Old Forester 1924 10 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged a full decade in a 750ml bottle. Named the 2024 Bourbon of the Year by the Bourbon Podcast, this expression marks a notable departure for the Old Forester line with an entirely different mashbill than the brand's flagship releases.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Louisville, Kentucky | Age: 10 Years | Distillery: Old Forester Distilling CompanyProduction & HeritageOld Forester traces its roots to 1870, when George Garvin Brown began selling bourbon in sealed glass bottles — a first in American whiskey. The brand remains under Brown-Forman ownership to this day, distilling in Louisville, Kentucky. What sets the 1924 apart is its mashbill of 79% corn, 11% rye, and 10% malted barley, a significant shift from Old Forester's standard higher-rye grain recipe. This corn-forward bill — the same one Brown-Forman uses for Early Times — combined with a full 10 years of maturation in charred new American oak barrels, produces a distinctly richer, dessert-leaning profile compared to other expressions in the Old Forester lineup. The distillery's heat-cycled warehouses in Louisville are believed to accelerate barrel interaction, potentially giving this 10-year bourbon a depth that rivals older-stated whiskeys from other producers.Tasting NotesAroma: Soft, inviting waves of fudge and cocoa open first, followed by marzipan and cured tobacco. Beneath those sweeter layers, rich oak and warm cinnamon build steadily, with a subtle apple cider note threading through.Taste: The entry is immediately dessert-like — think chocolate-covered graham cracker with a dusting of cinnamon. At mid-palate, the oak influence deepens and balances the sweetness with tannic structure. The 100-proof strength carries all of this without harsh ethanol burn, allowing the high-corn mashbill's natural sweetness to dominate.Finish: Medium-long and warming, with lingering cinnamon spice and toasted graham cracker crumbles. The oak dries gently at the close, leaving a clean, slightly cocoa-dusted farewell.How to Drink Old Forester 1924At 100 proof, this bourbon stands up well neat but also rewards a few drops of water, which open the fudge and marzipan aromatics considerably. On the rocks, it maintains its structure without washing out. For cocktails: an Old Fashioned benefits from the 1924's chocolate-and-cinnamon core, which pairs naturally with bitters and an orange peel; a Boulevardier gains depth from the bourbon's rich oak backbone against Campari's bitterness; and a Whiskey Sour lets the graham cracker sweetness play off citrus for a dessert-like riff on the classic.Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values age-stated American whiskey Side-by-side tastings comparing Old Forester's standard and 1924 mashbills After-dinner sipping alongside chocolate or pastry desserts Adding a collectible bottle to a Brown-Forman–focused bourbon shelf Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Old Forester 1924 taste like? Old Forester 1924 delivers a dessert-driven flavor profile dominated by chocolate-covered graham cracker, warm cinnamon, and underlying oak. The high-corn mashbill produces a noticeably sweeter, less spice-forward bourbon than Old Forester's standard expressions.How does Old Forester 1924 compare to King of Kentucky? Both share the same 79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley mashbill and are produced at Brown-Forman's Louisville distillery, with reviewers noting instantly recognizable similarities in profile. King of Kentucky is a much more limited, barrel-strength release at a significantly higher price point, while the 1924 is bottled at a consistent 100 proof and is more widely available.Is Old Forester 1924 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100-proof strength is assertive enough to deliver flavor intensity but smooth enough for extended neat sipping, especially given the 10 years of barrel aging that round out any rough edges.Where is Old Forester 1924 made? Old Forester 1924 is distilled and aged at the Old Forester Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky. The distillery is owned by Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits companies, which has produced Old Forester continuously since 1870.What foods pair well with Old Forester 1924? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's cocoa and fudge character. Pecan pie mirrors its caramelized sweetness and nutty undertones. Smoked pork belly plays off the cured tobacco and oak notes. Cinnamon-spiced apple tart echoes the apple cider and baking spice elements. Aged cheddar provides a savory, sharp contrast to the high-corn sweetness.What sizes does Old Forester 1924 come in? Old Forester 1924 10 Year Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Old Forester 1924 worth the price? Old Forester 1924 positions as a premium age-stated bourbon within the Old Forester range, carrying a meaningful step up from the brand's core lineup. The 10-year age statement, distinctive mashbill, and recognition as the Bourbon Podcast's 2024 Bourbon of the Year support its standing as a serious value play in the aged bourbon category.Why Old Forester 1924?In a market crowded with non-age-stated bourbon, the 1924 makes a clear statement: 10 years, 100 proof, verifiable and straightforward. Its mashbill — 79% corn, 11% rye, 10% malted barley — is a deliberate break from Old Forester's traditional grain recipe, producing a sweeter, more dessert-forward character that distinguishes it from anything else under the Old Forester banner. The shared DNA with King of Kentucky, Brown-Forman's most acclaimed limited release, adds further credibility. For drinkers seeking an age-stated Kentucky bourbon with genuine production transparency and an award-winning profile, the 1924 fills a gap that few competitors at its tier can match.
