About
Old Forester Distilling Co. is a landmark Whiskey Row destination in downtown Louisville, bringing one of America’s most historic bourbon brands back to the street where its story began. The distillery is set inside a restored urban building designed as both a working production site and a polished visitor experience, with fermentation, distillation, barrel making, maturation, bottling, tastings, a bottle shop, and George’s Bar all under one roof. The visit feels immersive and distinctly Louisville because guests can see more of the bourbon-making process than many downtown stops offer, including the rare chance to watch barrel construction and charring in an on-site urban cooperage. It’s a strong choice for travelers who want a walkable bourbon experience with real history, hands-on production details, and easy access to nearby hotels, restaurants, museums, and other Whiskey Row distilleries.
History
Old Forester was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, who changed American whiskey by selling bourbon in sealed glass bottles as a way to guarantee quality and consistency at a time when much whiskey was sold by the barrel and could be tampered with before reaching the customer. That promise became central to Old Forester’s identity and helped establish the brand as “America’s First Bottled Bourbon.” The brand also holds an especially important place in Prohibition-era history because Old Forester is widely recognized as one of the few bourbon brands that remained in operation before, during, and after Prohibition, thanks to medicinal whiskey licensing. That uninterrupted ownership and continuity under Brown-Forman gives Old Forester one of the strongest legacy stories in American whiskey.
Notoriety
Old Forester Distilling Co. is best known for delivering one of the most complete urban bourbon tours in Louisville. The brand’s historic significance is already a major draw, but the visitor experience stands out because it includes a rare fully operational cooperage in a downtown distillery setting, allowing guests to see barrel making and charring as part of the tour. That gives the visit a sense of heat, craft, and movement that makes the process feel alive rather than purely museum-like. The tasting typically includes four Old Forester expressions, helping visitors understand how proof, age, barrel selection, and blending decisions shape the brand’s lineup.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
Duration:
45 Mins
Price:
$65 - $175
Old Forester’s cocktail classes pair hands-on mixology with the historic George’s Bar setting, where guests learn to craft classic bourbon cocktails.
Tours & Tastings
Duration:
$32 - $85
Price:
N/A
Old Forester Distilling Co. pairs guided tours and tastings with a restored Whiskey Row setting in downtown Louisville.
amenities
Cocktail Bar
Event Spaces
Gift Shop
Special Events
nearby
Distilleries
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery
Angel’s Envy Distillery
Things To Do
Louisville Slugger Museum
Frazier History Museum
Muhammad Ali Center
Food & Drink
Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse
Wild Swann Restaurant
Steakhouse Bourré Bonne
Stay
Hotel Distil
The Myriad Hotel
21c Museum Hotel
21c Museum Hotel