James C. Crow, a Scottish immigrant, started distilling what would become Old Crow in Frankfort, Kentucky, in the 1830s.

Crow died in 1856 and the original distillation formula died with its creator.

The brand was bought by Jim Beam in 1987, today part of Beam-Suntory. It is produced with the same mash bill as Jim Beam but given a shorter 3 years maturation.