Old Forester Distillery

About this Project

If you’re a fan of good sippin’ whiskey, you probably already know about Old Forester.  Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon, was introduced by George Garvin Brown more than 140 years ago.  Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged “There is nothing better in the market.”

The company that owns Old Forester, Brown-Forman, is opening a new distillery and whiskey experience to celebrate Old Forester. As a part of Kentucky’s rich history, it’s only right that the distillery is located in the historic Whiskey District of Louisville.

Cavalier Hotel Skylight
Skylight over pool Cavalier
Plans for the Old Forester Distillery include fermentation, distilling, barrel making, filling and dumping, and bottling. And while the distillery will most certainly increase production for Brown-Forman, it’s also going to be a very interesting location, returning to where the bourbon was first bottled.

New overhead skylight to enhance the whiskey-tasting experience

As part of the revitalized location, Crystal Structures manufactured and installed an overhead skylight 26′ wide by 47′ long.  Under the skylight the distillery opens to exhibits, tasting rooms, bourbon-making demonstrations, and event spaces. The new distillery also marks the continued comeback of bourbon interests along Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, especially after a fire in 2016 threatened to destroy the location.

What’s exciting about this project, aside from the bourbon, is knowing that we’ve helped bring an old building back to life. It is a great feeling.

View our skylight system here.