Old Forester is the type of distillery that produces nothing but noteworthy expressions. There’s something for every palate and price range, from The Whiskey Row Series to core expressions like Old Forester 100 and Old Forester 86. But no whiskey is more beloved and eagerly awaited than its annual Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. This year, instead of simply launching this iconic whiskey, the Louisville-based brand is collaborating with an apparel brand to add an exciting, whiskey-centric flair to your wardrobe.
Alpha Industries X Old Forester Distiller’s Jacket Collab
This September, instead of simply launching its popular Birthday Bourbon, Old Forester teamed up with Alpha Industries, the military-inspired apparel brand, to release a limited-edition Distiller’s Jacket created using materials and textures that embody the overall feel of the bourbon-making process.
This limited-edition jacket was made to resemble the work jackets worn by whiskey makers for generations. Adorned with Old Forester’s name in various places (including hidden interior artwork) on the jacket, it features a garment-washed finish, distressed hardware, and a dark brown corduroy collar.
The 2026 edition of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is made from 212 hand-picked barrels selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. Each barrel matured on the third floor of Warehouse B (the oldest warehouse at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively) for a minimum of 11 years.
According to Old Forester, the result is a sublime 97-proof expression that begins with a nose of baking spices, ginger candy, toasted vanilla beans, clover honey, graham crackers, and dried cherries. The palate is centered on notes of honey candy, buttery caramel, pipe tobacco, dried cherries, and herbal notes. The finish is long and warm, ending with a mix of graham crackers and a herbal mint. This beloved whiskey is best enjoyed neat by the side of an end-of-summer campfire with friends.
Where can I buy the jacket and whiskey?
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is available in limited quantities at select retailers throughout the US for the suggested retail price of $199.99 for a 750ml bottle. If you want to bundle up in this limited-edition jacket while you drink your Birthday Bourbon, you can purchase it in limited quantities online and at the Alpha Industries NYC store beginning September 10.
