Old Forester Bourbon sells out in 14 minutes

Brown-Forman-owned Old Forester has released 150 decanters of a 12.5-year-old Bourbon that were bottled to celebrate its anniversary in 2020.

The decanters were originally filled to be served at special tastings and events during its anniversary year in 2020. These were cancelled due to the pandemic, with the bottles kept in storage.

The decanters went on sale today (16 November) and sold out within 14 minutes.

Each was priced at US$2,500 and sold exclusively on the brand’s website.

Orders can be collected only on 5 December, the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, when buyers will also receive a private tour of the distillery, as well as cocktails and appetisers with members of the Brown family.

Master distiller Chris Morris selected six barrels in 2008, with the whisky bottled at 50% ABV 150 months later in 2020. Alongside these 150 bottles, 500 were given to members of the Brown family and the company’s key partners.

“Old Forester is the only Bourbon to exist before, during and after Prohibition. What better way to celebrate that legacy than offering to the public this rare decanter?” said master taster Meliss Rift.

The decanter is presented in a handmade wooden box, whose wood was recovered from the fire at the Old Forester Distillery in 2015. The fire nearly destroyed the Whiskey Row block in Louisville, Kentucky.

Last month, Brown-Forman reported that Old Forester sales dropped by 9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024.