Old Forester Bourbon Honors Creator through Founder’s Day

George Garvin Brown Celebrated, Best-Selling Author Tom Kelley and Master Distiller Chris Morris Recognized as Modern Innovators

Louisville, Ky. (November 2011) – George Garvin Brown, creator of Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon, has been honored for his major contributions to the bourbon industry with Founder’s Day. Brown laid the foundation that allowed Old Forester to be the only bourbon still in existence that was sold before, during and after Prohibition, and built what is now the Brown-Forman Corporation.

On the inaugural Founder’s Day, Old Forester celebrated Brown’s 165th birthday and honored his pioneering spirit with the establishment of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation Excellence and Dedication to Community. This annual award was created to honor individuals who exhibited leadership traits that were evidenced in Brown – a passion for learning and a leader without compromise who recognized the importance of giving back.

“When we think of George Garvin Brown, we consider him to be one of the forefather’s of bourbon. Indeed without him, the industry might not be where it is today,” said brand manager Therese McGuire. “This lifetime achievement award not only honors his legacy but recognizes those currently on the forefront of innovation and who hold the same values as Brown.”

More than 140 years ago, Brown led the industry with his revolutionary ideas. His commitment to making quality bourbon resulted in putting Old Forster in a sealed bottle with his guarantee of excellence and his signature prominently displayed just as it is today. With this inaugural award Old Forester honors two modern day innovators: Master Distiller Chris Morris and best-selling author and General Manager of IDEO Tom Kelley.

“Through the work and leadership of Chris Morris and Tom Kelley, cutting-edge products have been introduced and set the stage for future industry advancements,” said McGuire.

As Master Distiller for Old Forester and a spirits historian, Morris’ passion for innovation in the spirits industry has lead to numerous new products and rare releases. Morris created a combined Nuevo Beaujolais concept with vintage dated single malt whiskey which became the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. Additionally, he initiated a study of wine finishes and alternate wood mellowing processes that are groundbreaking in the world of whiskeys. Morris is on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the Kentucky Distillers Association and was Co-Chairman of the DISCUS Master Distillers Committee, as well as a former Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America.

Kelley is one of the world’s most respected experts on managing innovation and design but is also the author of two books on innovation and creativity: The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. As the General Manager of IDEO the renowned design and development firm, Kelley spearheaded the introduction of the Apple mouse, the Palm V, and hundreds of other cutting-edge products. IDEO was listed as number five in Fast Company’s list for 2008 of The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Additionally, Kelley is actively involved in the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the American Cancer Society.

“Old Forester and Brown-Forman are extremely proud to recognize these individuals as the first recipients of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award,” said McGuire. “We are excited to see what future innovations hold for not only our industry but throughout the world.”

About Old Forester Bourbon

George Garvin Brown was the founder of Old Forester Bourbon Whisky and Brown-Forman Corporation. Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville, Kentucky, is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Woodford Reserve, and Korbel California Champagnes.

For more information on Old Forester, visit the Old Forester website at www.oldforester.com  or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldforester .