Have you ever sipped a glass of Old Forester bourbon and wondered, “Who makes Old Forester?” Well, you’re in luck – we’ve got the answers here.
At Liquor Laboratory, we take our research seriously and have gone the extra mile to uncover the story behind the brand’s origins.
Read on as we unveil Old Forester’s maker and what makes it the iconic bourbon it is today.
Who Makes Old Forester?
Old Forester bourbon is a renowned Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. [1]
This iconic bourbon has been a staple in the market for approximately 150 years, making it one of the oldest and most cherished bourbons around.
“Old Forester bourbon: where tradition meets the timeless taste of excellence, one sip at a time.” – Liquor Laboratory
It is produced in two locations: Shively, Kentucky, and downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The latter is the same building that produced the spirit from 1882 to 1919.
Who Owns Old Forester?
The Brown-Forman Corporation owns Old Forester. Brown–Forman’s lineup includes other renowned brands like Jack Daniel’s and Tequila Herradura and other liquor types like single-barrel, Tennessee whiskey, and tequila with distinctive mash bill percentages.
Founder George Garvin Brown brought the titular bourbon to the market. He was born on September 2, 1846, in Munfordville, Kentucky.
Because George Garvin had a background in pharmaceuticals, this led him to notice the inconsistent quality of medical whiskies at the time. This realization sparked his mission to improve the medical whiskies in the market.
In 1870, it made history by being the first bottled bourbon (whereas before, it was sold by the barrel). The brand is also known to have released the first single-barrel bourbon in history.
Read: Old Forester King Ranch Bourbon Review
Who’s The Distiller?
Old Forester’s Distiller in 2023 is Master Distiller Chris Morris. He has been at the helm since 2006.
“While I enjoy many bourbons, there’s something undeniably classic about Old Forester. It’s like sipping history in a glass, a timeless testament to the artistry of American whiskey-making.” – Anthony Bourdain, Chef
He is in charge of ensuring that every drop meets the high standards set by its founder over a century ago, whether that’s their standard bourbon, their single barrel bourbon, or those in the Whiskey Row series. [2]
What Brands Does Old Forester Own?
Other Old Forester brands in the lineup include:
- Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength (126.9 proof / 63.45%)
- Old Forester Classic (86 proof / 43% abv)
- Old Forester Signature (100 proof / 50% abv)
- Old Forester Mint Julep (60 proof / 30% abv)
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (96 proof / 48% abv)
- Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon (110–120 proof / 55%–60% abv)
- Whiskey Row Series (Old Forester 1870, Original Batch Old Forester 1897, Bottled in Bond Old Forester 1910, Old Fine Whisky Old Forester 1920, Prohibition Style Old Forester Statesman (95 proof / 47.5% abv)
FAQs
Is Woodford Reserve the same as Old Forester?
No, Woodford Reserve and Old Forester bourbons are not the same brands. However, many argue that they’re basically the same, as they are both Brown-Forman’s brands and are made with the same mash bill (72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley).
Their main difference lies in their aging period (Old Forester ages for four years, while Woodford ages for seven years) and the fact that they’re crafted at different distilleries.
Which Old Forester is hard to find?
The Old Forester Birthday bourbon can be challenging to find. This is a limited-edition 12-year-old bourbon released in celebration of the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown.
Which Old Forester bourbon is best for an Old Fashioned?
We recommend the Old Forester Signature 100 Proof bourbon for an Old Fashioned. The higher proof of this bourbon brings a robust flavor that can stand up to the sweetness and bitters in the cocktail to create a well-balanced and flavorful Old Fashioned.
What is the history of Old Forester?
Old Forester is one of the oldest bourbon brands in America, dating back to 1870 when it was introduced by George Garvin Brown. It is the first bourbon to be sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles to ensure its quality and authenticity.
How is Old Forester bourbon made?
Old Forester bourbon is made using a traditional bourbon production process, which includes mashing grains (corn, rye, and barley), fermentation, distillation, aging in new charred oak barrels, and bottling at the desired proof.
What flavors can I expect from Old Forester bourbon?
Old Forester bourbon is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, which typically includes notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and a hint of fruitiness. The specific flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the particular expression of Old Forester.
Is Old Forester bourbon aged?
Yes, Old Forester bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years, although some expressions may be aged longer to achieve a desired flavor profile and maturity.
Does Old Forester offer any limited edition or special release bourbons?
Yes, Old Forester periodically releases limited edition and special release bourbons, often with unique flavor profiles and higher proof. These expressions are typically highly sought after by bourbon enthusiasts and collectors.
Is Old Forester bourbon suitable for cocktails?
Yes, Old Forester bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in various classic and contemporary bourbon cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and Bourbon Sour.
On A Final Note
To wrap things up, the Brown-Forman Corporation makes Old Forester. It is the first bottled bourbon in history, whereas before, bourbon was sold in barrels.
With a legacy spanning over a century and a commitment to quality, Old Forester remains a symbol of bourbon excellence. The brand is also credited with creating the first single-barrel bourbon in the market.
The company also owns other brands, such as America’s best-loved whiskey, Jack Daniel’s, Herradura, El Jimador Tequilas, Finlandia vodka, and Chambord liqueur.
This remarkable spirits company stands as one of the world’s top wine and spirits producers.
References:
- https://www.history.com/news/how-kentucky-became-the-worlds-bourbon-capital
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/a248275/best-high-proof-bourbon/
