Old Forester "The President's Choice" Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky

The new Old Forester “The President’s Choice” Rye (2025) is a rare, high-proof single-barrel expression—aged for almost 10 years and bottled at 119 proof—highlighting bold ripe spice, dark fruit, toasted oak, and concentrated complexity, making it a standout collectible from Old Forester’s signature single-barrel lineup.

🧭 Overview & Rarity

• First-ever rye released under the President’s Choice label, alongside the renowned bourbon version 

• Each bottle is a single-barrel pick, hand-selected by Master Taster Melissa Rift and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo—true curation at the highest level 

• Originally only available at the Louisville distillery; now seeing its first national distribution in June 2025, though still in very limited quantities 

🧪 Age & Proof

• Aged for 117 months (approx. 9.75 years) in newly charred American oak barrels 

• Barrel strength, typically around 119 proof (59.5% ABV)

• Mash bill: Classic Old Forester rye recipe—65% rye, 20% malted barley, 15% corn 

👃 Nose

Displays a rich, aromatic profile:

• Deep, clove-led spices: cinnamon, cracked black pepper

• Bright dark cherry, cedar, and warm baking spice linger on the nose 

👄 Palate

A powerful yet refined sip:

• Bold rye spice kicks in early, woven with dark chocolate, molasses, burnt orange, and caramel oak—a balanced showcase of sweetness and heat 

• Mouthfeel is robust and non-chill filtered, retaining full flavor and texture 

🔚 Finish

• Long, warming, and menthol-tinged, with echoes of leather, sweet tobacco, and oak spice settling as the spice fades gently .

🎯 Why It Matters

• A rare venture into single-barrel rye from Old Forester, offering exceptional depth and aging rarely seen in their rye lineup 

• Combines collectors’ intrigue with high-proof intensity, appealing to enthusiasts of bold, structured American whisky.

✅ Final Take

This inaugural President’s Choice Rye is a potent, expertly aged rye whiskey—delivering concentrated spice, dark-fruit sweetness, and oaky richness in barrel-proof form. It's a premium rye for your greatest sippers or as a standout cocktail savored neat or with a few drops of water.