Old Forester 1920 vs W.L. Weller Full Proof: Bourbon Comparison
By Alcohol Delivery Los Angeles | Sipsy: LA's Best Alcohol Service | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Comparisons
Compare Old Forester 1920 and W.L. Weller Full Proof on proof, mash bill, and price. Find out which high-proof bourbon fits your glass and your budget.
Quick answer
Choose Old Forester 1920 if you want a lower-priced, 115-proof Kentucky bourbon with a classic high-rye profile and broad availability. Choose W.L. Weller Full Proof if you want a barrel-strength, non-chill-filtered wheated bourbon and are willing to pay a premium for its scarcity.
Proof and intensity: 115 vs 114
Both bottles land at nearly the same strength—Old Forester 1920 at 115 proof and Weller Full Proof at 114 proof—so neither is a gentle sipper. The difference is in how that alcohol carries flavor. Weller Full Proof is non-chill filtered, which preserves more of the whiskey’s natural oils and texture; Old Forester 1920 is a more conventional production bottling. If you regularly add water or ice, the gap narrows. If you drink neat, the Weller’s texture may be more noticeable.
Mash bill and flavor direction
Weller Full Proof uses a wheated mash bill, which typically produces a softer, rounder profile with less rye spice. Old Forester 1920 is a high-rye bourbon, so expect more spice and structure. Neither bottle lists a precise mash bill on the label, so treat these as general style guides rather than exact recipes. The practical takeaway: wheated bourbons appeal to drinkers who dislike sharp rye notes, while high-rye bourbons suit those who want a peppery edge.
Price and availability
At catalog prices, Old Forester 1920 is the clear value pick at $44.39 (compare $59.99), while Weller Full Proof is $201.59 (compare $279.99). Weller Full Proof is a limited, allocated release, so it may not be restocked regularly. Old Forester 1920 is a standard production bottle and easier to find. If you plan to pour for a group or replace the bottle often, the Old Forester is more practical.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Wheated softness vs rye spice: Weller Full Proof’s wheated mash bill gives a rounder, less spicy sip; Old Forester 1920’s high-rye mash bill brings more pepper and backbone. Neither is objectively better—match it to your palate. If you dislike rye bite, lean Weller; if you want a spicier pour, lean Old Forester.
- Barrel-proof texture vs everyday value: Weller Full Proof is non-chill filtered and barrel strength, which can mean a richer texture but a higher price and limited supply. Old Forester 1920 is a standard bottling at roughly a fifth of the price and easier to replace. Buy Weller for a special-occasion pour; buy Old Forester for a reliable daily drinker.
- Scarcity vs availability: Weller Full Proof is a limited release that may sell out quickly; Old Forester 1920 is regularly produced. If you need a bottle for a specific date, Old Forester is the safer bet. Check stock before planning a tasting around Weller Full Proof.
Product facts
- W.L. Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon - 750ml: Barrel-strength, non-chill-filtered wheated bourbon at 114 proof. Non-chill filtration can preserve a heavier, oilier mouthfeel that appeals to neat sippers.
W.L. Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon - 750ml - Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Kentucky Bourbon - 750ml: 115-proof Kentucky bourbon from Old Forester Distilling Co., commemorating the Prohibition-era medicinal whiskey permits. Its higher proof and high-rye profile deliver a spicier, more structured pour at a much lower price.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Kentucky Bourbon - 750ml
Which bottle fits you?
Best for
- Drinkers who prefer wheated bourbon and want a barrel-strength, non-chill-filtered pour
- Special-occasion sipping or gifts where scarcity is part of the appeal
Not for
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a high-proof bourbon for regular pouring
- Anyone who needs a bottle immediately and cannot risk an allocated product being out of stock
