Old Forester The President's Choice Rye Whiskey

Product Description

Old Forester The President's Choice Rye Whiskey: A Legacy Single Barrel, Finally in Rye

The President's Choice is a single barrel expression of Old Forester's most exceptional barrels, historically hand-selected by the company's president. First launched in 1964, this program was revived in 2018 when Old Forester's Whiskey Row distillery opened in Louisville, and for years it existed exclusively as a distillery-only bourbon release. Now, for the first time, that same hand-selection philosophy has been extended to rye, making this bottle a genuine milestone in Old Forester's 150-plus years of continuous whiskey production.

This particular release was hand-selected by Campbell P. Brown, a fifth-generation member of the Brown family behind Old Forester, drawn from the distillery's 100% rye mash bill, a recipe heavy on malted barley for exceptional depth and character. Aged 117 months, just shy of 10 years, in new charred American oak, this single barrel selection is bottled at true barrel strength, uncut, unfiltered, and non-chill filtered, at a bold 58.95% ABV. President's Choice barrels are typically aged between seven and nine years and bottled in the 110-125 proof range based on what best expresses each barrel's optimal flavor; this rye lands firmly at the top of that range.

Ultra-limited and historically difficult to find outside of distillery allocation, The President's Choice Rye is a genuine collector's release for serious rye enthusiasts. It stands as a benchmark for what Old Forester's single barrel program can achieve outside of bourbon, showcasing the same legacy and craftsmanship that has defined the Brown family's whiskey making since 1870.

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark amber with rich copper undertones.

Nose: Herbal rye spice, dark cherry, old oak, and vanilla bean.

Palate: Full-bodied, with bursts of cracked pepper, toffee, dry cocoa, and tobacco.

Finish: Long and warming, with balanced heat and rye grain complexity.

Food Pairings

This bold, high-proof rye pairs beautifully with rich, savory fare. Try it alongside smoked brisket, aged cheddar, or charcuterie with dark chocolate and dried cherries, or reach for a well-aged cigar to complement its tobacco and dry cocoa notes.

Serving Suggestions

Old Forester The President's Choice Rye is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass to fully appreciate its cask strength intensity and layered complexity. Its bold proof and rich character also make it an outstanding base for a Rye Manhattan, where its depth can stand up to and elevate the classic cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this release significant? This is the first rye whiskey ever included in Old Forester's historic President's Choice program, a single barrel series dating back to 1964 that's traditionally been reserved for the distillery's finest hand-selected bourbon barrels.

Who selected this barrel? Campbell P. Brown, a fifth-generation member of the Brown family behind Old Forester, hand-selected Barrel #37 for this release.

What is the alcohol content? 58.95% ABV, bottled at true barrel strength.

How old is this whiskey? Aged 117 months, or 9 years and 9 months, in new charred American oak.

Is this whiskey filtered? No. It's bottled non-chill filtered and unfiltered, preserving its full-bodied texture and character.

How should I enjoy it? Neat, in a Glencairn glass, to fully experience its cask strength complexity, or in a Rye Manhattan for a bold, elevated cocktail.

Explore More

Looking for more bold, spicy American whiskey? Shop our full Rye Whiskey collection to discover more standout ryes.

Love Old Forester? Browse the complete Old Forester collection for more legacy bourbons and limited releases from one of America's oldest continuously operating distilleries.

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