After almost 100 years, the world’s first bottled Bourbon, Old Forester has returned to it’s original home on Kentucky’s Whiskey Row, in a new ‘state of the art’ distillery and visitor centre.

 

old forester distilling co logo
Old Forester Distilling Co. (PRNewsfoto/Old Forester)

 

Old Forester Distilling Co. have moved back to the building they originally called home in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand was historically named America’s first bottled Bourbon in 1870. A young George Garvin Brown sealed whiskey in a glass bottle for the very first time. Bourbon used to mainly be sold in barrels, but George signed his name on that first bottle and declared “there is nothing better on the market.” He ensured from that moment, quality and consistency in their whiskey.

George set up a shop on the main street in Louisville, known as Whiskey Row, the hub of Kentucky’s Bourbon industry.

 

Guests are invited to visit the Old Forester Distillery after they opened their doors to a 70,000 square foot distillery and visitor centre costing $45 million. Their aim is to educate guests, teaching them of the brand’s history and the process of producing Bourbon.

The President of Old Forester is a fifth generation Brown family member, Campbell Brown. He said: “Over the last 148 years, Old Forester has had its share of memorable moments and enduring accomplishments. The opening marks yet another chapter to a story that has survived prohibition, world wars and the changing palates and tastes of consumers across the globe. We are delighted to now welcome friends old and new into our new, old home.

“There’s a tremendous amount of pride, as a member of the Brown family and a Louisvillian, in the fact that we’re able to return to this building. It’s a true homecoming for this hometown Bourbon, which is entirely produced in the confines of Louisville.”

 

The distillery will be able to produce approximately 100,000 proof gallons each year.

 

They are the eleventh distillery to become an official member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Visitors to the distillery will follow the whiskey making process from grain to glass. This includes seeing the fermentation and distillation processes, the cooperage and the warehouse.