A Modern Craft at Old Forester Distillery

Quick Facts

• Old Forester Distillery is on West Main Street in downtown Louisville, in the Louisville cluster, so the day loses almost nothing to the road.
• Tickets: included in a BourbonTown Tours private tour, booked once your tour is confirmed.
• Custom tours typically run three stops, and we can add or subtract on your planning call.
• Private tours run $275 to $425 per person depending on group size, plus 6% KY sales tax and a 3% booking fee.
• Old Forester, Angel’s Envy and Rabbit Hole are a few minutes apart, an easy three from Wednesday to Saturday.
• Old Forester is closed on Sunday and Monday; Sunday hours elsewhere are shorter and vary by distillery.

History of Old Forester Distillery

The history of Old Forester Distillery dates back to 1870 when George Garvin Brown, a young pharmaceutical salesman, had a vision to create high-quality bourbon that could be enjoyed straight out of the bottle. At the time, most bourbons were sold by the barrel and were often diluted or tampered with before reaching consumers. Brown saw an opportunity to change this and revolutionize the way bourbon was produced and sold.

In 1870, Brown partnered with his half-brother J.T.S. Brown and began selling Old Forester. It was named after Dr. William Forrester, a prominent local physician who had been a loyal customer of Brown’s pharmaceutical company. The iconic brand name “Old Forester” was chosen as a tribute to Dr. Forrester’s legacy.

The brand quickly gained popularity for its approach to selling bourbon: Old Forester calls itself the first bourbon sold only in sealed bottles, at a time when whiskey was sold from the barrel. This set Old Forester apart from other bourbons at the time and solidified its reputation as a pioneer in the industry.

However, like many businesses during that era, Old Forester faced challenges such as Prohibition in 1920, which banned the production and sale of alcohol in the United States. Old Forester’s maker held one of the federal licenses to sell whiskey as medicine, and the brand stayed on sale.

After Prohibition ended in 1933, Old Forester continued its tradition of producing exceptional bourbon. Its maker says it is the only bourbon sold by the same company before, during and after Prohibition.

In 2018, Old Forester opened its distillery on West Main Street in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The distillery not only serves as a production site but also offers visitors tours, tastings, and exhibits on the history of bourbon-making.

Old Forester has been sold since 1870, and the brand is still made in Louisville. Its commitment to quality and innovation has cemented its place in history and continues to drive its success today.

Distillery Tour Experience

The Old Forester tour walks the full production line in the downtown building, from grain to barrel, and ends with a tasting.

Upon arriving at the distillery, guests are greeted by knowledgeable and friendly tour guides who walk them through the process of making Old Forester’s signature bourbon, from grain to the barrel.

In addition to learning about the production process, visitors also have the opportunity to explore Old Forester’s heritage and legacy, and to see how this brand has evolved over more than 150 years.

No tour would be complete without a tasting, and Old Forester does not disappoint in this regard. Visitors get to sample several expressions of their bourbon while learning about each one’s characteristics from expert guides. This sensory experience gives guests a deeper understanding and appreciation for what makes Old Forester’s bourbon stand out among others.

Behind the Scenes: The Craft of Bourbon Making

Bourbon is an American spirit with strict legal rules and a production process you can watch from grain to barrel at Old Forester. At Old Forester Distillery, located in the heart of bourbon country in Louisville, Kentucky, this traditional craft is still being practiced with modern techniques. Here is what the tour shows you, step by step.

The first step in crafting quality bourbon is the mash bill: corn and rye, along with malted barley. These grains contribute to the distinct taste of Old Forester bourbon.

Next comes the milling process where the grains are ground into a fine powder called grist. This allows for better extraction of sugars during mashing. The grist is then mixed with water to create what is known as “mash.” This mixture is heated and cooled multiple times to convert starches into fermentable sugars.

Once fermentation occurs and alcohol is produced, it’s time for distillation, a crucial step in creating high-quality bourbon. The spirit is then aged in barrels.

Speaking of barrels, another key element in bourbon making is barrel selection and preparation. Bourbon barrels are made from American white oak and charred on the inside, which gives bourbon its signature color and flavor profile.

After filling these charred barrels with new-make spirits (unaged whiskey), they are then placed inside rickhouses, tall warehouses stacked with rows upon rows of barrels, to mature for several years until they reach their desired flavor profile.

Crafting quality bourbon is a delicate balance of art, science, and tradition. From the grain to the barrel, this behind-the-scenes look at the craft of bourbon making showcases the dedication and passion that goes into every bottle of Old Forester bourbon.

Tasting Room Experience

The tasting room at Old Forester Distillery is where you taste the range side by side. The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming.

Guests are guided through a tasting experience that can include a variety of Old Forester’s whiskeys, including their classic Old Forester Bourbon and other offerings such as their Single Barrel and Statesman releases. Each whiskey has its own distinct flavor profile, giving visitors the opportunity to explore and compare different expressions.

Old Forester also makes a rye whiskey and the limited-edition Birthday Bourbon.

Why visit Old Forester

Old Forester Distillery suits anyone who wants to see a full production line downtown. The brand has been producing bourbon for over 150 years and continues to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making.

Visiting Old Forester also offers an opportunity to experience a blend of tradition and modernity. The distillery’s location on West Main Street in downtown Louisville provides easy access for visitors.

Every visit ends with a tasting of Old Forester bourbons. With options ranging from classic expressions like their flagship “Old Forester Signature” to limited edition releases like “Birthday Bourbon,” the shop covers a wide range of styles and prices.

Frequently asked questions