Downtown in Louisville in Jefferson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Old Forester Distilling Co.
Destination Site
— Bourbon District - 119 West —
Old Forester Distilling Co. continues a legacy that began in 1870. Young pharmaceutical sales rep George Garvin Brown sealed his whiskey exclusively in a glass bottle — an innovative approach when whiskey was commonly sold by the barrel and subject to adulteration prior to reaching the consumer. Brown set up shop here on Main Street, when “Whiskey Row” was home to 89 bourbon distilling companies. Only one of those companies is still operating today under the same ownership — Brown-Forman, with its founding brand, Old Forester.
Over the course of 150 years, Old Forester has never left the market. It's the only brand that's been continuously sold by the same company — the same family — before, during, and after Prohibition.
Today, Old Forester has returned to the building it once called home. The 70,000-square-foot distillery guides guests through the brand's storied history and bourbon-making process. Through Prohibition, world wars, and changing consumer palates, the promise of sealed-in quality, balance, and value from Old Forester, “America's First Bottled Bourbon,”™ has endured.
Caption: Campbell P. Brown, President; Great-great grandson of George Garvin Brown
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 38° 15.376′ N, 85° 45.15′ W. Marker is in Louisville, Kentucky, in Jefferson County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on West Main Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 West Main Street, Louisville KY 40202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Louisville Water Company (within shouting distance of this marker); The Galt House (within shouting distance of this marker); Slave Trading In Louisville / Garrison Slave Pen Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Discovery of the Ohio River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birth of Truth In Advertising (about 300 feet away); First Louisville Slugger Bat (about 400 feet away); Coon Hollow Distillery Offices (about 500 feet away); Second African Baptist Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Louisville.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on July 31, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.