Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is the bottle on the Camp West back bar that whiskey drinkers tend to reach for when they want something with real muscle. At 115 proof, this Brown-Forman release is the boldest, most celebrated expression in the Whiskey Row Series, and it has earned a loyal following in West Seattle. For a cabin bar that prizes character over polish, 1920 is a natural fit.
About the Distillery
Old Forester is a flagship Brown-Forman brand rooted in Louisville’s Whiskey Row. The 1920 release pays homage to Prohibition, when the Volstead Act granted a handful of Kentucky distillers permits to keep producing whiskey for medicinal purposes. Old Forester was one of them. Whiskey of that era was barreled at 100 proof, and after maturation the angel’s share concentrated it to roughly 115 proof, which is the strength this bottle recreates.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a Kentucky straight bourbon built on Old Forester’s classic mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The defining trait is its 115 proof, a deliberate nod to the higher-strength medicinal whiskey of the Prohibition years. It delivers a fuller, more intense version of the Old Forester profile.
Tasting Notes
The nose is an intense medley of cherry preserves, chewy caramel, dark chocolate, and thickened maple syrup with candied, spiced nuts. On the palate, barrel char and dark chocolate play against caramel and creme brulee, with a nutty, faintly smoky undercurrent. The finish brings seasoned oak and caramelized sugar. It is rich, weighty, and unmistakably high-proof.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
A pour of Old Forester 1920 is $16. Given the 115 proof, many guests enjoy it over a large rock to open it up, though purists take it neat to meet that bold profile head-on. It also builds a commanding Old Fashioned or Boulevardier. Tell your bartender how you like it and we will pour accordingly.
FAQ
Why is 1920 bottled at 115 proof? It recreates the strength medicinal whiskey reached during Prohibition after maturation concentrated the spirit barreled at 100 proof.
Is 1920 a good Old Fashioned base? Absolutely. Its high proof and dark, rich flavors stand up beautifully to a stirred cocktail.
Ready to settle in? Book a table, browse our full whiskey list, or explore the complete beverage menu.