The Volstead Act of 1920 which initiated Prohibition in the USA granted permits to six distillers in Kentucky to continue to bottle bourbon for medicinal purposes. Through one of these permits, Old Forester continued to be produced as medicinal whiskey on Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row. It is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company that has been available for sale before, during and after Prohibition. During this time, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 Proof. With a barrel entry proof of 100, the “angel’s share” would have created a 115 proof whiskey after maturation.

Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond is crafted to honor a watershed moment in bourbon history – the U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This expression follows the Bottled in Bond standards that whisky must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, the product of one distillation season, one distiller and from one distillery and bottled at 100 Proof. The concept behind these regulations – the idea of ‘sealed in quality’ – was something Old Forester introduced in 1870, as America’s First Bottled Bourbon.

In 1870 George Garvin Brown created Old Forester on Louisville, KY’s, famous Whiskey Row. In honor of that milestone year in bourbon history, we have crafted a tribute – Old Forester 1870 Original Batch – the first expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series. 1870 Original Batch echoes George Garvin Brown’s original batching process. Back then, Brown batched barrels obtained from three distilleries to create a consistent flavor profile.

High Angels’ Share showcases a selection of barrels which lost exceptional volume to evaporation in the aging process, resulting in a bourbon that is rich and multidimensional, layered with dark flavor notes, dried fruits, and unexpected herbaceous qualities. Given the dense concentration of flavors in the liquid, air, water or ice cube allow this whisky to open and unveil unorthodox character. This release examines the unfettered qualities presented in low-yield barrels, showing Old Forester consumers an unencumbered look at this specific facet of the aging process.

In 1870, our founder George Garvin Brown revolutionized the industry by sealing Bourbon in a glass bottle for the first time. Five generations and nearly 150 years later, we are proud to introduce the first Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky from The First Bottled Bourbon™. A historic recipe, acquired in 1940 by Owsley Brown I, Old Forester Rye features a mash bill of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn. Such a high proportion of barley allows for a fully natural fermentation process, forgoing the need for artificial enzymes commonly found in high rye mash bills.

For generations, Louisville insiders have enjoyed mint juleps made with Louisville’s Hometown Bourbon™ – Old Forester. In honor of that grand tradition, we created the Old Forester Mint Julep, named the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby.

A favorite of bartenders, 100 proof honors the legacy of founder George Garvin Brown, who put his signature on every bottle. And this bourbon is definitely one he would be proud to have his name on today.
Handpicked from select barrels, Old Forester 100 proof is a rich, complex bourbon. Spicy, robust, and bottled at 100 proof to maintain its distinct character and full flavor profile.

Created in 1870, Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition. At 86 proof, Old Forester delivers a genuine bourbon experience, with rich, full flavor and a smooth character that is ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water or in a classic cocktail.

Inspired by the dynamic characters in the film,”Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” Old Forester Statesman offers bold flavor blended to a smooth 95 proof from hand-selected casks of our famed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky from the warmest places in the warehouse. Because true character is only revealed after a little heat, the Statesman product offers an exceptional balance of heat and spice.

Old Forester will release the 20th iteration of its limited-edition, vintage-dated Birthday Bourbon on Wednesday, Sept. 2 in celebration of founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday. This year marks the 150th year of the company he began in 1870. The 2020 Birthday Bourbon will be bottled at 98 proof and is made up of 95 barrels, aged 10 years, and barreled on June 5, 2010. After showing exceptionally unique character during a tasting panel, the 10-year-old barrels were chosen specifically for this year’s Birthday Bourbon.