Old Forester 1924 documentary explores 156 years of bourbon history as the iconic 10-year-old whiskey returns to shelves.
Some whiskey stories deserve more than a label.
They deserve a lens, a voice, and time to breathe. The Old Forester 1924 documentary does exactly that, pairing the return of a historic bourbon with a deep, human look at one of America’s most enduring spirits. Released by Whiskeyland, the film traces Old Forester’s 156-year journey as the only bourbon to exist before, during, and after Prohibition.
For collectors in New York, bartenders in Tokyo, and bourbon lovers in London who chase bottles with meaning, this release hits home.
It blends archival grit with modern storytelling, then hands you a glass of history to taste. Relatable in spirit, quietly emotional, and yes, still fun-loving, this moment reminds us why bourbon culture keeps pulling us back in.
Old Forester 1924 documentary honors survival and craft
At the center of the Old Forester 1924 documentary is a rare truth. Old Forester never disappeared. Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, it survived Prohibition thanks to a federal medicinal whiskey permit. While others shut their doors, Old Forester kept going.
“We’re honored to share the story of Old Forester, founded by George Garvin Brown in 1870, with a wider audience,”
Caleb Trigo
Assistant Master Distiller
That continuity matters.
Old Forester is the founding brand of Brown-Forman, still controlled by the Brown family today. In a whiskey world crowded with revival brands and borrowed backstories, this one stands apart. The documentary captures that lineage with patience and respect, letting the story unfold instead of shouting for attention.
There is also a quiet sense of humor in watching modern filmmakers realize they are now part of the same tradition they set out to document. History has a way of doing that.
Whiskeyland turns bourbon history into lived experience
Whiskeyland is not interested in glossy hype.
Created by filmmakers Ryan and Alec Balas, the series explores American whiskey through people, place, and memory. The Old Forester episode feels intimate, almost like being invited into a family archive.
“the chance to dive deep into America’s oldest whiskey brand, Old Forester”
Ryan Balas
filmmaker
“What excited us most about making this episode was the chance to dive deep into America’s oldest whiskey brand, Old Forester, and bring the archives and tales to life, only to realize that, in the process, we were becoming part of that same tradition,” said filmmaker Ryan Balas.
The episode debuted today on the Whiskeyland TV YouTube channel, with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Relay, and Tubi coming soon. For anyone who enjoys sipping while learning, it pairs well with a quiet evening and an open pour. Relatable, unpretentious, and deeply human.
Learn more about American whiskey history through trusted resources like the Kentucky Distillers’ Association at https://kybourbon.com.
Why Old Forester 1924 matters right now
The return of Old Forester 1924 is not just a nostalgia play. The bottle honors a specific Prohibition-era moment when Old Forester acquired barrels from distilleries forced to close. Those barrels were bottled under the Old Forester name, preserving whiskey that might otherwise have vanished.
This modern release carries that same spirit forward. At 50 percent ABV and aged 10 years, it is bold yet balanced. Flavor leads the conversation here. Expect layers of chocolate, cinnamon, and graham cracker that feel indulgent without tipping into excess. Fun-loving in texture and depth, it invites slow sipping and thoughtful pauses.
Tasting notes tell the story clearly. Dark graham cracker color. Aromas of fudge, cocoa, marzipan, and cured tobacco. The flavor lands like chocolate-covered graham cracker dusted with cinnamon. The finish lingers with spice and soft crumble. It is a whiskey that knows exactly what it is.
Where history meets the modern shelf
Old Forester 1924 is available beginning January 15 at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, online at shop.oldforester.com for select states, and at participating retailers. It also sits proudly within the Whiskey Row series, a lineup that continues to explore defining moments in the brand’s past.
For collectors, this bottle checks several boxes. Age stated. Historically grounded. Limited availability. For bartenders and home enthusiasts, it offers a pour that sparks conversation without requiring explanation. Flavor forward, quietly confident, and undeniably fun-loving.
Mini FAQ
Q: What is the Old Forester 1924 documentary about?
A: It explores Old Forester’s 156-year history and Prohibition survival through Whiskeyland’s story-driven filmmaking.
Q: Where can I watch the Whiskeyland Old Forester episode?
A: It is available now on the Whiskeyland TV YouTube channel, with additional streaming platforms coming soon.
Q: Where can I buy Old Forester 1924 bourbon?
A: It is available at the Old Forester Distillery, online in select states, and through participating retailers.
Great whiskey stories do not fade
The Old Forester 1924 documentary proves that great whiskey stories do not fade. They deepen. With a film that respects the past and a bottle that tastes like it, Old Forester invites drinkers to slow down and connect. Pour a glass. Watch the story unfold. Then raise it to the rare brands that never stopped being themselves.
