Old Forester President's Choice Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Old Forester President's Choice: The Finest Selection of the World's Finest Bourbon

Old Forester President's Choice is a single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey inspired by the very first private single barrels offered in the industry, originally introduced in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II. That tradition was revived by current president Campbell P. Brown, a fifth-generation member of the Brown family, who personally selects each barrel that bears the President's Choice name. As Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift has put it, "President's Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky."

Each barrel selected for President's Choice is chosen because it has developed truly exceptional character, typically maturing for seven to nine years before reaching the taste profile that earns it this distinction. Because these are single barrel selections bottled at true cask strength, proof will vary from barrel to barrel, generally falling within the traditional range of 110 to 125 proof, whatever best expresses that individual barrel's optimal flavor. President's Choice is released only when barrels of this caliber are found, making it one of the rarest and most difficult-to-find expressions in the entire Old Forester lineup.

This is Old Forester at its most authentic and uncompromising: uncut, unfiltered, and bottled exactly as it emerged from the barrel. For collectors and bourbon enthusiasts who want a genuine taste of what a single exceptional barrel can achieve, President's Choice represents the pinnacle of what this 150-plus-year-old distillery has to offer.

Tasting Notes

Expect warm fruit, immense caramel, and vanilla sweetness, with rich chocolate, spicy oak, and toasted grain layered throughout. The palate often shows notes of leather, fire-cured tobacco, and maple sugar, rounded out by baking spice and toasted oak. The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and memorable, with lingering dark chocolate, spicy oak, and a final touch of dark fruit. As a true single barrel release, the exact balance of these notes will vary slightly from barrel to barrel.

Food Pairings

President's Choice's rich, high-proof intensity pairs beautifully with equally bold fare. Try it alongside smoked brisket, dry-aged steak, or a charcuterie board with aged cheddar and dark chocolate, or savor it after dinner alongside a fine cigar to complement its leather and tobacco character.

Serving Suggestions

Old Forester President's Choice is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass to fully appreciate its cask strength complexity. A few drops of water can help open up additional layers of fruit, spice, and oak. Given its rarity, this is a whiskey best savored slowly on a special occasion, ideally shared with fellow bourbon enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes President's Choice unique? Each barrel is hand-selected by Old Forester's president, Campbell P. Brown, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1964. Only barrels showing truly exceptional character earn the President's Choice name, making it one of the rarest expressions Old Forester produces.

What is the alcohol content? Proof varies by individual barrel, typically falling between 110 and 125 proof, since each release is bottled at true, undiluted cask strength.

How old is this bourbon? Barrels are typically aged 7 to 9 years before being selected for President's Choice.

Is this bourbon filtered? No. It's bottled uncut and unfiltered, preserving the whiskey's full character exactly as it came from the barrel.

Is this a good bottle for collectors? Absolutely. As one of the rarest and most sought-after single barrel releases in the Old Forester portfolio, President's Choice is a must-have for serious bourbon collectors.

How should I enjoy it? Neat, in a Glencairn or tulip glass, with a few drops of water optional to open up additional layers of flavor.

Explore More

Looking for more exceptional Kentucky bourbon? Shop our full Bourbon collection to discover more standout single barrel and small batch releases.

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

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