Old Forester celebrates the release of its annual Birthday Bourbon by collaborating with Alpha Industries on a limited-edition Distiller’s Jacket.
The piece reimagines a classic piece of American workwear through the world of Kentucky bourbon. Inspired by the military clothing manufacturer’s archive and Old Forester’s decades of bourbon-making heritage, the jacket is designed as a modern interpretation of what a distiller would wear on the warehouse floor, combining Alpha Industries’ utilitarian design with details inspired by the distillery’s barrel-aging process.
Built on Alpha Industries’ N-1 deck-jacket silhouette, the jacket features cotton construction, a dark brown corduroy collar and a garment-washed finish inspired by the materials, textures and character of bourbon making. Additional details include distressed hardware, custom Old Forester woven labels, removable sleeve patch, custom debossed flight ribbon and interior artwork that rewards discovery over time.
“Craftsmanship has been at the core of Old Forester for more than 150 years, so partnering with Alpha Industries, a brand with its own deep tradition of craftsmanship, is a natural fit,” said Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distiller, Old Forester. “Debuting this year’s Birthday Bourbon along with this special jacket feels like a perfect way to honor the philosophy that has defined our bourbon since 1870 and Alpha Industries’ shared American heritage.”
“Old Forester and Alpha come from very different worlds, but there’s a shared philosophy behind the two brands. Both were built around products that had to deliver on quality, function and longevity,” added Matt Pantoja, Chief Brand Officer, Alpha Industries. “We wanted the jacket to reflect that — not simply put two names together, but create something that feels authentic to both histories and gets better with age and wear.”
The jacket’s debut is the companion to this year’s Old Forester Birthday Bourbon release, an 11-year-old, 97 proof expression drawn from 212 barrels on the third floor of Warehouse B, the oldest warehouse at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. It was selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is available now for $199.99. The Old Forester x Alpha Industries jacket is available in limited quantities at Alpha Industries stores in New York City and online for $250.
