When it comes to tradition, Old Forester’s history is hard to beat. If you didn’t know it already, this renowned brand was America’s first bottled bourbon. You read that right. Nobody had bottled bourbon before Old Forester. That’s a pretty big deal. To honor this tradition, the brand announced the Tribute Series, a new annual ultra-premium, age-stated release.
Old Forester Tribute Series 2026
The first addition to the Tribute Series is a 12-year-old, 115-proof bourbon you’ll want to add to your whiskey collection. Building on more than 150 years of bourbon-crafting tradition, Old Forester’s newest release is its highest age-stated stock. This cask strength bourbon is known for its rich, memorable flavor profile.
The brand says the result is a multi-layered whiskey that opens with notes of caramelized sugar, fresh leather, raisins, and dried cherries. The palate is a symphony of flavors, including cherries, candied walnuts, cinnamon candy, and cardamom. The finish is long and warm, ending with toasted oak, cracked black pepper, dried cherries, and herbal black tea. Sip this noteworthy whiskey neat, on the rocks, or with a splash or two of water to open up the flavors and aromas. You’ll definitely want to savor this one.
“The Tribute Series celebrates the craftsmanship and innovation that has defined Old Forester for generations,” Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distiller, says. “
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.”
Inspired by Old Forester’s historic holiday decanter collection, this expression features a unique, historic design, metallic accents, and a metallic stopper engraved with Old Forester’s historic quality statement.
Where can I buy it?
Unfortunately, you can’t just walk into any liquor or whiskey retailer and buy a bottle of this bourbon. Old Forester Tribute Series 2026 is available in limited quantities at whiskey retailers throughout the US for the suggested retail price of $299.99 for a 750 ml bottle. For more information on this limited release and all of the memorable whiskeys in Old Forester’s portfolio, visit oldforester.com.
