ByGandhinagar: This year, it’s the old guard taking center stage. Old Forester 1924, a ten-year-old bourbon from the brand’s storied Whiskey Row Series, just stole the show, crowned “Whiskey of the Year” by the Bourbon Podcast.
No marketing magic here, just pure, unadulterated quality. In a blind tasting against a sea of contenders, this bourbon proved it could stand tall, a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and the magic that happens when tradition meets time.
The story of this unlikely champion begins in the heart of Kentucky, within the hallowed halls of Brown Foreman’s Shiveley warehouses. Warehouse G, a place whispered about among connoisseurs, played a starring role in shaping not only Old Forester 1924 but also its legendary sibling, King of Kentucky. Listen to the episode👇
The story of this unexpected champion starts in the heart of Kentucky, in Brown Foreman’s Shiveley warehouses, specifically Warehouse G, a place that’s quickly becoming synonymous with exceptional bourbon. This warehouse played a pivotal role in shaping not only Old Forester 1924, but also the 2024 release of King of Kentucky, a highly sought-after, ultra-premium bourbon also produced by Brown Foreman.
This unexpected connection between two vastly different bourbons, one readily available and the other a highly allocated collector’s item, raises a compelling question: what is it about Warehouse G that creates such exceptional whiskey?
To understand this phenomenon, we need to delve into the unique aging process employed in Warehouse G. This warehouse utilizes heat cycling, a technique that maintains a consistent temperature during the colder months, accelerating the maturation process and creating a smoother, more mellow flavor profile.
Old Forester 1924 spent five years of its maturation in this heat-cycled environment before the warehouse switched to natural aging, exposing the barrels to the full range of Kentucky’s climate for the remaining five years.
The result is a beautifully balanced bourbon that embodies the best of both worlds: the smoothness and richness of heat cycling, combined with the complexity and depth of natural aging. This unique aging process contributed significantly to the judges’ unanimous decision to crown Old Forester 1924 as the Bourbon Podcast 2024 Whiskey of the Year.
But the story doesn’t end there. As the Bourbon Podcast team delved deeper into their top contenders for Whiskey of the Year, an interesting pattern emerged. Out of the six finalists, three hailed from Brown Foreman: Old Forester 1924, King of Kentucky, and George T. Stagg, another highly allocated, barrel-proof bourbon.
This dominance showcases Brown Foreman’s commitment to quality and its mastery of traditional bourbon-making techniques.
The blind tasting format further highlighted the prowess of Warehouse G. Both Old Forester 1924 and King of Kentucky were chosen as favorites in their respective categories, revealing an undeniable connection between the two bourbons.
While their price points and availability differ dramatically, they share a common origin and a captivating flavor profile, demonstrating the transformative power of aging in Warehouse G.
The Bourbon Podcast team, consisting of Ben Salango, Joe Nassif, and Kyle Mork, expressed their astonishment at the results, particularly the triumph of Old Forester 1924. Salango noted that the whiskey “stood out from the moment we tasted it,” while Mork emphasized the value proposition, stating, “We always talk about value, and the overall complexity and completeness of this bourbon combined with incredible value made it an easy choice.”
The podcast hosts also highlighted the historical significance of Old Forester 1924, commemorating the brand’s acquisition of barrels during Prohibition. While this historical context adds to the bourbon’s allure, it wasn’t explicitly cited as a deciding factor in the Whiskey of the Year selection.
Nassif, intrigued by the Warehouse G connection, highlighted the influence of heat cycling and the serendipitous discovery that barrels for both Old Forester 1924 and King of Kentucky shared the same aging environment. This unexpected link adds another layer of intrigue to the story, suggesting that Warehouse G might be the unsung hero of this year’s bourbon awards.
While King of Kentucky ultimately placed as the top premium bourbon, the Bourbon Podcast team unanimously agreed that Old Forester 1924 deserved the overall Whiskey of the Year title. The decision was driven by several factors:
Unanimous Appeal
All five tasters, including two guest judges, and the two co-hosts of the podcast sampled over 100 whiskeys throughout the year, ultimately conducting a blind tasting of their top contenders. Old Forester 1924 consistently impressed, standing out from the initial tasting to the final blind selection. This rigorous process ensures an unbiased and merit-based selection.
Exceptional Flavor Profile:
The hosts repeatedly praise Old Forester 1924 for its “amazing flavor”. They describe it as “delightful,” “creamy,” and “vanilla forward”, highlighting a well-balanced profile with a pleasing complexity.
Unique Aging and Mash Bill:
The bourbon’s maturation process in Brown Foreman’s Shiveley Warehouse G, with five years in heat cycling followed by five years exposed to the elements, contributes to its unique character. Further distinguishing it is the use of the Early Times mash bill, a departure from other whiskeys in the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series.
Value for Money:
Despite competing with highly allocated, premium bourbons, Old Forester 1924 stands out for its affordability. The co-hosts emphasize that its “overall complexity and completeness…combined with incredible value made it an easy choice”.
This accessibility makes the award even more meaningful, as it recognizes an exceptional whiskey available to a wider audience. Compared to the premium contenders, Old Forester 1924 offers exceptional value, with a secondary market price hovering around $175, significantly lower than the $1,800+ price tag of King of Kentucky.
The recognition of Old Forester 1924 as Whiskey of the Year sends a powerful message to the bourbon world: exceptional bourbon isn’t limited to allocated bottles and exorbitant prices. It can be found in unexpected places, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by those who value quality, heritage, and a damn good drink.
Bourbon Podcast’s 2024 Top Whiskeys also include:
The victory also sheds light on the growing influence of podcasts and online communities in shaping the bourbon landscape. Platforms like Bourbon Podcast are providing a space for open dialogue, insightful reviews, and passionate discussions, fostering a sense of community and helping enthusiasts navigate the often-overwhelming world of bourbon.
