Old Forester is created by George Garvin Brown and named after Dr. William Forrester.

To guarantee consistency George batches bourbon from three nearby distilleries: Mattingly, Mellwood, and Atherton. He seals his whiskey exclusively in glass bottles and signs each bottle as his personal guarantee of its quality.

Old Forester was presented at 90 proof.

In order to comply with the legal regulations specified by the U.S. Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, Old Forester increases from 90 proof to 100 proof.

The U.S. Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 requires that bourbon come from one distillery and one distilling season, George Garvin Brown purchases the Mattingly Distillery in 1901.

Old Forester celebrates the 156th birthday of founder George Garvin Brown with the first release of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon™ on his birthday, Sept 2. 2002.

The Whiskey Row series launches, offering consumers a way to taste their way through our history. Four expressions complete the series, each representing a moment in Old Forester’s 150-year story: 1870 Original Batch Whisky, 1897 Bottled in Bond, 1910 Old Fine Whisky, and 1920 Style Prohibition Whisky.

Old Forester Distillery returns home to Whisky Row and opens at 119 W. Main Street, housed in the same building that the brand called home from 1882 – 1919. Old Forester distillery is the only downtown distillery which houses an active cooperage, charring barrels in the same facility where spirits are being aged.

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.