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Everything you need to know about Old Forester Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Old Forester, Kentucky Region, USA. Founded in late 1870.
Old Forester is one of the longest continuously produced bourbon brands in the United States. It was launched in 1870 by George Garvin Brown in Louisville, Kentucky, and it made a big change to how whiskey was sold at the time.
Back then, whiskey quality could vary quite a lot. Brown decided to sell his bourbon in sealed bottles, rather than barrels, so customers knew exactly what they were getting. That move helped build trust and set a standard that’s now normal across the industry.
Another key part of Old Forester’s story is that it continued to be produced during Prohibition (1920–1933) under a special medicinal licence. That makes it one of the few bourbon brands with a continuous production history through that period.
Today, Old Forester is produced by Brown-Forman, and its distillery sits on Whiskey Row in Louisville, right in the centre of the city’s bourbon history.
Taste Profile
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 |
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Sweet |
Spicy | Oaky / Woody |
Old Forester bourbons tend to have a classic Kentucky profile. You’ll usually get caramel and vanilla sweetness up front, followed by a noticeable spice — often leaning towards cinnamon or clove.
There’s also a firm oak presence, especially in older expressions, which adds depth and a slightly drier finish. Compared with softer wheated bourbons, Old Forester often feels a bit bolder and more structured.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Vanilla |
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Caramel / Toffee |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Most Popular Bottles
Old Forester 86 Proof
The original style — light, balanced, and easy to drink.
Old Forester 100 Proof
A slightly stronger version with more spice and depth.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
A richer, higher-proof bourbon inspired by the Prohibition era.
Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
A double-barrelled expression with more sweetness and oak influence.
These bottles form the core of the modern range.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Old Forester Distilling Co.
Address: 119 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
 Open in maps |
 www.oldforester.com |
 +1 502 779 2222 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Yes — Old Forester operates a distillery experience on Whiskey Row.
Typical opening hours
- Daily
- Around 10:00 – 17:00
Tours usually cover the full bourbon-making process from grain to bottle.
Ownership History
Founder
- George Garvin Brown (1870)
Company
- Brown-Forman
Old Forester has remained part of Brown-Forman throughout its history.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Old Forester is one of the oldest continuously sold bourbon brands in the United States, first introduced in 1870 by George Garvin Brown.
It was originally marketed as a consistent, sealed bourbon, guaranteeing quality at a time when whiskey adulteration was common. Notably, Old Forester is one of the few bourbon brands that was continuously sold before, during, and after Prohibition, as it was granted a medicinal whiskey licence.
Today, the brand is owned by Brown-Forman and is closely associated with Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, where its modern distillery and visitor centre are located.
Production
- Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Co., Louisville
- Mash Bill: Corn, rye, and malted barley
- Distillation: Column still followed by a doubler
- Barrels: New charred American oak
Old Forester is known for maintaining a consistent house style across its range while offering variations in proof and maturation.
Whisky Style
Old Forester bourbon typically shows:
- Sweet corn base
- Caramel and brown sugar
- Banana and fruit notes
- Oak and baking spice
- Medium to full-bodied texture
Compared with some bourbons, it often has a slightly fruitier profile.
Key Expressions
- Old Forester 86 Proof – Core entry-level bourbon
- Old Forester 100 Proof – Higher strength classic
- Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky – Double-barrel finished
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style – High-proof, richer profile
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – Historical-style blend
The “Whiskey Row Series” explores different stages of the brand’s history.
Significance
Old Forester is historically significant as one of the first bottled bourbons sold with a quality guarantee. Its survival through Prohibition gives it a unique place in American whiskey history.
Today, it remains a core bourbon brand that balances accessibility with heritage, while its Whiskey Row series has helped position it within the premium bourbon category.
Old Forester Whisky to Buy
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