Old Forester Distilling Co

Old Forester stands on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row with a claim no other distillery can make: America's First Bottled Bourbon. While most distilleries in the 1800s sold their whiskey in barrels to be bottled by retailers, Old Forester pioneered the practice of bottling their own bourbon, ensuring quality and consistency from distillery to glass.

History & Heritage

Old Forester returned to its original home on Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, where the brand first established its groundbreaking bottling operation. The distillery's location places it at the heart of American whiskey history, where the practice of bottled bourbon began. This return to Whiskey Row represents both a homecoming and a commitment to the traditions that built American whiskey.

The Whiskey

The distillery produces a comprehensive range of bourbon and rye expressions, anchored by their 86 Proof flagship. Their lineup spans from approachable daily drinkers to premium releases like the 1910 Double Barreled and 1920 Prohibition Style expressions. The annual Birthday Bourbon release and limited expressions like the 1870 Original Batch and 1897 Bottled in Bond demonstrate their commitment to both innovation and historical accuracy. Traditional barrel aging methods remain central to their approach, with each barrel carefully monitored through its maturation.

Why It Matters

Old Forester earned its place in whiskey history by solving a fundamental problem: how to guarantee the quality of bourbon from distillery to consumer. Their pioneering bottling practice became the industry standard, making them essential to understanding American whiskey's evolution. For those who appreciate good whiskey, Old Forester represents both the foundation of modern bourbon and a continuing commitment to quality that spans generations.