any price. It has won every blind I’ve done that it’s been in. I’m probably crazy, but I get a little chocolate covered cherry in it, along with most other quintessential bourbon flavors.
I really like Old Forester because I can always find it at a reasonable price. 1910 & 1920 are my favorites depending on my mood. I don't want to chase unicorns and pay ridiculous prices for them. Old Forester always delivers and I can find it.
haven't had 1910 however 1920 is one of my favorites, very good bourbon
Love Old Forester. For me it’s 1920, followed by 1910, then Signature 100. To me those are easily the best of the OF line. The rest of them I think there are better bottles from other distilleries at their price points.
Excellent lineup!
I'm right there with you!
These three are three of my fav's. Love the rye, too.
Well this makes me quite curious, because I didn't much care for the 86 and 100. I'm quite interested in trying the 1920 and 1910, but the price points just don't have me itching to pull the trigger.
I agree with your lineup for sure although 20 vs 10 is a hard one. Both super good. I’m nursing a single barrel 100 store pick. It’s a flavor bomb in my mouth. I might get sad when it’s all gone haha
For me here in Arizona, 1920 can't be beat, then 1910 and then the 100 I recently went to Mexico and brought a big 1.75 liter of OF 100 ,
it was the juice everyone loved for our 3 day getaway.. Hell yeah !!!
Great show as always !
Love Old Forester. I'm not super-experienced, but so far the 1920 is up there with the best bourbon I've ever tried. And for the value, the 100 is hard to beat.
So, the Old Forester Statesman comes out of the movie starring Jeff Bridges, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle". Its concerns a British Secret Service entity that saves the world and revolves around a Kentucky distillery headed by Bridges. The Old Forester 1910 is the product of what happened to that distillery in 1910 - a severe fire which began with the barrels burning. In order to save the whiskey from exploding, they transferred it into as many severely charred barres as could be salvaged. The whiskey was fabulous. So this new iteration is aged in severely charred (called an alligator char) barrels, hence the notes of burnt sugar and dark caramel. It is my favorite of all those you have just reviewed.
Thanks for the knowledge!
As an Old Forester Tour Guide, the 1910 story is a little different than that. But the statesman is spot on!
I am sure many followers of SBL would love to hear the real story behind Old Forester 1910, and Keslyn Howard, a tour guide at Old Forester, would be the perfect person to tell.
@@wmbenson68 I’d love to! It does involve a fire, but actually a fire on our bottling line when we were in our original 1883 distillery on Main Street Louisville. It wasn’t too detrimental but we did have a lot of bourbon that never made it into a bottle. So the big question became “what are we to do with all of this free floating bourbon?” The owner at the time (the founders son) Owsley Brown decided to put that free floating bourbon back into some brand new charred oak barrels. That way he could store them away easier and also keep the integrity of their being a bourbon.
When they decided to get these barrels out about 2ish years later they didn’t really care that they were one of the first people to make a double barrel bourbon, but when Owsley tried it he was like wow this tastes like a good old mature whiskey. So they brought it to market back in 1912 as their “old fine whiskey”. We actually have an original unopened bottle of the old fine whiskey on display at our distillery now. This distillery once again resides in the same building from 1883 on Main Street!
This story inspired us to make todays version of 1910, however we do treat that second barrel differently these days. We will char it (a proprietary time) about 15 seconds before disintegration starts to occur on the inside of that barrel. This allows the char to have a really great affect on the product even though it’s only sitting in that second barrel about 7-9 months!
We now also have 1910 experimental bottles as well, such as 117 series 1910 extra old and 1910 extra extra old!
@@keslynhoward9998 Many thanks for that clarification. I bought the 1910 the first year it was introduced (comparing it to the three others in the “Whiskey Row series) and absolutely loved it. Compared to the 1920, which many bourbonites prefer as getting “more bang for the buck (higher proof), the 1910 isn’t in it for the bang but rather the wonderful layer upon layer of extracted flavors produced but the “alligator” char, the lush and lingering mouthfeel and protracted smoothness of the finish. A sipping bourbon at its finest which continues to reveal itself with slight oxidation. My guess is the two others mentioned in your reply, the 117 series 1910 extra old and the extra extra old on not publicly available?
1910 all day long for me. Super approachable, incredible flavors at that proof, and always on the store shelf.
Between 1910, 1920 & 1897, I keep going back to 1910. I get an overpowering medicinal cherry flavor with the 1920 that just doesn't agree with my pallet. The 1897 has a little more baking spice compared to the 1910. The 1910 is my go-to bourbon served neat, I love it!
That 1920 goes crazy!! Had a friend that had the barrel proof bottle but that’s gone now. Super good.
Just bought another 1920 the other day.
The beauty of whiskeys the subtle differences are everything. Just scored a bottle of 1920 for my Friday pour.
Great pour!
I have both 100 proof offerings, the 1910, 1920, and a barrel proof, and I agree with the people that believe you can’t go wrong with OF…I think they maintain the most consistent, reasonably-priced, and mostly accessible lineup of any other distillery.
1910 and 1920 are always on my shelf. Very Easy find, not crazy expensive and DELICIOUS.
I love Old Forester. 1920 is my favorite, but I’m still trying to get my hands on one of those Barrel Proof bottles. 1910 is ok, but I like the bottled in bond and probably the regular 100 better. 1910 cannot compete with Woodford Double Oaked in terms of double oaked bourbons.
1920 was my first bottle I purchased when I got into bourbon about a year ago. Just happened to grab it and loved it
Been searching for a new bourbon for awhile after my coach JB stopped making his slapdick agave whiskey ….well let me tell you I went out purchased 1870, 1910, 1920 Did a taste test and off your video and never having old forester I guessed each one right very first time hats off to SLB for finding me my new favorite bourbon in this order 1920, 1910, and 1887 What a great maple brown sugar note in 1920 and 1910 can’t wait to pair it with my cigars ….kudos SLB
Picked up an Old Forester Single Barrel Cask Strength store pick the other month. A local Co-op turned 100 years and brought in several different things to celebrate through their liquor stores one of which was this so could not resist and picked up 2. Also picked up the Whiskey Row pack consisting of 3 375ml bottles of 1897, 1910 and 1920.
I've been into collecting Bourbon for a short time...I've bought, Basil, Motor City, Blantons, Eagle Rare, BTrace, Woodford d.o., E Craig,,and 1910 -- 1910 is me and my dad's ABSOLUTE FAVORITE
I like to get the 100 if I'm traveling and take it back to the hotel. 1920 is pretty much my go to sip. Stellum is my second go to. Both around 60 clams here in Nashville.
Believe it or not haven’t tried Stellum yet! Need to!
Im about half way down a bottle of 1920. it is absolutely delicious. Try the OF Rye for about 26 bucks too. amazing.
Both great choices!
I’m a little late to the party 😂. Thank you for all your great reviews. A buddy and I were in our local ABC store and he was trying to buy a bottle of Old Forester Statesman, I was looking at the 1920. I quickly went to TH-cam and came across this video. We both walked out with a bottle of 1920!! 😂
OF 100, OF 100 Rye, 1897 - BIB, 1910, 1920 and Cooper Craft 100. And we can't forget OF 1915.
Did blind tasting with my neighbors and I took a new bottle of OF 1897. Three neighbors all agreed that the BIB reminded them of medicine. afterwards, I set the bottle aside for a couple of months and retried it - excellent.
Our options in Ontario are limited but we just got the 1897 BiB in. Bought a bottle last week and it is exceptional. $80 up here but well worth it.
1920 is a staple at my bar. Doesn't come in hot but has all the flavors you could ask for at a price I appreciate. Keep up the great videos!
I've been an Irish whiskey guy for a long time - had a few bourbons (including Pappy 23) but never been pulled towards them. I got a bottle of 1910 this weekend and don't want to drink anything else now. Straight Cherry Cola and Oak.
Like 4 Rose's, I have never had an Old Forester I was upset with. In fact the Statesman is my 3rd favorite OF, and I put it head and shoulders above Eagle Rare in head to head blinds.
Curious to see how the 4 Roses compares to the OF 86. Just about done with the OF 86 which for the price point is really good IMO and will open the 4 roses after that. I did pick up another bottle of OF 86 because there was only a few left at the local liquor store. Not as good as the 1910 or 1920 but at half the price it is for sure a good pour. I have tried the 4 roses single barrel and thought it was very good. Maybe just a little behind the 1910 and 1920 as far as flavor.
@@Glock2201 my favorite one of the OF is the 1897 BIB, I prefer it over the 1910 or 1920. 1920 would be a close 2nd and Statesman would be #3 for me. The Small Batch 4R is my favorite one of that bunch too.
Agreed in comparison with ER! Glad you like the statesman!
Good review and held my interest. I've only tasted the 86 proof and the 1920. I friggin LOVE the 1920! It has more chocolate than any other bourbon I've tasted so far, and with the vanilla and sometimes I'm even tasting graham cracker I've come to call it my S'Mores Bourbon. About the 1870, I get annoyed when a classic tasting bourbon is called "beginners" or "entry level." Classic American bourbon is not expensive and is most often absolutely delicious and affordable as daily sippers and when I hear "beginners" or "entry" as catagorizations I'm hearing someone catagorize themself as a snob.
Great show, as usual! Thank you for your honest and sincere approach to tasting, as well as explaining. It’s very enjoyable.
I have a few ideas for future videos, if I may be so bold.
1) You mention almost every show that this or that has a ‘quintessential’ bourbon flavor. It would be great to have a show where you describe what it is that makes a bourbon ‘quintessential’ to you. For example, is there a base flavor you look for? Is it a group of basic flavors that make up a certain flavor profile? Are there nuance flavors that give it that touchstone quality? What are the nuances or flavors that contribute to the quintessential quality? What nuances ‘disqualify’ a bourbon as being quintessential?
Once addressed, have a blind test of some of your favorite ‘quintessential’ bourbons.
That is one idea for a show.
2) You’ve done many very interesting shows of bourbons at a certain price point and you identified this one is worth the money, or a good value at this price, and others you felt were not worth that money.
What about a show of the bourbons you feel are the best value, at a number of different price points, and perhaps a blind taste of them as well?
Thank you for a great show that is interesting and educational. Can’t wait for the next one!
All great ideas! I appreciate the recommendation!
I love the 1910 but on your recommendation I’m going to buy the 1920 next 😉
My picks are:
1 1910
2 1920
3 1897
These are all great 👍🏻 The others are all great mixers (brand of choice in most cocktails) - with the exception of Statesman - just don’t like that one. Best overall line in my opinion right ahead of Turkey.
I just want thank you. I picked up a bottle of the Old Forester 1920 based on your opinion, and its amazingly good. I’ve never had any of their brands, and it’s pretty damn good. Thank you, bottoms up, and cheers. 👍
checking out online reviews right now, never had OF before. Just got a bottle of 100 today at my local store for $17, really excited to check it out later!
For me it's 1920, 1897, 1910, 100. Statesman, 1870, 86. Great exploration of a solid product line!
Thank you! Good lineup on your part!
Picked up the 86 to possibly use in an old fashion . Will be heading toward your other favorite.... Had Redwood emeril Rye for a timer while I grilled the other day... really enjoyed it...
Hardly ever see Redwood Empire in my area. Disappointing.
@@slbdrinks Can't find Old Forester Rye to save my life..... Got a local great liquor putting it on order.. No Luck as of yet.. Redwood Forest Grand Lost Emerald Rye is pretty easy to find here and is one of my favorites.
The statesman movie was the Kingsmen golden circle. I agree with you on the flavor.
Video should have been named the "Old Forester Power Hour"
Lol yes that would have been great!
OF 1920 is by far my favorite bourbon. It's proofy, but so layered. I think I get something new from it each time I drink it. So complex and wonderful. I've never tried the 1897, but based on Trenton's review I think that's going to have to be my next bottle.
I agree
Around Nashville, it seems most liquor stores raised prices about $5 on most bourbons. Even lower ends are up at least $2.
Another spot we visit often because of his great selection averages 5-8.00 more on most bottles.
John, I live in North Nashville and totally agree with you. Bourbon prices around here have really spiked recently, and the good stuff has gotten much harder to find.
A lot of that is due to difficulty sourcing bottles, as well as inflation
Great video as usual! I've only had the standard 100 and Rye 100, both are excellent. I have a 1.75L of 100 as my go to cocktail bourbon, delicious.
1920 will forever be in my cabinet. Haven't had any others...
I'm a Old Foresters fan. Hands down my favorite video so far! My favorite is the "Prohibition" 1920. Again, another great video by SLB!
Thanks so much!
I've not had anything similar to it.
Just bought my first 1920 today, going to give it a try tonight!!! Thank you for all your videos, kinda new at this, and they have helped a lot. I haven't had a bad pour yet!!
I have 1920, 1897, and the Rye. Even though I'm not a big Rye fan I like them all. And I have no problem finding them on the shelf.
I’m newer to whiskey & bourbon. I had the 1870 since December, thank God I’m finally almost done with it! Not a fan! But looking forward to trying the 1920 for sure!
Glad I discovered Old Forester. While Whiskeyheads I know chase everything BT, give me OF 100 or 1910 or 1920 and I'm as happy as can be!
Old Forester 1920 and 1910 are must haves. Such delicious juice. I love the 1910 so much, but that 1920, when it opens up, is amazing. It might be my favorite bourbon out there ATM. I have tried the 1897 and it's solid, but it didn't live up to the 1910 or '20. Other than that, the 100 proof is solid juice too, always worth having a bottle on hand. I haven't found the Statesman 95 proof near me yet, but glad I saw this video so I can save my excitement for something else.
Early in my bourbon life (three years ago), I took a flight of the years and the 1897 was my pick. I recently purchased a bottle of 1870 and 1920 and the 1920 took the gold!! I'm going to get bottle of the 1897 in the next week or two and try a flight again! My tastes have changed dramatically in three years.
Im a big Old Forrester fan. My two favorites is the 1897 B and B and the 1920. Very hard to beat the 1920, so smooth it is hard to believe it is a 115 proof. I have had some $100 bourbons that do not come close to the 1920.
Yep. I'm an OF lover too. Love my 100 proof and 1920. I also love the rye. I've never heard good comments on the Statesman. I just finished my 1920 and will probably pick up an 1897 based on this review. Keep it up boys...
Just purchased the 1920. Can't wait!
Hi Kurt. I know you made this vid some time ago but I am just adventuring into Old Forester and went back to review. You and Kurt make such fun and informative posts. It is now my main go to for things whiskey. My pallet seems more similar to yours than Trent's preferring warm, spicy and sweet to fruity and sour notes (I grew up before Skittles-lol). I am just venturing into Old Forester and am planning to buy my first two bottles. I am definitely getting the 1920 but would like your advise on the other.
For reference my favorites include Knob Creek 9 yr CS, Russel's 10 yr CS, and Jim Beam Single Barrel CS. My daily drinkers are Rebel 100, WT 101, and KB (9Yr 100). I am not so keen on Heaven Hill products ( have Larceny, ECSB, and HH BiB). I generally sip neat but occasionally , if I am drink a cocktail, it is an Old Fashion. For my second bottle do you recommend OF 100 or OF Rye 100?
Try the OF rye. It’s low rye content so somewhat drinks like bourbon and makes a great old fashioned!
I keep a bottle of 100 & 1920 in my bar, the 100 is part of my “ daily screw top” collection
Yes!!
Early Times is the other member of my "daily screw top" collection
I’m more of a scotch drinker and islay in particular but always have a bottle of the 86 in my collection. I can get it as cheap as £17 when it’s on offer and at that price it’s an amazing drink.
I'll be picking up a backup to my backup of 1920 soon. That's one that you definitely need backups of.
Love a backup of a great bottle!
I am watching this after subscribing about a week and a half ago. Still early on my bourbon journey, and I am trying different whiskey to find what I like. That being said I picked up my second bottle of the orange label 100 today. The first bottle was amazing. So far I have tried a lot of the $35 and under bourbons, tomorrow I will look for a bottle of WT Rare Breed, the 101 was outstanding.
Kurt, I bought a 1920 a couple of weeks ago based on your March Madness. I thought it was ok at first taste, but trying it now, I get all the complexities you were talking about. Good stuff! Keep up the good work! :)
Glad you like it! Some of those higher proof bourbon need some time after popping the cork for the first time.
I have the same exact gripes with the Statesman. There is just an underlying bitterness that just doesn't do it for me. Appreciate Team SLB and their Patreons for this suggestions. The OF line is so readily available at retail in my area. I love their rye and the 1910 and my 1920 are my go to pours on a Friday.
That’s exactly why OF is so compelling for so many people. Good bourbon that’s AVAILABLE!
My local has OF Single Barrel, it's amazing and also 100 bucks..
I pretty sure mine was 80.00 but oh so good!
@@slbdrinks I went back today and bought it. It's a pretty amazing sip. 1920 pretty much my go to but have you tried Stellum yet? They have Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon and Rye. I've not had the rye ,but the others are amazing. It's become my other go to. Barrel Craft makes it...blends it,I believe they source the juice.
I'm going to have to get me a bottle or two of that 1920. Thank you for reviewing the lineup!
I love the 1910. I had both the 20 and the 10 at the same time. I felt like I wanted to like the 20 better because of the prohibition thing was kind of cool. The 10 was just so good
Just a different style. Both great
Really!?! In a blind taste I found the 1910 to resemble paint thinner more that any others. The 1920 which is higher proof is a amazing whiskey..........but the 1910 is paint thinner lol
I give the edge to 1910 over 1920. For me, that proof point is just right and I don’t think you lose any taste. Old Forester is great. I only wish I could find the other selections you profiled.
I have only tried 4 of them and, for me, it's a tie between 1897 and 1910. Love your show! Will be joining your Patreon group soon.
try the 86 and 100. I avoided them bc the screw tops and smaller looking bottles. Once I got them I didnt regret. that 86 is beyond what youd think of an 86 proofed item. Its fantastic. Look for reviews and maybe give it a shot for $20
@@andrewlowden322 They are on my list. Almost grabbed the 86 to try but I needed to restock my WT 101. Decisions, decisions. Cheers!
@@mpyle27 yeah we have like 220 bottles but the regular drinker list contains WT101, OF86, OF 100, KC 100
@@andrewlowden322 Need to explore the KC line. Went to Heaven Hill last year. Turned me on to Elijah. I have me a bottle of the a122. Saving it for a special evening.
Many thanks for considering Patreon!
I’m an Old Forester tour guide in Louisville and y’all gotta try 1915! Half 1910 half 1920…it’s amazing!
Taste wise, 1910 for me is better sipping than 1920. I used to go for the high proof, but lately I've been enjoying the 90 to 100 for an enjoyable dram.
I'm going there in October hoping to get some of the 117 series. I haven't had the 1910 yet, but it's on the list for next.
I bought the 1920 based on this review. Full of flavor and packs a BIG punch for me. My pick is the Statesman though. Enjoyed your review.
Loved the 1910 when I had after a round of golf very well balanced and had great depth of flavor even though the abv was not overly high
Great choice!
I love Old Forester expressions and my top 4 are the same as yours Trenton. Great bourbon!!
Such a great lineup!
I love the Statesman. My favorite. give it another try!
It’s relatively new to me so will def revisit! Glad you love it!
@@slbdrinks I always thought at about 100 proof the Statesman would be even better.
I also love the Ol Forester 100 at $24 Its my everyday drinker. Although the most recent bottle I bought I didn't care much for it. It had a harsh bite to it and I could pull the flavor. Can you get a bad bottle?
Just had a 2018,2019,2020 birthday bourbon flight at old forester for $50. great value and nice to taste the differences. Love the single barrel barrel picks I always pick them up.
Really love what you guys awe doing. I just spent 10 days with my son visiting Kentucky . Louisville, Lexington and Bardstown were fantastic. In fact my Wife is related to Elijah Craig (distance relation of course). Having recently been there I would be interested in you doing a show on some of the “lesser known or newer” distilleries such as Peerless, Rabbit Hole, Lux Row, Castle and Key, etc…. Some you have touched on (I am still working my way thru your videos and you may have covered them) but I would be interested in seeing some of these appear in your reviews. Love the show and appreciate the knowledge you and your son are providing. Thanks.
Thank you so much! Lux Row has been absolutely wonderful to us! I need to get to several of the others you mentioned.
I'm quite green when it comes to OF, but the two (86 and 100) I had didn't impress me. I was happy to see the 1920 come into town recently, but at $60, I wasn't ready to roll the dice given the tasting notes of the younger brothers. There are a couple others at lower price points that I know are winners. I wanted to try that 1915 blend, but $115 (plus tax) to do so? Eh. I think I can wait.
1910 is such a good double oak!
I really enjoy watching these videos. Just a calm presentation and description of the different bottles. And... here is the most important part >>> your choice of bottles to review is relevant to available brands to buy. I watch to learn about what my next purchase might be.
Appreciate your kind words!
I have only been drinking bourbon for around 1.5 years. Have gone through combined total of around 40 bottle of Canadian, Bourbon, Tennessee including 2 bottles of scotchish whiskey.
I have had Old Forest 86, 100 and Prohibition Style. Out of the 3 for me at the time I preferred the 100. My taste in whiskey changes regularly so I wonder how I would rate the 3 today. I see statesman everywhere and just never got around to picking one up. I guess im happy I never did as it appeared to be universally hated.
I agree with your ranking from best to worst. Thanks for also highlighting the flavors notes because I was having a hard time of what I was tasting and what to look for. Thanks again!
Great review. Prices around the Chicago burbs are higher than where you are. That being said you can pick up a 1.75 of the 100 to ease the price per pour.
Just getting into a bottle of 1920. I'm drinking it on rocks and it's very hot. It's got a ceiling of hotness and mintyness. It's not like a stick of spearmint gum. It's like a drag off a menthol cig. Maybe that works for you all who like minty cigs. I'd like a lot more caramel and char nodes to this one.
Edit: I'm saying this with love and you're right most of the time. :)
1910 and 1920 are fantastic! I always have a bottle of 1920 in the house.
I have had a hard time finding a bourbon I really like coming from scotch, but 1910 is probably my favorite bourbon so far.
Scotch to bourbon I think would be harder than bourbon to scotch. Glad you found 1910!
Even though I’m a more barrel proof guy, I prefer 1910 to 1920. To me, it has more flavor.
Good video. I have had all but the Statesman. I actually like the Bottle in Bond best.
Very good presentation indeed! Thank you Kurt!
It's shameful that in my country( Finland) American whiskeys are very hard to find and with ridiculous prices ( for example Jack Daniel's old n:o 7 is 38€ = 42 USD and Gentleman Jack is 55 USD). And Old Forrester isn't available at all !
I love OF so much, including the Rye. I still haven't had the 1897 or 1870 because I just grab the 100 proof or 86 proof at a fraction of the price. One day I'll have to give it a try.
Great bottles!
1910 is my all time favorite.
I just now sipped some 1920 for the first time. I don't like higher proof due to the bite. You and Trent have often said the 1920 is smooth and I agree the 1920 is amazing. Thanks! I think this is my all time favorite now.
Don’t blame you!
If I had a chance to travel to the States, Old Forester would the first brand that I will pick up from the shop. Looking forward to trying the 1920. Have heard so many great things about it!!
Hope you love it!
I combine the 1910 and 1920 to create what I affectionately refer to as the "1919." It's amazing, the best of both (high proof + beautiful flavor).
Love that!
great video. My mouth was salivating just watching you sip on the Old Foresters'
Love Old Forester! You are right about the rye, what a value!
The Rye is basically allocated here in Tampa so every time I see one I buy it. I have like 11 or so bc its so good and still only $24 when I can find it
Very good!
Ya, for nc, you can add about 5 to 10 bucks for each price mentioned in the video. Great video btw!
Thank you! To be honest 20 min away from the store I mentioned I would have pd 5-8.00 more.
Just picked up a second bottle 1897, really enjoyed the 1st bottle.