Old Forester is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. It is officially the longest running Bourbon on the market today (approximately 145 years as of 2016) and was the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles. It was first bottled and marketed in 1870 by the former pharmaceutical salesman turned bourbon-merchant George Garvin Brown – the founder of the Brown-Forman Corporation (whose descendants still manage the company). During the Prohibition period from 1920 to 1933, it was one of only 10 brands authorized for lawful production (for medicinal purposes).
Old Forester is produced under the supervision of Master Distiller Chris Morris (as of 2006) at the Brown-Forman distillery in Shively, Kentucky (which is located directly adjacent to the pre-merger Southwest boundary of Louisville) using a mash bill of 72% corn (maize), 18% rye, and 10% malted barley (the same mash bill used for Woodford Reserve).
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
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.
To pay homage to this era, Old Forester presents 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon at 115 proof to represent the rich flavor profile this bourbon had nearly 100 years ago.
Nose : An intense medley of cherry preserves, drippy caramel, dark chocolate, thickened maple syrup and seasoned oak spiciness.
Taste : Dark caramel coats layers of malt nuttiness and sweet graham cracker all warmed by green peppercorn and coriander spice brightened with a hint of cedar.
Finish : Tart apple crispness gives way to a long smoky finish full of toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker sweetness.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
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 rock, with a splash of water or in a classic cocktail.
Nose : Sharp and sweet, with a strong floral character that swirls with hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf and vanilla. A touch of oak and pine provides a strong underpinning.
Taste : Sharp at first, but softens quickly, with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain character. Spicy, with soft vanilla and light orange notes.
Finish : Long, warm and slightly drying. Nice level of sweetness.
Old Forester 100 Proof
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 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 and robust, it is bottled at 100 Proof to maintain its distinct character and full flavor profile.
- Nose : Strong, sweet coffee laced with chocolate, creamy butterscotch and a hint of liquorice.
- Taste : Ripe apple and other sweet fruit, bakery spice (clove and nutmeg), and toasted oak.
- Finish : Sweet and light, with hints of oak and apple that linger a bit.
Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond
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'."'
Nose : Robust, intense caramel. Rich vanilla with roasted coffee notes, spiced dark fruit and mature oak.
Taste : Mouth-filling. Sweet and intense. Deep fruit, spice and oak notes layered over dark caramel and vanilla.
Finish : Big and bold. Long with soft oak and caramel notes lingering on.
Old Forester Statesman
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 handselected 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.
Nose: Devil's food, clove and oak spice with an undercurrent of raw vanilla.
Taste: Buttery leather is quickly dominated by a bold flash of pepper, cinnamon
bark and sharp citrus.
Finish: Intense spice and eucalyptus which fade into orange cream and caramel.
Old Forester Classic 86 Proof
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 rock, with a splash of water or in a classic cocktail.
Nose: Sharp and sweet, with a strong floral character that swirls with hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf and vanilla. A touch of oak and pine provides a strong
underpinning.
Taste: Sharp at first, but softens quickly, with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain character. Spicy, with soft vanilla and light orange notes.
Finish: Long, warm and slightly drying. Nice level of sweetness.