Founded by George Garvin Brown, Old Forester has stood the test of time, proudly claiming its place as the first bottled bourbon. The 1924 expression is a nod to the brand's legacy—a liquid homage to how the brand persevered throughout the Prohibition era. Today, the legacy continues with Master Distiller Chris Morris at the helm, and the same high-quality bourbon in each bottle.

Old Forester 1924's flavor profile is an ensemble of fudge, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a symphony for the senses and offering a velvety and well-balanced experience. Learn more about this brand with Pascale's Liquors, located at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090. 

The year 1924 is particularly significant to Old Forester as a company. Amid an era when the federal government had closed many distillers, Old Forester continued operations thanks to a special permit, allowing them to produce whiskey for "medicinal purposes." 

Celebrated annually with an exclusive release, the Old Forester 1924 is a tribute to the brand's roots and its historical catalyst. Crafted to honor the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Prohibition era, the 1924 expression evokes the depth of flavor characteristic of the time. This expression is a toast to its classic mash bill (72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley), which undergoes a meticulous fermentation, distillation, and aging process to achieve the desired flavor profile. The result is a full-bodied bourbon that personifies the brand's dedication to time-honored traditions. 

Old Forester’s distillation and production process begins with a careful selection of grains. The classic bourbon mash bill consists of corn, rye, and malted barley, which contribute to the whiskey's distinctive flavor profile. Each grain is milled and cooked to convert starches into fermentable sugars before yeast is added, a proprietary strain called 1B with about 20% sour mash, a recipe exclusive to Old Forester 1924. After fermenting the mash, it turns into a beer-like liquid called 'wash.'

The wash is distilled twice—first through a continuous column still and then through a pot still, which helps concentrate the alcohol and capture the desired flavors. The spirit, now referred to as 'white dog,' is clear and unaged. Old Forester's careful distillation process ensures a smooth and flavorful base from which their bourbons can mature and develop further nuances.

Post-distillation, the spirit is transferred to charred American oak barrels where it spends years in a heat-cycled warehouse. This environment encourages the interaction between the wood and the bourbon, allowing for the absorption of rich caramel, vanilla, and woody notes from the charred interior.

Old Forester's heat-cycling technique involves artificially raising and lowering the temperature inside the warehouse to enhance the whiskey's maturation process. The temperature fluctuations cause the bourbon to expand into and contract out of the oak staves, infusing the spirit with depth and character. This leads to a mature bourbon displaying a deeply palatable blend of flavors and a well-rounded finish.

Key tasting notes that define Old Forester 1924 include indulgent fudge and warm cinnamon. These notes are complemented by a smooth undertone of vanilla, courtesy of time spent in charred oak barrels. Each of these elements combines seamlessly, creating a rich and decadent profile that pays homage to bourbon craftsmanship with every glass.

As part of Old Forester's commitment to celebrating bourbon heritage, the 1924 expression is introduced as an annual release. This yearly tradition emphasizes the brand's dedication to preserving and recreating the distinct flavors of Prohibition-era whiskey. The annual release cycle adds to the excitement and anticipation amongst bourbon communities, marking a yearly event that offers a chance to experience or collect a bottle of this remarkable spirit.

Due to its limited-edition nature, Old Forester 1924's availability sharply contrasts with that of mass-market bourbons. Potential buyers should check with specialty liquor retailers or engage with online bourbon communities early to secure a bottle following its release. The Old Forester 1924 MSRP can vary by market, influenced by demand, rarity, and retailer markup. Enthusiasts should be prepared for a price range that reflects the bourbon's premium quality and limited production.

The Old Forester Whiskey Row Series has been a journey through history with each release featuring a different era. Fans eagerly anticipate further additions to this acclaimed series, which promises to reveal more nuances of Old Forester's heritage. Future installments will continue to pay homage to significant milestones in the distillery's timeline, inviting connoisseurs through the evolution of bourbon. With each annual release, the Whiskey Row Series aims to tell a story, blending the past with the future to create bourbons that are both reminiscent and refreshingly innovative.

Old Forester consistently strives to stay at the forefront of bourbon innovation, and loyal enthusiasts can look forward with excitement to future releases. The brand taps into its rich history and extensive knowledge to craft new expressions that tantalize the taste buds and expand on their storied résumé.

As part of their dedication to time-honored craftsmanship and innovation, Old Forester is always seeking out novel aging techniques, exploring unique flavor profiles, and engaging in the meticulous curation of its blends. Learn more about this brand and other exceptional bourbons at Pascale’s Liquors, located at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090, online at https://pascalesliquor.com/, or call us at (315) 701-0781.