LOUISVILLE, KY – June 17, 2025 – Old Forester Distilling Co. today announced the national release of its new Old Forester Cocktail Cherries, a premium addition designed to complement the brand’s distinguished portfolio of American whiskeys.

These cherries offer a sophisticated garnish, bringing the quality and heritage of Old Forester directly to home bars across the country. They are crafted from amarena-style cherries in a velvety bourbon-infused syrup.

Each cherry is steeped in a luxurious syrup, providing a delightful burst of sweetness and a hint of classic bourbon character, ensuring a truly elevated drinking experience. The cherries join an existing line-up of Old Forester Cocktail Provisions, including bitters and cocktail syrups.

“For over 154 years, Old Forester has been synonymous with quality and the art of American whisky,” Master Taster Melissa Rift said. “Our new Cocktail Cherries are a natural extension of that commitment, providing enthusiasts with the finest ingredient to complete their Old Forester cocktails. “

The cherries, retailing for $19.99, are available nationally at select retailers and liquor stores. They are also sold at Old Forster Distillery on Main Street in Louisville and via Bourbon Barrel Foods (bourbonbarrelfoods.com).

About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester is Brown-Forman’s founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, “There is nothing better in the market.”

Please sip responsibly.
Old Forester Whisky, 43%  Alc. by Vol., Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. ©2025 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.

Midway, KY — June 12, 2025 — Bluegrass Distillers officially opened the doors to its new home at Elkwood Farm with a ribbon cutting celebration that brought together community members, state leaders, and industry partners. The 62-acre farm, located in Midway, Kentucky, now serves as the distillery’s headquarters and production facility.

The event included remarks from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Midway Mayor Grayson Vandegrift, Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory, and Bluegrass Distillers co-founders Ben Franzini and Sam Rock. Guests enjoyed a celebratory toast, ceremonial barrel fill, lite bites, and guided facility tours.

Founded in 2012, Bluegrass Distillers has earned a reputation for award-winning small-batch and single-barrel bourbons. The move to Elkwood Farm represents a more than 1,000% increase in production capacity, laying the groundwork for expanded distribution while staying rooted in the heritage of Kentucky craft bourbon.

Owned by Lexington natives Sam Rock and Ben Franzini, the $8 million facility features six massive 18,000-gallon fermentation tanks and a 36-inch by 45-foot column still custom-built by Specific Mechanical. The distillery is located just across from the historic Elkwood Farm mansion, a landmark listed on the National Historic Register since 1994.

The new campus also includes a barrel warehouse, a fully automated bottling line, and an on-site limestone spring water well—essential to the distillation process. Staying true to their farm-to-bottle commitment, Bluegrass Distillers even grows their own corn on-site.

In keeping with their ground-to-glass philosophy, the distillery uses local, non-GMO, heirloom blue corn to create bourbon that embodies the rich flavor and tradition of the Bluegrass region. Elkwood Farm is also making an economic impact—creating 15 new jobs with plans to hire 10 more over the next two years.

“The past four years have been an incredible journey bringing Elkwood Farm Distillery to life,” said Sam Rock, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Bluegrass Distillers. “While we’ve already begun distilling and welcoming visitors, this ribbon cutting marks a monumental moment for our team—and we couldn’t be more proud to share it with our community.”

Already a part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the new Elkwood Farm location was officially added as a stop last month. With over 40,000 visitors expected in the next year, the distillery is set to offer guided tours, tastings, and a full-service bourbon bar. Future plans include food-focused experiences that will further elevate the visitor journey.

Now open seven days a week, Bluegrass Distillers invites bourbon lovers to experience the spirit of Kentucky—right where it starts—on the farm.

Visit Us:
158 W Leestown Road, Midway, KY 40347
www.bluegrassdistillers.com

Louisville, KY, June 5, 2025 – Today, Old Forester® announces the national debut of one of its most coveted and rarest expressions, President’s Choice. Previously available only at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, this marks the first time President’s Choice Bourbon and a new expression – President’s Choice Rye – will be offered at select retailers nationwide in limited quantities.

Inspired by private single barrels offered in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II, this modern offering is specifically selected from matured barrels with exquisite quality and distinct characteristics. 

“President’s Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky,” Master Taster Melissa Rift said.  “We are honored to bring it to a wider audience.”

To celebrate the national debut, beginning at 10am ET on Saturday, June 14, Old Forester Distillery will be releasing a limited number of bottles for in-person purchase at the distillery and in our online store at shop.oldforester.com for shipping to states where it is legal (D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only).  

This year’s release includes both President’s Choice Bourbon and, for the first time, President’s Choice Rye, offering whiskey enthusiasts a new way to experience Old Forester’s most exceptional barrels pulled from its historic brick warehouses in Louisville.

“Every barrel selected for President’s Choice tells a story,” Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said. “These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it’s the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester’s craftsmanship.”

Each President’s Choice barrel is aged between 7 – 9 years, and bottled at proof points selected by Caleb and Melissa highlighting their unique flavor profile, traditionally ranging from 110 to 125 proof. Every bottle reflects the highest standards of selection, with only the finest barrels deemed worthy of carrying the President’s Choice name. President’s Choice Bourbon and President’s Choice Rye each have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $225.

For more information on Old Forester, please visit OldForester.com.

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About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester is Brown-Forman’s founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, “There is nothing better in the market.”