Side by side
Old Forester 1924 vs Russell's Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon
Old Forester 1924
78 positive (84%) · 14 mixed (15%) · 1 negative (1%)
Trust + time weighted: +83%
AI summary — not a quote
Old Forester 1924 is a 10-year-old addition to the Whiskey Row series that is highly regarded for its flavor profile but frequently criticized for its premium price point. Enthusiasts often describe it as a "Baby Birthday Bourbon," offering a complex, chocolate and dark cherry-forward experience at 100 proof. While the liquid quality is consistently praised, a significant portion of the community finds it difficult to justify the ~$100+ MSRP when other well-regarded Whiskey Row bottles like 1910 and 1920 are available for nearly half the price.
Pros
- Complex flavor profile featuring notes of chocolate, dark cherry, leather, and polished oak.
- Often compared favorably to the highly elusive Birthday Bourbon in terms of character.
- Excellent sipping experience for a 100-proof whiskey, showing significant aged character.
- Generally preferred by enthusiasts over other 10-year competitors like Jack Daniel's 10-Year.
Cons
- High MSRP (often $100-$115) is a major deterrent for value-conscious buyers.
- The 100 proof may feel underpowered for drinkers who prefer barrel-strength or high-proof expressions.
- Some users noted the body can feel slightly thin despite the complex flavors.
Top excerpts
5.7 | Good | Good, just fine Old Forester 1924 (5.7)
1924 is on its own level - all love, solid 7.5 from me. $99 from Costco - it was a must try based on the reviews here. It didn't disappoint as I veer towards to the sweet end of bourbons in general.
This bottle rocks. I do wish it was either cask strength OR high proof (similar to 1920). Feel like it would be stellar without being watered down; mouthfeel, finish, some more oak.
Catching 1924 at Costco for $100 is a steal, that price makes it a no-brainer over 1920 in my book.
I was overwhelmed by the red fruits you mention on the palate. I thought it was a flavorful, easy sipper. I tend to like higher proof bourbons but this seems to drink a bit higher than its proof. I love it. The nose is incredible and the flavor matches the nose for me.
Russell's Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon
39 positive (89%) · 5 mixed (11%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +88%
AI summary — not a quote
Russell's Reserve 15 Year Old is widely regarded by enthusiasts as an instant classic and a top-tier bourbon that competes with legendary releases like George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller. At 117.2 proof, it is praised for its intense complexity, 'antique' oak character, and rich flavor profile of dark fruits and leather, though its high price and heavy oak influence are points of contention.
Pros
- Frequently rated as 'perfect' or near-perfect (9.5-10/10) in enthusiast reviews
- Exceptional complexity with notes of dried fruit, old oak, smoke, leather, and 'rancio'
- Consistently beats other high-end bottles in blind tastings
- Achieves a flavor profile comparable to legendary 'dusty' Wild Turkey bottles
Cons
- High MSRP ($250) and often even more expensive at retail
- Extremely difficult to find without luck or winning a raffle
- Heavy oak profile can be 'too drying' or over-oaked for some palates
Top excerpts
Parent context: How are you comparing it to RR15 regarding flavor profiles? I thought RR15 was a touch over-oaked for my palate, but the nose on it was phenomenal. Reply: You can read the comparison [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/s/JMvDi1YCkm) but yes, RR15 is definitely on the oaky side, but I like it.
In a blind against all of the Single Rickhouses barring CNF and RR15 it came in second just behind RR15 for me, which stands as a testament for how awesome this is.
RR 15 and even the 13 are so hard to beat for me.
this bottle previously won a blind tasting against some heavy hitters, including: Russell’s Reserve 15
10: perfect (Russell's Reserve 15).