Old Forester is celebrating the 5th anniversary of its return to Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville with special surprise bottle drops during June and a charitable donation to a Louisville non-profit.
In the five years since the distillery’s opening on June 14, 2018 (National Bourbon Day), Old Forester has doubled its business nationwide as bourbon aficionados discover and rediscover the brand – the only bourbon to exist before, during, and after Prohibition.
The distillery has served as a top tourist attraction in Louisville, garnering more than 126,000 visitors last year to explore fermentation, distillation, maturation, and bottling process experiences as well as its one-of-a-kind barrel-making facility – the only major distiller to own and operate an onsite cooperage.
“Old Forester is 153 years old, but we are always innovating and looking to the future,” said Master Taster Melissa Rift. “Old Forester never gets old.”
As a “gift,” Rift said, surprise bottle drops – on random days, at random times – will allow consumers to purchase rare bourbons, such as President’s Choice, the 117 Series and the highly-coveted Birthday Bourbon.
Old Forester donated $12,000 to the Center for Women and Families to celebrate the anniversary. This Louisville non-profit helps women and families in crisis by providing housing, support and safety from domestic violence. The proceeds resulted from the inaugural Old Forester Sleepeasy immersive experience on Main Street.
Located in the heart of the historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, the distillery pays homage to Old Forester’s roots as the first-ever bottled bourbon since its founding in 1870. Tours are available at the Main Street location for a general or VIP guided tour and tasting.
