Old Forester Releases New Birthday Bourbon

Old Forester once again honors its founder George Garvin Brown's birthday with the annual release of its Birthday Bourbon.This year’s expression is 12 years old and 92 proof. In a rare departure from tradition, this year’s batch was created without the use of “setback” during fermentation — a standard practice that ensures consistency. Instead, a “sweet mash” process was used, relying solely on freshly-propagated yeast.These rare barrels from one day’s production (April 5, 2013) were selected by Old Forester Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. It was drawn from 210 barrels aged in Warehouse K, Floors 1 and 5.“For our 25th Birthday Bourbon release, the absence of setback allowed the yeast to express its full character, creating a flavor profile that’s both delicate and complex,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said.Old Forester celebrates the birthday of its founder, George Garvin Brown, with this limited-edition, vintage-dated bottle released each September 2. Birthday Bourbon was available through an online sweepstakes running on OldForester.com August 18 through August 21, 2025.“There’s no better way to honor our founder than by sharing this rare and remarkable expression with bourbon lovers nationwide,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift said.Anyone winning the opportunity to purchase a bottle through the sweepstakes must purchase and pick it up at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville between Thursday (Sept. 4) and December 20.Each bottle of The 2025 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon retailed for $199.99.

Hail To Old Forester's President's Choice

Old Forester announces the national debut of one of its most coveted and rarest expressions, President’s Choice.Inspired by private single barrels offered in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II, these expressions are specifically selected from matured barrels with certain quality and characteristics. Previously available only at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, this marks the first time President’s Choice Bourbon and a new expression, President’s Choice Rye, will be offered nationwide.“President’s Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift said. “We are honored to bring it to a wider audience.”“Every barrel selected for President’s Choice tells a story,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo added. “These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it’s the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester’s craftsmanship.”Each President’s Choice barrel is aged between 7 - 9 years, and bottled at proof points selected by Trigo and Rift, traditionally ranging from 110 to 125 proof.Old Forester's President’s Choice Bourbon and President’s Choice Rye each have a retail price of $225.