Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. News

Old Forester is paying tribute to a pioneer in the whiskey industry with its newest release

The new release pays tribute to the first African American chemist in the distillery's history

Whiskey in a glass
Haris Calkic / iStock

As if there weren’t enough reasons to love Old Forester. In addition to the fact that the renowned Kentucky-based distillery produces numerous award-winning, memorable whiskeys (such as Old Forester 1920, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and Old Forester 1910, among others), its newest release was created to pay tribute to a lesser-known, yet extremely important, whiskey pioneer.

Old Forester commemorative single barrel whiskey

Old Forester is launching a commemorative single-barrel whiskey honoring Elmer Lucille Allen, Brown-Forman’s first African American chemist. The bottle celebrates her decades as a scientist, artist, and diversity advocate.

Recommended Videos

Now 94-years-old, Allen began her career at Brown-Forman as a chemist back in 1966. She spent the next thirty years analyzing the ingredients of whiskey, including corn and other grains. Not only making unprecedented additions to the whiskey world, but paving the way for countless others.

“We are thrilled to recognize Elmer’s contributions, not only to Brown-Forman, but to the entire bourbon community,” Melissa Rift, Master Taster, says.

“Her story continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of inclusion, excellence, and perseverance.”

Where can I buy it?

To celebrate this trailblazer in the whiskey industry, Old Forester is releasing bottles of this limited-edition single-barrel bourbon at Old Forester Distillery on November 14th. Elmer Lucille Allen will even be at the Old Forester Distillery from 10 a.m. to noon to sign bottles. She’ll also be the special guest at a reception in her honor. For more information on this limited-release, its price, and any of Old Forester’s other products, visit OldForester.com.

Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He’s been writing professional Read Full Bio
The tequila-based cocktails you need to learn this summer
Espolòn Tequila

While there’s no wrong time of year for tequila-based cocktails, summer just might be the best. Also, when it comes to warm-weather spirits, it’s hard to beat the appeal of agave-based tequila, with flavors like citrus, vanilla, vegetal agave, cracked black pepper, and other spices. Aging only adds to the nuanced flavor profile, making tequila a great choice for warm-weather mixed drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and more.

While I’ve sung the praises of gin-based cocktails during the summer months, I have the same affinity for tequila. There’s something special about sitting on a deck (or dock) overlooking a pond, lake, or river while you sip a tequila-based cocktail on a warm, humid afternoon. When you’re sipping your drink and taking in the picturesque view, there are no deadlines and emails waiting for response. You’re in the moment and just going with the flow as jet skis, pontoon boats, and sailboats glide by.

Read more
Classic golf course beers you’ll want to drink this summer
Dale’s Pale Ale

If you’re anything like me, you’re going to spend at least another day or two on the golf course before the end of summer. You might not notice it, but the days are growing shorter, and fall is lurking on the horizon like a pumpkin spice-fueled monster. Your chances of spending sunny, humid days on the links are quickly dwindling. And while where you’re golfing and who you’re with is important, so too is what you’re drinking.

In my years of golfing and drinking, I’ve encountered myriad golf course cocktails, and I’ve found that while you can’t beat the classic flask of whiskey, there’s nothing better than a crisp, refreshing beer on a warm summer day spent enjoying 18 holes. Who cares if you’re hitting eagles or double bogeys left and right if you have a nice beer to sip?

Read more
Who needs decanters? The future is wine from a pump box
Alcohol, Beverage, Bottle

Mark West, the official wine sponsor of Major League Baseball, is putting a working wine dispenser disguised as a ketchup pump into a cornfield in Iowa, and honestly, I respect the commitment to the bit.

The “Top Up Dispenser,” as they’re calling it, will show up outside the diamond at next week’s MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa — the annual matchup played next to the actual field from the 1989 movie.

Read more