Few bourbons carry history in the glass the way Old Forester 1920 does. At first glance, it’s simply a bold, flavorful 115-proof bourbon beloved by enthusiasts. But behind that strength lies a story of loopholes, law, medicine, and survival. During Prohibition, most bourbons vanished — yet Old Forester endured through an unlikely pathway: doctors legally prescribing medicinal bourbon under a federal exemption.
This wasn’t a marketing gimmick. It was the only reason bourbon existed at all after 1920. And Old Forester 1920 pays tribute to that era with a flavor profile shaped by the era’s demands.
This in-depth guide explores the history, science, tasting experience, and modern relevance of Old Forester 1920 — and why this bottle remains one of the most compelling bourbons on the market today.
🗝️ Quick Answer
Old Forester 1920 is a modern 115-proof bourbon crafted to reflect the whiskey Old Forester produced during Prohibition under its federal license for medicinal bourbon. Because whiskey naturally increased in proof as it aged, and because government rules required consistency for medical dosing, many medicinal-era bourbons were bottled at higher strength. Old Forester 1920 recreates this style with concentrated flavors of dark cherry, caramel, toffee, and seasoned oak, making it one of the most historically accurate and flavorful high-proof bourbons available today.
The Bourbon That Almost Disappeared
When the Volstead Act took effect in 1920, the United States entered one of the most restrictive social experiments in its history. Alcohol became illegal — not just to buy or sell, but even to possess in many cases. Distilleries shut down overnight. Warehouses were padlocked. Barrels sat untouched, evaporating slowly in rickhouses destined for dismantling.
American whiskey culture was on life support.
But the law contained a single, bizarre exception: whiskey could still be prescribed for medical use. The government begrudgingly admitted that whiskey had long been used as a treatment for ailments ranging from anxiety to influenza, digestive discomfort, tooth pain, and general weakness.
Doctors could prescribe one pint every ten days. Patients lined up at pharmacies with handwritten prescriptions. Pharmacists, suddenly thrust into the role of government-sanctioned liquor dealers, dispensed bottles labelled “medicinal whiskey.”
According to Smithsonian research, whiskey was not only used in medical treatments but was officially recognized as a therapeutic agent during this period.
It was one of the strangest contradictions in American history: you couldn’t buy whiskey for pleasure, but you could buy it for your nerves — and judging by the lines outside pharmacies, America’s nerves were in rough shape.
The Medicinal Bourbon Loophole and How It Saved Old Forester
Only six distilleries in Kentucky received the coveted federal permit to continue producing medicinal bourbon. One of them was Old Forester, and its survival wasn’t accidental.
Why Old Forester Was Chosen
Old Forester had already built a reputation for consistency and integrity. It was one of the first brands to sell whisky exclusively in sealed bottles (not barrels), ensuring purity and preventing tampering. It also embraced the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, committing to:
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federal warehouse storage
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strict, verifiable quality
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Exactly 100 proof bottling
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aging for at least four years
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one distiller, one season
At a time when counterfeit spirits and toxic bootleg alcohol surged, the government needed producers who could guarantee safe, consistent whiskey. Old Forester fit that requirement perfectly.
Their medicinal license — Permit No. 3 — allowed them to keep distilling and bottling while competitors collapsed.
For more than a decade, this loophole protected the brand’s knowledge, equipment, workforce, and supply chain. If not for medicinal whiskey, Old Forester might not exist today.
The Science Behind High-Proof Medicinal Whiskey
Here’s where things get interesting — and where the historical connection to Old Forester 1920 becomes clear.
Whiskey ages in wooden barrels. During that time, a portion evaporates into the air. This is the angel’s share, and depending on climate and warehouse conditions, the proof of the whiskey inside the barrel naturally rises.
For example:
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Entering proof: 100 proof
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After several years of aging: 110–115 proof
In a normal market, a distiller could cut the whiskey with water to reach a target proof. But for medicinal whiskey, government regulations prioritized consistency and purity above all else. The whiskey was often bottled at the proof it left the barrel, which was higher, richer, and more concentrated.
Why Higher Proof Mattered for Medicine
Government regulators believed that proof of consistency was essential for proper medical dosing. A prescription was, after all, a dose of alcohol. If proof varied wildly, physicians couldn’t prescribe accurately.
Ironically, this requirement created some of the boldest, most flavorful bourbons of the era — precursors to today’s popular high-proof bourbon category.
Old Forester honours this with its 1920 bottling: 115 proof, representing the strength bourbon often carried during its medicinal era.
A Taste of History: Old Forester 1920 Flavor Breakdown
Old Forester 1920 isn’t just a tribute in name — its structure, aroma, and texture reflect what bourbon tasted like when it was sold behind pharmacy counters.
Appearance
Deep, rich amber. The colour speaks of barrel concentration, evaporation, and prolonged interaction with toasted oak.
Aroma
The nose is layered, bold, and unmistakably high-proof, offering:
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dark cherry
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orange marmalade
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clove and nutmeg
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charred oak
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a subtle thread of dark chocolate
These notes mirror the concentrated, high-ester profile standard to medicinal-era bourbon.
Palate
Taken neat, Old Forester 1920 is unapologetically intense — but balanced.
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Caramelized banana
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Rich toffee
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Dark fruits
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Oak structure with a dry edge
It comes through with warmth, not harshness. The mid-palate expands with layers of sweetness and spice, anchored by a firm oak backbone characteristic of older warehouse positions.
Finish
Long, spicy, and satisfying. Notes of toasted nuts, honey, and lingering caramel sweetness emerge as the heat softens.
With Water
Just as pharmacists diluted doses for patients, adding water unlocks hidden layers:
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vanilla
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creamier caramel
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softened baking spice
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a calmer, silkier finish
The whiskey becomes more expressive, showcasing depth over power.
Food Pairings That Elevate Old Forester 1920
A bourbon this bold deserves pairings that can stand beside it — not beneath it.
Dark Chocolate
High-cacao chocolate amplifies the bourbon’s cocoa, oak, and baking spice notes.
Aged Cheddar
Sharp and savoury, it cuts through the bourbon’s sweetness and richness.
Spicy Cured Meats
Chorizo, hot soppressata, or peppered salami complement the whiskey’s spice profile.
Dessert Pairings
Surprisingly effective:
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pecan pie
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banana bread
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brûléed custards
High-proof bourbon loves sugar, fat, and caramelization.
Cheese Pairings
Excellent options include:
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aged gouda
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manchego
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blue cheese for the adventurous
Their salt-and-fat structure counterbalances the intensity of high-proof bourbon.
Cigar Pairings That Elevate Old Forester 1920
Pairing a cigar with Old Forester 1920 isn’t just about matching strength — it’s about aligning the bourbon’s dark fruit, baking spice, and caramelized sugar profile with a cigar that can complement, contrast, or enhance those flavors. This bourbon’s 115-proof intensity requires a cigar with enough structure to stand up to it without overwhelming the palate.
Below are three pairings that bring out the best in both the whiskey and the cigar.
The Bold & Balanced Option: Nicaraguan Maduro
A well-made Nicaraguan maduro with a naturally sweet wrapper is one of the most seamless pairings for Old Forester 1920. The bourbon’s notes of dark cherry, toffee, and charred oak interact beautifully with a maduro’s cocoa, espresso, and black pepper.
Why it works:
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Maduro sweetness softens the bourbon’s heat
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Nicaraguan spice mirrors the whiskey’s baking spice
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Thick smoke texture blends perfectly with the bourbon’s rich mouthfeel
This pairing is ideal for someone who enjoys deeper, darker cigar flavors without tipping into bitterness.
The Spicy & Structured Option: Nicaraguan Habano
For smokers who prefer a more assertive profile, a Nicaraguan habano offers a vibrant mix of cedar, spice, and roasted nut notes that complements Old Forester 1920’s intensity. The habano wrapper highlights the bourbon’s clove, cinnamon, and oak while offering enough grip to handle the proof.
Why it works:
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Habano spice amplifies bourbon spice
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Cedar and nutty tones echo the barrel-aged oak character
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Creates a bold, cohesive flavor arc
This pairing is for seasoned cigar enthusiasts who enjoy complexity and punch.
The Sweet & Creamy Contrast: Connecticut Broadleaf
If you prefer contrast to reinforcement, a Connecticut Broadleaf cigar offers a creamy, chocolatey, molasses-rich counterbalance to the 1920’s heat. Its thicker wrapper and slower burn make it perfect for sipping a high-proof bourbon.
Why it works:
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Broadleaf sweetness rounds out the bourbon’s sharp edges
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Creamy smoke adds softness to the bold whiskey
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Chocolate, earth, and molasses complement the bourbon’s caramelized sugar notes
This pairing is excellent for drinkers who want the bourbon to take center stage while the cigar plays a supporting, smoothing role.
How to Get the Most From the Pairing
High-proof bourbon and cigars require gentle pacing. Take small sips, let the bourbon open on the palate, then draw from the cigar and allow the flavors to mingle slowly. Consider adding a few drops of water to Old Forester 1920 on your first pour — it brings out vanilla, caramel, and toasted-nut notes that pair well with almost any medium-to-full cigar.
This approach doesn’t just highlight the bourbon or the cigar individually — it creates a combined tasting experience that honours both.
Old Forester 1920 and the Modern Bourbon Revival
The success of Old Forester 1920 mirrors a larger trend in bourbon: a renewed appreciation for historical styles, high proof, and production transparency.
Enthusiasts gravitate toward bourbons that tell a story — and few bottles carry a story this compelling.
Cultural Relevance Today
High-proof bourbon is now a respected category, prized for:
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richer mouthfeel
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deeper complexity
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greater aging transparency
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more authentic warehouse character
The popularity of Old Forester 1920 helped pave the way for similar expressions across the industry.
A Bourbon That Bridges Eras
Old Forester is still produced today on Whiskey Row in Louisville, and 1920 connects the modern drinker directly to its Prohibition-era past. It’s not simply a recreation — it is a continuation of the same lineage that survived through pharmacists’ counters and medical loopholes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Old Forester 1920 bottled at 115 proof?
To reflect the typical proof of bourbon during the medicinal whiskey era, when whiskey was often bottled at its natural barrel proof.
Is Old Forester 1920 a true historical recreation?
It’s a modern, expertly crafted interpretation based on Old Forester’s actual production practices during Prohibition.
How does Old Forester 1920 compare to Old Forester 1910?
Old Forester 1910 is lower proof and sweeter due to double-barrel finishing. Old Forester 1920 is drier, bolder, and more intense.
How much does Old Forester 1920 cost?
Typically $55–$65 USD, depending on your market.
Is high-proof bourbon harder to drink?
Not necessarily. High-proof expressions like 1920 provide more flavor density and open beautifully with a few drops of water.
What makes medicinal bourbon historically significant?
It preserved distillation knowledge, kept select distilleries operating, and influenced modern high-proof bourbon production.
Final Thoughts: A Bourbon Defined by Survival
Old Forester 1920 isn’t simply a high-proof bourbon. It’s the living descendant of a moment when American whiskey nearly vanished — preserved only because the government allowed it to survive as medicine.
It stands today as one of the most compelling examples of historical bourbon, offering a rich, layered drinking experience rooted in the reality of its ancestors.
If you enjoy bourbon with real story and real intensity, Old Forester 1920 is more than a bottle — it’s a chapter of American history poured into a glass.
Bo Kauffmann is the voice behind Cigar and Whiskey Guide and Smoke Signals on Substack, where he shares expert reviews, pairings, and lifestyle insights for enthusiasts around the world. A longtime cigar lover and bourbon explorer, Bo blends storytelling with deep knowledge to help readers savor every pour and every puff.
