New Collaboration Combines Bourbon Heritage With American Military Workwear.
Old Forester and Alpha Industries are joining forces for the first time with a limited-edition Distiller’s Jacket inspired by American craftsmanship, bourbon heritage and functional workwear. The collaboration launched alongside Old Forester’s annual Birthday Bourbon release, which celebrates the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown and the brand’s more than 150 years of bourbon-making history.
The Old Forester x Alpha Industries Distiller’s Jacket reimagines Alpha Industries’ N-1 deck-jacket silhouette with details inspired by the bourbon-making process. The jacket features cotton construction, a dark brown corduroy collar and a garment-washed finish, along with distressed hardware, custom Old Forester woven labels, a removable sleeve patch, a custom debossed flight ribbon and interior artwork. The design draws from Alpha Industries’ military archive and Old Forester’s heritage as a Louisville bourbon brand.
“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 at 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.”
2026 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
The jacket collaboration arrives alongside the 2026 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, an 11-year-old bourbon bottled at 97 proof. The limited release was drawn from 212 barrels located on the third floor of Warehouse B, the oldest warehouse at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo selected the barrels for this year’s release.
Old Forester describes the bourbon as having a dark brown sugar color with a sweet and fruity profile. Tasting notes include baking spice, zesty ginger, vanilla bean, honey and malted graham cracker on the nose, followed by honey, buttery caramel, tobacco, herbal notes and cherry on the palate. The finish features toasted oak, graham cracker and lingering herbal mint. The 2026 Birthday Bourbon carries an MSRP of $199.99 and is available in limited quantities at select retailers nationwide.
Distiller’s Jacket Launches September 10
The Old Forester x Alpha Industries Distiller’s Jacket will be available beginning September 10 in limited quantities for $250. The jacket will be sold at Alpha Industries’ stores in New York City and online through Alpha Industries.
“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,” said Matt Pantoja, Chief Brand Officer at 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.”
Key Details
- Collaboration: Old Forester x Alpha Industries
- Product: Limited-Edition Distiller’s Jacket
- Jacket Price: $250
- Jacket Availability: September 10, 2026
- Jacket Retailer: Alpha Industries stores in New York City and online
- 2026 Birthday Bourbon: 11 years old
- Proof: 97
- Birthday Bourbon MSRP: $199.99
- Birthday Bourbon Barrels: 212
- Warehouse: Warehouse B, Brown-Forman Distillery, Shively, Kentucky
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