Old Forester Mint Julep 1L

Old Forester Mint Julep 1L is a ready-to-serve bourbon-based mint julep bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof) in a 1-liter format. Designated the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby beginning with the 141st running in 2015, this cocktail is produced just once a year, making each release a seasonal event tied to one of America's most storied traditions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 30% (60 Proof)  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Ready-to-Serve Cocktail  |  Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company

Production & Heritage

Old Forester, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown and now part of Brown-Forman, holds the distinction of being America's first bottled bourbon. The Mint Julep expression starts with Old Forester's classic 86-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is then blended with a sweetener, natural mint oil, and water to bring the final proof down to 60. This annual, limited production run is built entirely around the Kentucky Derby season, reinforcing the deep connection between bourbon, mint juleps, and Churchill Downs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh spearmint rises immediately, followed by light caramel and sweet grain from the bourbon base. A gentle herbal coolness keeps the nose bright and inviting.

Taste: Cool mint leads the entry, balanced by soft bourbon sweetness at the mid-palate. As it develops, caramel, toasted oak, hints of citrus, and a touch of baking spice emerge. Served over crushed ice, the bourbon's peachy, stone-fruit character becomes more pronounced.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with lingering mint that slowly fades into a faint bourbon warmth. The sweetness recedes gracefully, leaving a crisp close.

How to Drink Old Forester Mint Julep

The simplest and most traditional serve is over a generous mound of crushed ice in a silver or pewter julep cup — no mixing required. A sprig of fresh mint slapped between your palms and placed on top adds an aromatic garnish that complements the built-in mint flavor.

• Classic Julep Build: Pour directly over crushed ice; the pre-mixed balance of bourbon, sugar, and mint means no additional ingredients are needed.
• Julep Spritz: Top a short pour with chilled sparkling water for a lighter, effervescent variation ideal for warm-weather sipping.
• Derby Punch: Combine with fresh lemon juice and peach nectar over a large ice block in a punch bowl — the stone-fruit notes in the bourbon base tie neatly into a crowd-sized format.

Best For

• Kentucky Derby watch parties and Triple Crown celebrations
• Hosting large groups where a no-fuss, ready-to-pour cocktail simplifies the bar
• Gifting to bourbon enthusiasts who collect Derby memorabilia and seasonal releases
• Warm-weather entertaining when a refreshing, lower-proof sipper is preferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Forester Mint Julep taste like? It delivers a prominent cool mint flavor balanced by soft caramel sweetness, toasted oak, and light citrus notes from the bourbon base. When served over crushed ice, subtle peachy stone-fruit character comes forward.

How does Old Forester Mint Julep compare to Early Times Mint Julep? Old Forester replaced Early Times as the official Kentucky Derby mint julep in 2015, and consumer sentiment widely considers the Old Forester version a significant quality upgrade. The higher-quality 86-proof bourbon base in Old Forester's blend contributes more complexity and depth than the Early Times offering.

Is Old Forester Mint Julep good for cocktail beginners? At 30% ABV with built-in sweetness and mint, it is approachable and requires no bartending skill — simply pour over crushed ice and serve. It functions as an excellent introduction to bourbon-based drinks for those who find straight whiskey too intense.

Where is Old Forester Mint Julep made? It is produced by Old Forester Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky, using Old Forester's own Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as the base spirit.

What foods pair well with Old Forester Mint Julep? Country ham biscuits complement the bourbon sweetness with salty, savory contrast. Peach cobbler echoes the stone-fruit character found in the base bourbon. Pimento cheese with crackers provides a creamy, slightly sharp counterpoint. Pecan pralines mirror the caramel notes, and fried chicken balances the mint's cooling effect with rich, crispy texture.

What sizes does Old Forester Mint Julep come in? The standard widely available format is the 1-liter bottle, designed for group serving during Derby season.

Is Old Forester Mint Julep worth the price? It positions as a value-oriented, ready-to-serve cocktail that eliminates the need to buy bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint separately. For Derby parties or warm-weather gatherings, the convenience and consistent flavor profile represent solid value in the prepared cocktail category.

Why Old Forester Mint Julep?

This is the only mint julep carrying the official endorsement of the Kentucky Derby, a distinction it has held since 2015. The once-a-year production schedule gives it genuine seasonal scarcity rather than manufactured hype. Built on Old Forester's 86-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon — a whiskey with over 150 years of continuous production behind it — the cocktail carries more backbone than most ready-to-serve alternatives. For anyone who takes Derby Day seriously or simply wants a well-balanced julep without the prep work, this remains the benchmark in its narrow but devoted category.