Old Forester, the First Bottled Bourbon™, was created in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Born on September 2, 1846, in Munfordville, KY, Brown's journey to becoming a distiller and the founder of Old Forester is quite fascinating.
In 1863, Brown moved to Louisville to attend high school. Little did he know that this move would eventually shape the history of American whiskey. After completing his education, Brown ventured into the world of pharmaceutical sales. It was during his time as a pharmaceutical salesman that he noticed a common problem with whiskey at the time – inconsistency.
In those days, whiskey was primarily sold in bulk, and consumers had no way of guaranteeing its quality or authenticity. Brown saw an opportunity to change this and sought to create a consistent and reliable product that consumers could trust. This led him to introduce the concept of bottling bourbon, a revolutionary idea at the time.
In 1870, Brown launched Old Forester, the first bourbon to be sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles. This marked a significant milestone in the history of American whiskey, as it provided consumers with a way to ensure the quality and integrity of the product they were purchasing. The name “Old Forester” was chosen to honor Dr. William Forrester, a friend and mentor of Brown's.
Old Forester quickly gained popularity and became known for its consistent quality and smooth taste. It became a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts and established itself as a respected brand in the whiskey industry. Brown's innovative approach to bottling bourbon set a new standard for the industry and paved the way for the future of American whiskey.
Since its creation in 1870, Old Forester has remained an iconic brand in the bourbon world. It has continued to innovate and introduce new expressions while staying true to its roots. Today, Old Forester offers a range of bourbon expressions, each crafted with the same attention to quality and consistency that George Garvin Brown envisioned over a century ago.
Old Forester, the First Bottled Bourbon™, was made in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. His vision to create a consistent and reliable bourbon led to the introduction of bottling bourbon, revolutionizing the industry. Old Forester's legacy continues to thrive, making it a beloved brand among bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.