Old Forester 1924 Bourbon Review (2025)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

Perhaps overlooked in the tumultuous news of major downsizing at Brown-Forman was last month’s release of a new batch of Old Forester 1924 10 Year Old Bourbon.

The 1924 expression is a departure from the standard Old Forester in that it has a different origin mash bill: 79% instead of 72% corn, with corresponding 11% rye and the same 10% malted barley. Proportions like that are almost in the high corn, Tennessee Whiskey style. That plus its minimum maturation period of a decade, and you have the signature features of this 100 proof bourbon. The expression was introduced in January 2024, making this just the second installment.

For American Whiskey, 10 years old has become the middle territory on the premium ladder. It’s not a high enough age statement to qualify or even approach the ultra aged designation, not in anyone’s book. Nevertheless, many such bourbons bear 10 year age statements: Michter’s, Rebel Yell, Eagle Rare, the newly released WhistlePig bourbon, Russell’s Reserve and Henry McKenna all come to mind.

A contrarian will make the point that 10 years is just a step beyond Knob Creek (nine years old), so what is the big deal and how can it justify those low three digit prices? To that, I say try the Michter’s or Rebel Yell 10 Year Old next to Knob Creek and then come back and tell me it’s all the same. But what about Old Forester 1924?

The Bourbon
Color is sometimes suggestive of what the whiskey will be like, but not in the way Old Forester 1924 was this year, what with its reddened amber appearance. I say that because it led with a scent like a handful of dried strawberries and cherries covered with a caramel coating. Behind that were modest notes of nuts and toasted whole cereals plus a speck of charcoal.

Sipping brings the spices forward, and swiftly at that. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove and anise pull the aforementioned nuttiness along behind it, with the vanilla, berries and some scorched oak left standing in the background. The finish opens spicy before fading to some earthy nougat.

Comparing 1924 to the other expressions in its 10 year old, special something class, I think it is certainly sitting on the upper rungs. It is not Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon, but also not too far behind it either. And if you wince at the price point, keep in mind the Michter’s goes for $180.

The Price
Old Forester 1924 Bourbon is pegged to $119.99 a bottle. All things considered, that is a fair price point.