Old Forester President's Choice: First National Release Of Bourbon & New Rye
In a move set to electrify the American whiskey landscape, Old Forester has just announced the national debut of its highly coveted and historically rare expression, President's Choice Bourbon. Previously, this gem was primarily confined to the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, and a few Kentucky retailers. Now, for the first time, President's Choice Bourbon will be offered at select retailers nationwide, albeit in limited quantities, opening a new chapter for this exceptional spirit.
But the news for whiskey enthusiasts gets even better. Alongside the expanded reach of the bourbon, Old Forester is, for the very first time, introducing President's Choice Rye. This marks a significant expansion of the President's Choice line, which sees its limited-release bottles quickly disappear into the hands of bourbon collectors and whiskey enthusiasts. By offering a line extension and an expanded release opportunity, Old Forester is signaling that it has no intention of dialing back its highly popular limited-release lineups that bourbon aficionados crave. This latest strategic move ensures that more discerning consumers will have the chance to experience these hand-selected, high-proof treasures.
Master Taster Melissa Rift underscored the significance of this moment, noting, "President's Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky. We are honored to bring it to a wider audience."
Old Forester President's Choice Bourbon.
What fundamentally elevates any spirit bearing the President's Choice name is its unwavering commitment to the single-barrel expression. Unlike standard blends that marry multiple barrels for consistency, each bottle of President's Choice originates from an individual barrel, hand-selected by its President for its truly exceptional character. This meticulous practice isn't a new innovation for Old Forester; it began in 1890 and sporadically continued for decades. In 1964, then-president George Garvin Brown II introduced The President's Choice bottles, which were given to VIPs, executives, and other dignitaries. It was first offered to the public in 2018, coinciding with the opening of the Old Forrester Distillery on Louisville's Whiskey Row.
Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks. This rigorous selection process ensures that only barrels displaying remarkable quality and a distinct flavor profile—those that rise above even Old Forester's already high standards—earn the coveted "President's Choice" label. It's a testament to a philosophy that values unique excellence over uniform consistency.
"Every barrel selected for President's Choice tells a story,' says Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. 'These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it's the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester's craftsmanship."
Because different barrels are selected and not blended for every President's Choice, it is possible to get several different expressions in one release. This inherent variability is both its defining characteristic and its profound allure. Each barrel, whether bourbon or rye, is aged between seven and nine years. They are bottled at robust proof points, ranging from 110 to 125 proof, designed to showcase the liquid at its finest.
Old Forester President's Choice Rye.
Both the President's Choice Bourbon and the inaugural Rye (from Rye Barrel #1) will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $225, reflecting their premium status and rarity. However, they will likely command a far higher price on the secondary market.
For those who want a bottle, Old Forester Distillery will also be releasing a limited number for in-person purchase at the distillery and through their online store at shop.oldforester.com. This online release, scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 14th, will allow shipping to states where it is legal (D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only). This date holds special significance, as it coincides with National Bourbon Day and marks the 7th anniversary of the opening of the Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row.
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