The Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style - Brown-Forman leans into high-proof heritage

By Nora Whitfield, ad hoc news Accessories & Components Desk. Reviewed July 01, 2026, 2:20 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style sits on the bar with its dark, squat bottle, the label a muted cream against deep amber whiskey shimmering in the glass. One sip delivers dense caramel, charred oak and a peppery kick that reminds you this is 115 proof bourbon.

High-proof bourbon with a US following

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is part of the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series, inspired by historical mash bills and proof levels from the brand’s early 20th century history. The 1920 expression pays tribute to Brown-Forman’s ability to continue distilling during Prohibition under a medicinal license.

In US retail, Old Forester 1920 typically shows up in the $55 to $65 price range, depending on state taxes and local markups. On shelves at national chains and specialty shops, it sits in the mid-tier space where enthusiasts are willing to pay a bit more for character and proof, but still consider it an accessible bottle.

Flavor profile built for enthusiasts

Brown-Forman describes Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style as having rich dark caramel, chocolate, baking spice and a robust, full-bodied mouthfeel driven by its 57.5 percent ABV. Tasting notes from reviewers often highlight a nose of cocoa and dried fruit followed by a palate of toasted nuts, vanilla, and charred oak with a long, slightly drying finish.

Sampling a glass neat, the first impression is heat on the tongue, but it settles quickly into flavors of molasses, toasted brown sugar and a hint of orange peel. A few drops of water open it up further, softening the alcohol edge and bringing out bakery spices that make it feel closer to dessert than a simple nightcap.

Packaging, proof and bar use

The bottle design of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style leans into a vintage aesthetic, with a squat shape, heavy base and a label detailing the historical reference year. Under bar lights, the whiskey pours with a deep copper color, slightly darker than the brand’s standard expressions, hinting at its flavor intensity.

At 115 proof, bartenders generally consider it a whiskey best suited for sipping neat, with a splash of water, or in spirit-forward cocktails where the bourbon’s character will not be drowned out. In practice, that means Old Forester 1920 often features in Old Fashioneds or Manhattans at craft cocktail bars that want a bourbon with backbone.

Position in Brown-Forman's portfolio

Brown-Forman, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, owns a broad portfolio of spirits brands including Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura and others, covering whiskey, tequila, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Old Forester is one of the company’s historic bourbon labels, dating back to the late 19th century.

Within the Old Forester lineup, the Whiskey Row Series is positioned as a narrative-driven, premium segment that tells the brand’s story through specific years and styles. The 1920 Prohibition Style plays a key role in that story, serving as the high-proof, flavor-intense option that appeals to enthusiasts in a crowded bourbon market.

US retail and on-premise presence

In the US, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is widely available through large retailers, regional liquor chains and independent shops, often listed alongside other Old Forester Whiskey Row expressions like 1870, 1897 and 1910. Availability can vary by state due to local distribution agreements and control-state regulations.

On-premise, the whiskey appears on bar menus where bourbon-forward cocktails are standard, particularly in the Midwest and South where Old Forester has long-standing recognition. Some whiskey-focused bars offer flights featuring several Whiskey Row bottles, using 1920 as the "proof monster" anchor in the lineup for guests seeking something bolder.

Investor context and stock angle

Brown-Forman Corp. reports its whiskey brands, including Old Forester, as part of its broader whiskey and bourbon portfolio, which contributes substantially to total net sales. The company has signaled in earnings calls that premiumization within bourbon, along with consumer interest in higher-proof and limited expressions, remains an important growth vector.

Brown-Forman stock (NYSE: BF.B) offers investors exposure to this premium spirits trend in the US and globally, with Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style playing a small but visible role in the company’s wider bourbon strategy.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at short notice. Not investment advice and not a buy or sell recommendation. Securities trading carries risks up to total loss.