This classic Bourbon is a bartender favorite for a very good reason.

Old Forester has about as much tradition as you can get in a Bourbon. It is a single brand of Bourbon that has been continuously available for 145 years — most of that time from the same family of craftsmen at the same distillery.

Interestingly, it was the first Bourbon to be available exclusively in sealed glass bottles. There was a lot of nefarious re-bottling and dilution going on and this was a way to ensure quality and integrity.

Today it is owned by Brown-Forman, available in eight different varieties and is a sister Bourbon to Woodford Reserve.

Everyone has their own "perfect" set of specs for their Bourbon. But when it comes to ABV, we like 46% for sipping and 50% for cocktails. That little extra oomph makes a big difference if you want to taste the Whiskey when it’s holding up the other ingredients. Old Forester Signature Bourbon is a bartender’s favorite at one hundred proof.

The mash bill is high corn at 72% with 18% rye and 10% malted barley — delivering rich caramel and toffee notes that marry perfectly with the known universe of mixers. And it just added a Double Gold medal from the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition to its long list of awards.

Smartass corner:
Old Forrester is named after a "cooperative" physician who regularly prescribed it to his patients during Prohibition "for medicinal purposes." The "Signature" in the Bourbon’s name is a tribute to George Garvin Brown — the original founder of the brand.

Best Bourbon for a Mint Julep in 2026

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Bourbon

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Old Forester 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

Basil Hayden's Bourbon