MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #422: Melissa Rift

Old Forester is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation, which has a long history dating back to 1870.

The company is known for being one of the longest-running bourbon brands still in production today, and Old Forester is noted for being the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles.

The Brown-Forman Corporation, based in Louisville, Kentucky, employs various individuals, including master distillers, brand ambassadors, & marketing professionals, who may not all be widely recognized public figures or available in public databases or records until my last update.

Old Forester is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in the United States. It has a storied history is known for being one of America’s longest-continuously produced bourbon brands. The brand is particularly notable for its historical significance in developing the bourbon industry.

Critical aspects of Old Forester include:

1. Historical Significance: Old Forester claims to be the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles, a practice that began in 1870. This was significant because it guaranteed quality and consistency at a time when bourbon was commonly sold in barrels or decanters, which could lead to tampering or dilution—the whiskey brand of Old Forester.
2. Prohibition Era: Old Forester is one of the few bourbons legally produced during Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933). It was sold for medicinal purposes, a standard exemption under the Volstead Act, which allowed for limited production and sale of alcoholic beverages for therapeutic use.
3. Production and Flavor Profile: Old Forester is made primarily from corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels like all bourbons. It is known for its rich flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel, spice, and floral elements. The brand offers a range of bourbons, including various proofs and special editions, catering to different preferences and occasions.
4. Brown-Forman Corporation: Old Forester is produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest American-owned companies in the spirits and wine business. This corporation also makes other well-known spirits.
5. Cultural Impact: Beyond its historical and production aspects, Old Forester has been a part of American popular culture and is often associated with traditional bourbon heritage. It has been featured in movies and literature and is a favorite in classic American cocktails.
6. Distillery and Visitor Experience: The Old Forester Distilling Co. is located on Louisville, Kentucky’s historic “Whiskey Row.” The distillery offers tours and tastings, giving visitors insights into the bourbon production process and the brand’s history.