Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch Proof 03/03

126.8 proof. The third and final batch proof release in Old Forester's 150th anniversary limited series — America's first commercially bottled bourbon marks a century and a half.

Old Forester was founded by George Garvin Brown in 1870 as America's first commercially bottled bourbon. To mark 150 years, Old Forester released three limited batch proof expressions — each a unique selection of barrels bottled at cask strength with no proofing. Batch 03/03 at 126.8 proof is the final release in the series and the highest proof of the three, making it the most powerful expression of the anniversary lineup.

As a batch proof bourbon at 126.8 proof, Batch 03/03 delivers the full intensity of Old Forester's aged bourbon program without dilution. The specific barrel selection for this final batch reflects the distillery team's vision for how the 150th anniversary series should close — bold, concentrated, and unrepeatable.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Rich amber with warm golden tones from the cask strength concentration.
• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and warm spice — the 126.8 proof presence is immediately evident.
• Palate: Full-bodied — dark caramel, dried fruit, rye spice, and integrated oak from barrels selected specifically for this final anniversary expression.
• Finish: Long and warming — spice and oak fading into a clean, powerful close.

The Three Anniversary Batches

• Batch 01/03: First batch proof expression of the anniversary series
• Batch 02/03: 126.4 proof — mid-series expression
• Batch 03/03: 126.8 proof — final anniversary batch, highest proof

Specs

• Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Co., Louisville, Kentucky (est. 1870)
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Proof: 126.8 (63.4% ABV)
• Release: 150th Anniversary Limited Edition, Batch 03/03 (final batch)
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Old Forester collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Batch 03/03 the most powerful of the three anniversary batches? Yes — at 126.8 proof it is the highest-proof of the three batches. Batch 02/03 was 126.4 proof. The small proof difference reflects different barrel selections, with 03/03's barrels naturally reaching a slightly higher proof after maturation.
• Why is Old Forester called America's first bottled bourbon? George Garvin Brown began selling bourbon sealed in glass bottles with his signature in 1870 — guaranteeing the contents against adulteration. Old Forester is recognized as the first bourbon to be consistently sold in this form, establishing the industry standard.
• How does this compare to Old Forester Birthday Bourbon? Birthday Bourbon is released annually on September 2nd from 12-year-old barrels. The 150th Anniversary Batch Proof is a one-time commemorative series that will not be repeated. Both are limited expressions at high proof; the Anniversary is a singular historical moment.
• Is the 150th Anniversary Batch 03/03 still available? In limited quantities. These were produced as a one-time commemorative series and are not restocked once sold.