Overview
Old Forester Bourbon is Brown-Forman’s historic Kentucky bourbon brand and one of the foundational names in American whiskey. Marketed as America’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester remains closely tied to Louisville’s Whiskey Row, Brown-Forman family history, and the modern Old Forester Distilling Co. visitor experience.
The brand spans accessible core bourbon, rye whiskey, limited annual releases, single barrels, historical Whiskey Row expressions, and distillery-focused experiments. Its broad lineup makes Old Forester one of the most useful brands for studying bourbon history, proof variation, barrel finishing, and Brown-Forman’s Kentucky whiskey heritage.
Brand History
Old Forester was created by George Garvin Brown in 1870. Its original point of difference was selling bourbon in sealed glass bottles, which helped consumers trust the consistency and authenticity of the whiskey at a time when whiskey quality varied widely.
Old Forester survived Prohibition through medicinal whiskey sales and remained part of Brown-Forman’s portfolio. The brand later expanded through the Whiskey Row Series, Birthday Bourbon, President’s Choice, Single Barrel releases, and the 117 Series, each highlighting a different part of the brand’s story.
Who Owns the Brand?
Old Forester is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation.
Producing Distillery
Old Forester is associated with Old Forester Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky, and Brown-Forman’s broader Kentucky whiskey production system.
Core Products
Core products include Old Forester 86 Proof, Old Forester 100 Proof, Old Forester Rye, and the Whiskey Row Series expressions: 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond, 1910 Old Fine Whisky, 1920 Prohibition Style, and 1924 10 Year Old Whisky.
Limited Releases
Limited and specialty releases include Birthday Bourbon, President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye, Single Barrel 100 Proof, Single Barrel Barrel Proof, Single Barrel Rye, 117 Series releases, Statesman, King Ranch Edition, Mint Julep, and other seasonal or market-specific bottlings.
Mash Bill and Production Notes
Old Forester uses Brown-Forman’s Kentucky whiskey production heritage. The brand includes bourbon, rye whiskey, finished bourbon, single barrel selections, bottled-in-bond bourbon, and cocktail-oriented products, so mash bill, age, proof, and production details should be verified by expression.
Availability
Old Forester 86 Proof, 100 Proof, Rye, and several Whiskey Row expressions are widely available in many markets. Birthday Bourbon, President’s Choice, 117 Series, Single Barrel Barrel Proof, and other limited releases are more restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Old Forester?
Old Forester is made by Brown-Forman and associated with Old Forester Distilling Co. in Louisville, Kentucky.
Who owns Old Forester?
Brown-Forman Corporation owns Old Forester.
Why is Old Forester historically important?
Old Forester is marketed as America’s first bottled bourbon, originally created by George Garvin Brown in 1870.
What is the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series?
It is a lineup of historically inspired expressions including 1870, 1897, 1910, 1920, and 1924.