LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Old Forester is adding a new annual release to its bourbon lineup with the Tribute Series, debuting Oct. 15 with a 12-year-old bourbon bottled at 115 proof and packaged in a collectible decanter inspired by the brand’s mid-century holiday collection.
The inaugural 2026 release carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $299.99 and will be available in limited quantities at select retailers nationwide. The series brings together mature bourbon and distinctive bottle design, drawing on two parts of Old Forester’s more than 150-year history.
For bourbon enthusiasts, the first release offers an age-stated expression built through batching rather than a single-barrel selection. For collectors, it revives the spirit of Old Forester’s historic decanters with a new glass bottle designed for display.
Old Forester says the Tribute Series will draw from its highest age-stated stocks, combining barrels rather than relying on single-barrel or single-lot selections. Proof will vary by annual release, ranging from 110 to 125, with each expression bottled at the strength selected for its flavor profile. The inaugural bourbon’s 115 proof translates to 57.5% alcohol by volume.
“The Tribute Series celebrates the craftsmanship and innovation that has defined Old Forester for generations,” said Caleb Trigo, assistant master distiller.
“By bringing together some of our most mature whisky and drawing inspiration from an important chapter in our design history, we’ve created an expression that honors where Old Forester has been while showcasing what makes our whisky distinctive today.”
The brand describes the 2026 bourbon’s aroma as warm caramel, sweet leather, golden raisins and dark cherries. On the palate, cherry and candied walnut notes develop into sweet cinnamon and cardamom. The finish is described as long, with toasted oak, peppercorn, cherry preserves and black tea.
Those fruit, spice and oak notes accompany a release intended to recognize Old Forester’s history of bourbon-making innovation. The company points to its double-barreled expression and heat-cycled maturation among the practices celebrated by the new series.
The packaging takes its inspiration from a different chapter in the Louisville brand’s history: its holiday decanter collection.
First introduced in 1950, the collection paired whisky with decorative packaging intended to remain in the home after the contents were enjoyed. Annual decanters released from 1954 through 1969 brought mid-century design to Old Forester’s holiday gifting tradition.
The Tribute Series reinterprets that approach with an architectural glass bottle featuring vertical facets, metallic accents and a substantial metallic stopper. The stopper is engraved with Old Forester’s historic quality statement, connecting the new design to the brand’s earlier packaging.
The result gives the annual series a recognizable presentation while establishing a new collectible tied to Old Forester’s bourbon heritage. Its October arrival also places the inaugural release ahead of the holiday gifting season that inspired the original decanters.
With a 12-year age statement, 115-proof bottling and a $299.99 suggested price, the first Tribute Series release adds a new ultra-premium offering to Old Forester’s portfolio. Availability begins Oct. 15, with limited quantities reaching select retailers across the country.
About Brown-Forman
Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of
premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, The Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Herradura, El Jimador, Chambord, Gin Mare, and Diplomatico Rum. With a team of approximately 4,900 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com.
