By Kurt Maitland
Rating: A
(Credit: Brown-Forman)
Old Forester is a well known (one could safely say iconic) brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whisky produced by the Brown–Forman Corporation. It was the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles, first bottled and marketed in 1870 by the former pharmaceutical salesman turned bourbon-merchant prince, George Garvin Brown. The Brown–Forman Corporation is managed by his family to this day.
This release is the national debut of one of Old Forester’s most coveted and rarest expressions, President’s Choice. This was previously available only at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville and this marks the first time President’s Choice Bourbon and a new expression – President’s Choice Rye – will be offered at select retailers nationwide.
This release was Inspired by private single barrels offered in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II, this modern offering is calls back to those releases using specifically selected from matured barrels with exquisite quality and distinct characteristics.
The Bourbon
Color – Mahogany
Nose – Honey Maple BBQ Sauce, caramel vanilla ice cream. This nose is a meal. Dinner and dessert with no veggies.
ABV – 121.9% proof
Taste – Simply beautiful. Baking spices with hints of cinnamon and cocoa. The sweet promise of the nose is fulfilled with the flavors of this release. More of a cake and ice cream dessert than a summer bbq dinner but you will leave the table happy.
Mouthfeel – Soft and slightly dry at first before we roll into the amazing middle and finish.
Finish – The finish here is so long it lasts longer than a run-on sentence. You might be able to do a lap around the block and still have hints of this finish keeping you company
Notes – For me, Old Forester has been a joy to taste in the bourbon space with multiple releases at good price points that offer value at all levels. This release isn’t cheap but when you taste it, you know what you are paying for, which is not the case with every bourbon these days.
The Price
In the US, this should run around $225 but odds are you will be paying more for this limited release. Grab it if you can!
