Old Forester is one of the oldest bourbon brands in America. The price of Old Forester bourbon can vary depending on the specific product and the location where it is being sold. Generally, the price of a 750ml bottle of Old Forester bourbon ranges from around $20 to $60 USD, with the flagship Old Forester 86 Proof typically being on the lower end of the price range and the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon being on the higher end.
Old Forester's History
Old Forester is a brand of bourbon whiskey that was first produced in 1870 by George Garvin Brown in Louisville, Kentucky. Brown was a pharmaceuticals salesman who recognized the need for a consistent, high-quality bourbon that could be sold in sealed bottles. At the time, most bourbon was sold in barrels or jugs, which led to inconsistencies in flavor and quality.
Brown named his bourbon after his physician friend, Dr. William Forrester, and he spelled it with one "r" to avoid any legal issues with Forrester's name. The original Old Forester was a 90-proof, straight bourbon whiskey that was made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley. It was aged for four years in new, charred oak barrels.
During Prohibition, Old Forester was one of only ten brands of bourbon that were granted permission to be sold for medicinal purposes. After Prohibition ended, Old Forester was one of the first bourbons to be sold in sealed bottles.
Today, Old Forester is owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation and continues to be produced in Louisville. The brand offers a range of bourbons, including the original Old Forester, Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond, and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, which is released annually to commemorate Brown's birthday.
Old Forester Products
Old Forester produces a range of bourbon whiskey products, including:
86 Proof: This is the flagship product of the Old Forester brand, made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley and aged for a minimum of four years.
100 Proof: This bourbon has a higher proof than the flagship product and has the same mash bill and aging process.
1870 Original Batch: This bourbon is crafted to honor the way Old Forester was made in the 1800s, using a unique blending process to create a taste profile that reflects the era.
1897 Bottled in Bond: This bourbon uses the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which guarantees that the whiskey is the product of one distillery, made in one distilling season, aged for at least four years, and is 100 proof.
Statesman: This bourbon retains partnership with the movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle. "It rests in oak barrels from previous Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, as well as California Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Signature: Old Forester releases this limited edition bourbon annually to celebrate the founder's birthday.
Birthday Bourbon: Old Forester annually releases another limited edition bourbon that is in commemoration of Brown-Forman founder George Garvin Brown's birthday.
In addition to these products, Old Forester also produces a range of special releases and collaborations.
Old Forester Price Guide
Type | Size | Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Old Forester 86 Proof | 750ml | $19.99 | 86 |
Old Forester 100 Proof | 750ml | $22.99 | 100 |
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch | 750ml | $36.99 | 86 |
Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond | 750ml | $54.99 | 100 |
Old Forester Statesman | 750ml | $54.99 | 95 |
Old Forester Signature | 750ml | $29.99 | 100 |
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon | 750ml | $1,249 | varies |
Comparable Whiskies to Old Forester
If you enjoy sipping on Old Forester, here are some other bourbons that you may enjoy.
Maker's Mark: This is a smooth and sweet bourbon with a similar taste profile to Old Forester.
Woodford Reserve: This is a premium bourbon with a complex flavor profile and notes of spice and fruit.
Bulleit Bourbon: This is a high-rye bourbon with a spicy kick and a smooth finish.
Elijah Craig: This is a full-bodied bourbon with a rich, caramel flavor and a hint of vanilla.
Buffalo Trace: This is a smooth and mellow bourbon with a sweet, oaky flavor.
Old Forester Tasting Notes
86 Proof: Spicy with soft vanilla and orange notes. The finish is long and warm with moderate sweetness.
100 Proof: Hot and strong with sweet coffee and chocolate notes. There's a hint of ripe apple on the palate with lingering toffee on the finish.
1870 Original Batch: Notes of grapefruit and blood orange mingle with clove and baking spices. Balanced fruit and floral notes with a cinnamon spice finish.
1897 Bottled in Bond: Full bodied and rich with flavors of ripe dark fruit and caramel. Finish is long with hints of coffee and spice.
Statesman: Bright, sweet aromas give way to flavors of dark, ripe cherry, brown sugar and baking spices.
Signature: A touch of chocolate and caramel on the nose. Palate shows flavors of sweet coffee and creamy butterscotch. Finish is long and spicy.
Birthday Bourbon: Changes from vintage to vintage.
Old Forester Cocktails
Kentucky Mule
This is a mule, or buck, which means that it’s a cocktail made with ginger ale or ginger beer. It’s probably the first widely-known drink mix involving vodka-when it's made with bourbon, it's called a Kentucky Mule.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Combine bourbon and lime juice in copper mug. Add ice and top with ginger beer. Use fresh lime and or mint for garnish.
The Revolver
In this bourbon forward cocktail, bitter orange is used to compliment the coffee liqueur.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Combine ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into coupe. Garnish with expressed orange peel.