Distillery Info
Our founder, George Garvin Brown, was born September 2, 1846 in Munfordville, KY. In 1863 he moved to Louisville to attend high school, and eventually became a pharmaceutical salesman. And it was that particular line of work that led him to create the First Bottled Bourbon™, Old Forester, in 1870.
Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition. At 86 proof, The Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey delivers a genuine bourbon experience, with rich, full flavour and a smooth character that is ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water or in a classic cocktail.
In 1940, Owsley Brown acquired the Old Kentucky Distillery and along with it, the Normandy Rye Whiskey brand. After 40+ year absence, Old Forester proudly reintroduces the historic Rye grain recipe which features proprietary yeast, along with a mash bill of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley and 15% Corn, creating a unique, spicy, and floral member of the Old Forester family.
In Spring 2015, Campbell Brown, 5th generation Brown Family member, was named as the President and Managing Director of Old Forester following in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather. Distillery Notes
