Are you a bourbon enthusiast looking for your next favorite drink? Old Forester is a brand that continually introduces quality and excellent spirits, and two of their masterpieces are the 1920 Prohibition Style and the Statesman. Both bourbons are popular among whiskey lovers, but which one is better? While both bourbons share similarities, they also have distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare Old Forester Statesman vs.1920 Prohibition Style bourbons to help you decide which one to try next.
Table of Contents
History of Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbons
Old Forester Statesman’s History
photo credit: www.oldforester.com
Old Forester Statesman was released in July 2017 as a tie-in to the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The movie features the Statesman, a fictional American spy agency, and Old Forester was chosen as the official bourbon of the Statesman. The bourbon is named after the Statesman organization and is made using the same mash bill as the Old Forester Classic, with a slightly higher proof of 95.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style’s History
photo credit: www.oldforester.com
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is part of the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series, which celebrates the brand’s rich history and heritage. The series is named after the historic Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, where Old Forester was founded in 1870. The 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon pays tribute to the brand’s resilience during Prohibition, when it was one of only 10 distilleries in Kentucky to receive a license to produce medicinal whiskey.
The bourbon is made using a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and is aged in heavily charred barrels to give it a rich, mahogany color and bold flavor. It is bottled at 115 proof, which is higher than the standard Old Forester Classic and Old Forester Statesman.
Both Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style bourbons are produced by Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies in the world. The company has a long history of producing high-quality bourbons and has been a leader in the industry for over 150 years.
Production Process
Old Forester Statesman’s Production Process
To make Old Forester Statesman, the distillers at Brown-Forman use the same mash bill as the original Old Forester, which is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The grains are ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to form a mash. Yeast is then added to the mash, which starts the fermentation process. After 3–5 days of fermentation, the mash has become a beer-like liquid with an alcohol content of around 10%.
The beer is then distilled twice in copper pot stills to increase the alcohol content to around 62.5%. The resulting spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. The barrels are stored in warehouses where they are exposed to the hot and humid Kentucky summers and cold winters, which cause the whiskey to expand and contract, drawing flavor from the wood.
Once the whiskey has aged to perfection, it is blended to create the final product. Old Forester Statesman is bottled at 95 proof, which means it has an alcohol content of 47.5%.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style’s Production Process
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is made using the same mash bill and process as Old Forester Statesman, which is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Once the whiskey has aged to perfection, it is blended to create the final product. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is bottled at 115 proof, which means it has an alcohol content of 57.5%.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style bourbons have some distinct differences. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
- Flavor Profile: Both bourbons share some similarities in their flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. However, Statesman is a bit sweeter and has a more pronounced fruitiness, while 1920 is spicier and has a more complex flavor profile overall.
- Proof: Statesman is bottled at 95 proof, while 1920 is a higher-proof bourbon at 115 proof. This difference in proof affects the overall taste of the bourbons, with 1920 having a more intense and robust flavor.
- Age: Neither bourbon has an age statement, but it’s believed that 1920 is aged for around four years, while Statesman is aged for about five years. This difference in aging can affect the taste, with Statesman having a slightly smoother and more mellow flavor.
- Finish: Statesman has a shorter finish, with a slight hint of spice and sweetness lingering on the palate. 1920, on the other hand, has a longer finish with a more smoky, marshmallow sweetness.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style bourbons, price is definitely a factor to consider. Here’s a quick breakdown of the prices for each:
- Old Forester Statesman: typically priced around $57 for a 750ml bottle.
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: typically priced around $62 for a 750ml bottle.
As you can see, there isn’t a huge difference in price between the two bourbons. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Old Forester Statesman might be the better choice for you.
It’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on where you live and where you purchase the bourbon from. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a final decision.
When it comes to value for money, both Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style bourbons are excellent choices. They offer high quality and unique flavor profiles that are sure to impress even the most discerning bourbon drinkers.
Conclusion
In the end, when it comes to choosing between Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style bourbons, it all comes down to personal preference. Both are excellent choices, and each has its unique characteristics that make them stand out.
If you prefer a smoother and more approachable bourbon, then Old Forester Statesman is the way to go. It has a lower proof and a sweeter taste profile, making it a perfect choice for those who are new to bourbon or prefer a more mellow flavor.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bolder and more complex bourbon, then 1920 Prohibition Style is the one for you. With its higher proof and more robust flavor profile, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy a more intense and flavorful drink.
Overall, both Old Forester Statesman and 1920 Prohibition Style bourbons are excellent choices that are well worth trying. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the world of whiskey, you’re sure to find something to love about these two exceptional bourbons.
