Another New Distillery for Kentucky

Garrard County Distilling Company is the latest distillery to come on line in Kentucky, and it’s starting out with big ambitions. The producer of All… Read More

Garrard County Distilling Company is the latest distillery to come on line in Kentucky, and it’s starting out with big ambitions. The producer of All Nations Whiskey has two massive Vendome stills and a pair of rickhouses with plans for 22 more over the next six years. We’ll talk with distillery founder Ray Franklin on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Diageo reports more disappointing sales numbers, while Old Forester names an heir apparent for longtime Master Distiller Chris Morris. 

Episode 1042: February 4, 2024

Links: Garrard County Distilling Co. | Diageo | Old Forester | Longmorn | Heaven Hill | Redwood Empire | Hard Truth Distilling | Westland Distillery | Method and Madness | Titanic Distillers | Jack Daniel’s | Wayne Gretzky Distillery | Two Brewers | Crown Royal

Image courtesy Garrard County Distilling Co.

Old Forester Launches ‘The Sleepeasy on Whiskey Row’

Old Forester has launched its inaugural Sleepeasy, an immersive experience on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. From March 1 to April 2, 2023, consumers can book a stay in the one-bedroom apartment that is located adjacent to Old Forester Distil…

Old Forester has launched its inaugural Sleepeasy, an immersive experience on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. From March 1 to April 2, 2023, consumers can book a stay in the one-bedroom apartment that is located adjacent to Old Forester Distillery. Cost is $500 a night with a minimum stay of 3 nights and a maximum stay of 5 (update: sold out). 

Each booking includes:
  • a personalized meet and greet with Master Taster Melissa Rift
  • a tour and tasting at Old Forester Distillery
  • and the rare opportunity to purchase limited-edition whiskies including the 117 entire Series ($359.94 + tax), President's Choice 2023 ($179.99), and Birthday Bourbon 2022 ($169.99 + tax). 

Melissa Rift says:

The Sleepeasy is the ultimate experience for bourbon lover. People will receive an insider look at the world's first bottled bourbon – and this experience will take guests through Old Forester's unique history. And the best part – it's all for charity.

Proceeds from bookings will be donated to the Center for Women and Families, a non-profit that helps women and families in Louisville in crisis by providing housing, support and safety from domestic violence.

This is the link to book reservations, however, it is now redirecting to a generic Louisville rental page. 

My Take

This is a pretty cool idea and a great way for them to bring in lots of money. It's awesome that they are giving all proceeds to charity, but in the future, this is a huge opportunity. I also love the idea of being able to purchase the rare bottles... in fact, it wouldn't be dumb to buy all of them and resell them on the secondary market (illegal in Ohio) to help offset some of the stay. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 


Source: Old Forester

New Release: Old Forester’s 117 Series: “Extra Extra Old”

Old

This week, Old Forester Distilling Co. released the latest edition in its 117 Series: a double-barreled bourbon that stayed in the second barrel for an unusually long time. Per the brand, the result is a bourbon of exceptional quality with pronounced sweet and spice notes. Old Forester took its 1910 expression and aged it in […]

The post New Release: Old Forester’s 117 Series: “Extra Extra Old” first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Old

This week, Old Forester Distilling Co. released the latest edition in its 117 Series: a double-barreled bourbon that stayed in the second barrel for an unusually long time.

Per the brand, the result is a bourbon of exceptional quality with pronounced sweet and spice notes.

Old Forester took its 1910 expression and aged it in a second barrel for 24 months.

Master Taster Melissa Rift said the whiskey aptly earned its special name – Old Forester Extra Extra Old.

“This expression was born from a creative and innovative experiment while staying true to the classic taste which sets Old Forester apart,” Rift said. “Although I only joined Old Forester last month, this was one of the first new limited expressions I was honored to taste – and the extra long double barreling leads to an explosion of flavors.”

Old Forester 1910 commemorates the October 22, 1910 distillery fire at 117 Main Street. A batch of mature whiskey ready to be bottled was instead re-barreled in new barrels for removal due to the fire damage. What emerged was a full-bodied whisky, remarkable enough to become an entirely new expression – Old Fine Whisky.

For Extra Extra Old, the brand experimented by leaving the 1910 whisky in the heavily charred secondary barrel for two years.

Old Forester Extra Extra Old is bottled at 93 proof and will be released in very limited quantities for purchase today at the Old Forester Distillery and in our online store. It will also be available at select Kentucky retailers. Guests visiting the distillery on paid experiences between December 13 and December 23 will have the opportunity to purchase a bottle, in accordance with the distillery’s special release policy.

For more information, please visit OldForester.com.

Tasting Notes (Brand Provided)

● Color: Deep-aged bronze

● Aroma: Roasted coffee, rich maple syrup, dark chocolate and caramel coat hints of toasted coconut, fruit and a smokey char foundation.

● Flavor: Rich mocha coffee with hints of brandy and dark cherry fruit.

● Finish: Smooth, creamy chocolate coffee notes fade quickly

The post New Release: Old Forester’s 117 Series: “Extra Extra Old” first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Old Forester Names Melissa Rift as Brand Ambassador/Master Taster

Brown-Forman owned brand Old Forester has announced that Kentucky native Melissa Rift has been named Brand Ambassador/Master Taster. Mark Bacon, Senior Vice President says:Melissa brings a dynamic personality, a devotion to the bourbon industry an…

Brown-Forman owned brand Old Forester has announced that Kentucky native Melissa Rift has been named Brand Ambassador/Master Taster. 

Mark Bacon, Senior Vice President says:
Melissa brings a dynamic personality, a devotion to the bourbon industry and an enthusiasm for the rich heritage of our 152-year-old brand. We're thrilled to welcome her to the Brown-Forman family and are excited for her insights to amplify this new chapter in Old Forester's legacy.
My Take

Not a ton to add here, but a huge congrats to Melissa. Also, congrats to Old Forester for not doing what everyone else does (hiring middle aged or old white dudes). Definitely looking forward to Melissa's future contributions. 


Source: Brown-Forman

Old Forester Names Melissa Rift as Master Taster/Brand Ambassador

Old

Old Forester made big news back in July when then OF Master Taster Jackie Zykan announced her departure from the brand. Today, Old Forester announced that Kentucky native and industry veteran Melissa Rift is the new Master Taster/Brand Ambassador. “Melissa brings a dynamic personality, a devotion to the bourbon industry and an enthusiasm for the […]

The post Old Forester Names Melissa Rift as Master Taster/Brand Ambassador first appeared on The Bourbon Review.

Old

Old Forester made big news back in July when then OF Master Taster Jackie Zykan announced her departure from the brand.

Today, Old Forester announced that Kentucky native and industry veteran Melissa Rift is the new Master Taster/Brand Ambassador.

“Melissa brings a dynamic personality, a devotion to the bourbon industry and an enthusiasm for the rich heritage of our 152-year-old brand,” said Mark Bacon, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Super-Premium American Whiskey. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Brown-Forman family and are excited for her insights to amplify this new chapter in Old Forester’s legacy.”  

This announcement marks a milestone and dream come true for Rift, who gained a holistic understanding of the growing bourbon industry from her beginnings as a bourbon tour guide. Most recently, she held a leadership role at Beam Suntory and previously served as Single Barrel Program Director at Bulleit Distilling Co.

“As the country’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester has such a history –  but also an opportunity to usher in a new era for the entire industry,” Rift said. “There’s nothing better in the market than Old Forester – and I look forward to introducing more people to this authentic  brand.”

Born in Louisville, Rift authentically understands the rich culture of Kentucky bourbon and looks forward to sharing it with consumers, bartenders, media – and diverse consumers across the nation. She and her wife, Brittany, live in Louisville with their two dogs and two cats.

“I’m extremely excited to create a more inclusive bourbon industry to reflect the changing face of our beloved consumers and represent the Old Forester legacy so many love,” Rift said. 

The post Old Forester Names Melissa Rift as Master Taster/Brand Ambassador first appeared on The Bourbon Review.