Old Forester 1910
Overall Score: 7/10
Overall Value: 2.75/5
Distillery: Brown-Forman Shively Distillery
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Brown-Forman
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 93
Age: NAS
Color: Dark Bronze
MSRP: $60 (2025)
Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on Old Forester 1910 is one of its standout features—rich, dark, and sweet. Deep fruit notes of plum, raisin, grape, and black cherry mingle with vanilla custard and aged oak, almost like walking into a candy shop next to a stack of seasoned firewood. There’s also a touch of that classic Old Forester richness, reminiscent of leather and dark chocolate, that adds depth to the sweetness.
The palate opens soft and buttery, but the sweetness from the nose doesn’t fully carry through. Instead, it leans into darker territory—dry oak, cherry, and leather dominate, with just a small amount of coffee and cocoa underneath. Some sips even bring out a faint medicinal note, giving a bit of red cough syrup character that not everyone will enjoy.
The finish is dry and oaky, with lingering leather and cherry notes. It’s not particularly long, but it’s clean. Those who like darker, oak-heavy bourbons may find this more appealing than those who prefer sweetness.
Old Forester 1910 is a fascinating pour that shows both the best and the quirks of the Old Forester profile. The nose is excellent—easily one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience—but the palate and finish will lean a little too dry for some.
At its MSRP around $60, it’s a fair deal, especially if you find it on sale. When comparing Old Forester 1910 vs 1920, the 1920 still wins for its richer balance and higher proof, but 1910 remains a solid, accessible choice for those who like a darker, more oak-driven bourbon.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 2/5
THE NOSE:
The nose reminded me of cherry airheads and vanilla custard. It presents really sweet and rich.
It does have a good aged oak note as well, similar to a stack of seasoned fire wood.
I really love the nose of this pour.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is buttery and soft, but the initial taste seems to be in opposition to the nose.
The sweetness is missing and it’s actually a bit dry.
I get a combination of dry oak and cherry and also a bit of skunkiness.
THE FINISH:
The finish tastes like medicine.
Like I just had red cough syrup. It's not ideal.
BUY OR PASS?
We’ve had a rollercoaster of experiences with this bottle in the past. The first time, the initial crack was good but then the bottle seemed like it went bad after sitting on the shelf. This time, really only the nose was exciting.
The rest of the pour was a bit tough to get through, unless you prefer dry oak and cherry.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
This one leans heavy into dark fruits—plum, raisins, grapes, and black cherry.
Let it sit a bit and it shifts into something sweeter, like walking into a candy shop with pixy stix and fun dip on the shelves.
THE TASTE:
The palate follows through with some sweetness and fruit. At times it almost feels like a port-finished bourbon.
Then the classic Old Forester profile comes in—dark notes of leather, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Personally, I wish the sweetness stuck around longer, but it’s still really enjoyable.
THE FINISH:
The finish is where it dips a little for me.
Leather takes the spotlight (a note I don’t love) along with a bit of alcohol bite.
BUY OR PASS?
Overall, this is an excellent sipper and a strong recommendation for someone just starting to drink bourbon neat.
That said, it’s not a top-tier standout for me. At around a $60 MSRP, it’s fair, but there are bottles I’d reach for before this one.
