Old Forester’s President’s Choice Bourbon Goes National; New Rye Joins Lineup — and We Tasted Both

Old Forester President’s Choice is adding a rye to the lineup — and will be available beyond the Old Forester distillery for the first time. (Photo: Old Forester)

Old Forester on Thursday announced the nationwide release of its rarest single barrel whiskey, President’s Choice, along with the debut of President’s Choice Rye. The move marks the first time either expression will be available beyond the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville.

The expressions will debut starting June 14, as the brand celebrates National Bourbon Day and the seventh anniversary of its Whiskey Row distillery opening. Limited bottles of both expressions will be released online (available in Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Dakota) and at select retailers across the country, as well as in person at the distillery.

President’s Choice, which dates back to a private barrel program started in 1964 by former company president George Garvin Brown II, features hand-selected barrels aged between seven and nine years. Bottles vary in proof, typically ranging from 110 to 125 proof.

“President’s Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift said in a news release. “We are honored to bring it to a wider audience.”

Each barrel is selected by Rift and assistant master distiller Caleb Trigo for what they describe as exceptional depth and quality.

“Every barrel selected for President’s Choice tells a story,” Trigo said. “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.”

Both expressions of President’s Choice carry a suggested retail price of $225.

Taste Test: How Good Are Old Forester’s 2025 President’s Choice Bourbon and Rye?

We had a chance to taste both expressions ahead of their releases and are here to report back

President’s Choice Bourbon 2025: This single-barrel bourbon opens with a soft, floral nose — think vanilla, cherry and blueberry scones — but leans much oakier and spicier on the palate. Tobacco, clove and dark fruit lead the way, with a long, layered finish of oak, cocoa and mint.

Click here to read our full review.

President’s Choice Rye Whiskey 2025: The rye is bold and balanced. On the nose, spice meets sweetness with maple bark, ginger and orange sherbet. The palate is rich in clove, oak and pine, with a long, earthy finish that adds leather, vanilla and cherry. A rye of the year contender? I think so.

Click here to read our full review.