If you’re a bourbon drinker, you know that the world of whiskey is vast. There’s a whole smorgasbord of bottles lining shelves at liquor stores, each offering its own unique flavor profile, history, and sometimes, a bit of hype. But at the end of the day, when I’m standing there in front of my whiskey collection, there’s a short list of bourbons I keep coming back to. And the funny thing is, it’s not the most hyped-up or overpriced bottle on the market.
Give me Knob Creek, Old Forester 100, or Old Forester 1920 any day of the week. These bourbons? They’re not just good—they’re straight-up solid, consistent, and real. And if you’ve ever been frustrated with the out-of-control prices of some other bottles (ahem Blanton’s), or the ridiculous chase that comes with trying to find something “rare,” then these bourbons are the perfect remedy. Here’s why I would pick them over the others, and why you should too.
1. Knob Creek: A Bourbon That Knows What It’s Doing
First up: Knob Creek. I’ll be honest—when it comes to Knob Creek, it’s like meeting that reliable, no-nonsense friend who shows up on time and always brings their A-game. There’s no pretension, no weirdly niche gimmicks, just straight-up good bourbon that doesn’t make you feel like you’re being played.
What sets Knob Creek apart from other bourbons on the market is that it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and spice. Aged for 9 years (yes, you read that right), Knob Creek offers a great price-to-quality ratio, especially when compared to some of the higher-end options out there that have shot up in price but haven’t really done much to impress.
The flavor profile of Knob Creek? It’s got that rich caramel, oak, and a nice dose of vanilla that hits you right at the start. But what really sets it apart is that warmth—it has a bit of a spice kick that lets you know it’s a bourbon with character. The 100-proof version, in particular, packs a punch while still being smooth enough for a neat pour. And if you’re into cocktails, it’s got the backbone to stand up to anything, whether you’re mixing up an Old Fashioned or just sipping it straight with a splash of water.
Let’s be real: a good bourbon doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and Knob Creek proves that. You’re getting a well-aged, full-flavored bourbon for about $40 a bottle. And when you think about the quality you get for that price? That’s a steal in the bourbon world these days. It’s a bourbon that doesn’t need any hype to stand on its own; it just delivers every single time.
2. Old Forester 100: The Everyday Bourbon You Didn’t Know You Needed
Now, let’s talk about Old Forester 100. If Knob Creek is the reliable friend who always shows up, Old Forester 100 is that trusty workhorse that’s always in your rotation. It’s the kind of bourbon you don’t have to think twice about. You’ve got a busy week, and you just need something that’s going to hit the spot after a long day of work. Old Forester 100 is the answer.
Here’s why: for starters, Old Forester 100 is a solid, full-bodied bourbon that doesn’t mess around. Bottled at 100 proof, it has enough of a punch to let you know you’re drinking something special, but it’s not so over-the-top that you feel like you need to chase it with a glass of water. The thing I love about Old Forester 100 is that it’s never too sweet, never too heavy. It walks that fine line between spicy rye flavors and the smooth, caramel sweetness that you want from a bourbon.
When you take a sip, you get a rich wave of vanilla and oak, followed by a smooth and spicy finish. The flavors meld together seamlessly, and it’s just the kind of bourbon that makes you feel like you’re drinking something substantial but still super drinkable.
And here’s the kicker: this bourbon comes in at a ridiculously affordable price point. I mean, we’re talking around $25 for a bottle. That’s almost unheard of for a 100-proof bourbon that delivers this much flavor. I’d argue that Old Forester 100 punches well above its weight. It’s one of those bottles that you can have on hand all the time and never feel guilty about cracking it open after a long day.
3. Old Forester 1920: The Bourbon for When You Want to Kick It Up a Notch
Alright, let’s step it up a bit. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is one of those bottles that makes you stop and think, “Okay, now this is bourbon.” If Old Forester 100 is your dependable daily drinker, then Old Forester 1920 is the one you pour when you want to really savor the moment. It’s a step up in intensity, and for good reason—it’s bottled at 115 proof, giving it that rich, bold flavor that grabs your attention in the best way possible.
The story behind Old Forester 1920 is pretty cool too. It’s named after the year when Old Forester was one of the only bourbon brands allowed to continue production during Prohibition. So when you crack open a bottle of 1920, you’re literally sipping on a piece of history. The bottle itself feels special, too. It’s got that deep, amber color, and every sip feels like an event.
Now, the flavor profile of Old Forester 1920 is where things really get interesting. The nose greets you with rich caramel, vanilla, and a touch of honey. But when you take your first sip, you get a burst of oak, baking spices, and dark chocolate that lingers for a nice, long finish. It’s definitely a bolder, more intense experience compared to the other two, but that’s what makes it so appealing. It’s the kind of bourbon you take your time with, savoring each sip as it warms you from the inside out.
The thing I love most about Old Forester 1920 is that despite its higher proof, it doesn’t come across as overly harsh or burning. The flavors are well-balanced, and the bourbon’s richness shines through, making it an excellent option for sipping neat or with a little splash of water. It’s also great in cocktails—mix it into an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, and you’ll instantly elevate your drink.
At around $55 a bottle, Old Forester 1920 is still a great value, especially for a high-proof, high-quality bourbon that delivers on both flavor and history.
Why These Bottles? The Beauty of Consistency and Value
You may be asking: why these three? Why Knob Creek, Old Forester 100, and Old Forester 1920? Well, here’s the thing. I’m all about value, flavor, and consistency. These bourbons consistently deliver excellent taste at reasonable prices, and they don’t require you to hunt them down or pay outrageous secondary market prices.
In a world where bourbon prices are spiraling, and many of the most coveted bottles are becoming harder to find (or priced into the stratosphere), Knob Creek and Old Forester have remained refreshingly accessible. No, you don’t have to track down some rare bottle that’s being resold for triple its original price. These bottles are available pretty much everywhere, and they deliver excellent value, day in and day out.
What I also love about these bourbons is that they’re flexible. They work in pretty much any situation. You can sip them neat, mix them in a cocktail, or share them with friends. There’s something for every kind of bourbon drinker here—from the casual sipper to the serious enthusiast who appreciates a full, complex pour. They don’t require any frills to be enjoyable, but they’re good enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself.
Conclusion: The Bourbon You Can Count On
At the end of the day, bourbon drinking should be fun, accessible, and—most importantly—delicious. Knob Creek, Old Forester 100, and Old Forester 1920 tick all the boxes for me. They’re consistent, flavorful, and don’t break the bank. These bourbons are perfect for any day of the week, whether you’re winding down after work, enjoying a weekend evening, or celebrating a special occasion with friends.
So, forget the hype and the overpriced bottles that you have to hunt down. Grab one of these bottles off the shelf, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy the experience. They’ve earned their place in my collection, and I’m willing to bet they’ll earn a spot in yours too. After all, good bourbon doesn’t need to be hard to find—it just needs to be good. And these three? They’ve got it all.