Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Bourbon 750ML is a double-barreled Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof) in a 750ml bottle. A Gold Medal winner at the 2023 and 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression distinguishes itself through a second maturation in barrels charred nearly to the point of incineration — a technique that layers deep caramel, chocolate, and oak character onto an already mature bourbon.Quick Facts: ABV: 46.5% (93 proof) | Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA | No Age Statement (NAS) | Distillery: Old Forester Distillery (Brown-Forman)Production & HeritageOld Forester holds the distinction of being America's first bottled bourbon, with continuous production dating back to 1870 under the stewardship of founder George Garvin Brown. Today the brand operates under Brown-Forman, distilling at their Louisville facility. The 1910 expression begins as fully matured Old Forester bourbon — built on a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley — which is then entered into a second new oak barrel at 100 proof. These secondary barrels receive a Level 4+ char, burned so aggressively they approach incineration, which imparts an intense layer of caramelized sugars, toasted wood compounds, and smoky depth that sets the 1910 apart from the core Old Forester lineup.Tasting NotesAroma: Rich caramel and brown sugar arrive first, followed by buttercream and toffee. Deeper notes of apricot and spiced molasses cookies emerge with time in the glass, alongside hints of candied nuts, clove, and nutmeg.Taste: The entry is soft and well-rounded, with butter pecan, milk chocolate, and caramel corn establishing a sweet foundation. Mid-palate, charred oak asserts itself alongside date and raisin, while the rye-driven spice builds steadily. The sweetness recedes on the back half, giving way to dry leather, light cigar box, and a tannic woodiness that adds structure.Finish: Long and warming, with charred oak lingering at the center and peripheral spice — think chili pepper and clove — gradually fading. Tobacco barn earthiness and bitter cherry round out the conclusion, leaving a clean, satisfying close.How to Drink Old Forester 1910Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding approach; the 93-proof bottling strength delivers full flavor without excessive heat, and water opens up the chocolate and fruit notes. On the rocks, the bourbon holds its structure well as dilution occurs. Three cocktails where the 1910 excels: an Old Fashioned, where the intense charred oak and caramel amplify the drink's core flavors without needing extra sweetener; a Boulevardier, where the bourbon's chocolate and leather character stands up to Campari's bitterness; and a Manhattan, where the raisin and date notes harmonize naturally with sweet vermouth.Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates unique barrel-finishing techniques After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Side-by-side tastings comparing double-barreled bourbons Building a home bar collection focused on the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Old Forester 1910 taste like? Old Forester 1910 leads with rich caramel, milk chocolate, and charred oak, balanced by dry leather, baking spice, and dark fruit notes like date and raisin. The finish is long and warming with tobacco and lingering wood char.How does Old Forester 1910 compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Both are Brown-Forman products that undergo secondary barrel maturation, but the processes differ significantly: Old Forester 1910 uses barrels with an extreme Level 4+ char, while Woodford Reserve Double Oaked employs heavily toasted barrels with a lighter Level 2 char. The result is that the 1910 leans darker and more intensely oaky, while Woodford Double Oaked tends toward a softer, more toasted-vanilla profile.Is Old Forester 1910 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 93-proof bottling strength delivers concentrated flavor with manageable heat, making it an excellent neat-sipping bourbon. A few drops of water can further open up the chocolate and fruit layers without diminishing complexity.Where is Old Forester 1910 made? Old Forester 1910 is produced at the Old Forester Distillery, part of the Brown-Forman Shively Distillery campus, located in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville sits in the heart of bourbon country along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.What foods pair well with Old Forester 1910? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's cocoa and caramel notes. Smoked brisket mirrors the charred oak character. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, brown-sugar sweetness. Blue cheese provides a salty, tangy counterpoint to the rich palate. Bread pudding with caramel sauce amplifies the dessert-like qualities in the finish.What sizes does Old Forester 1910 come in? Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Bourbon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Old Forester 1910 worth the price? Old Forester 1910 positions as a mid-premium bourbon that punches above its price tier, particularly given its double-barreled production process and consecutive Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It delivers complexity typically associated with more expensive limited releases, making it a strong value within the double-barreled bourbon category.Why Old Forester 1910?The defining feature of this expression is its extreme secondary char — barrels burned to near-incineration that transform an already mature bourbon into something significantly darker and more layered. That technique earned back-to-back Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024, and a 91-point score from the Whiskey for the Ages review panel. Within the crowded double-barreled bourbon segment, the 1910 stands apart by pushing the char level to an aggressive extreme that competitors like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked deliberately avoid. The result is a bourbon with uncommon depth — charred oak, chocolate, dried fruit, leather — that rewards both neat sipping and cocktail use without crossing into an ultra-premium price bracket.
