Old Forester President's Choice Rye Review

Welcome to our rye whiskey review of Old Forester President's Choice Rye Whiskey 2025. This release carries significant weight—it represents the first rye whiskey in one of American whiskey's most storied single barrel programs, and the first time President's Choice has been offered beyond the distillery walls.

Heritage & Single Barrel Character

The President's Choice lineage traces back to 1964, when George Garvin Brown II began setting aside exceptional individual barrels for private selection. For over six decades, this was exclusively a bourbon affair. The decision to extend the program to rye signals Old Forester's growing confidence in their rye whiskey, which only launched in 2019. In just six years, their rye program has matured enough to produce barrels worthy of the brand's most prestigious label.

Each President's Choice Rye is a true single barrel experience—uncut, unfiltered, and bottled at its individual cask strength. This means every bottle offers a slightly different proof and flavor profile, which is both the appeal and the challenge of single barrel programs. The barrels reviewed across multiple outlets ranged from 110 to 125 proof, with each delivering a distinct take on Old Forester's 65/20/15 rye mashbill.

Flavor Complexity

What unites the various barrels is intensity. This is a bold, spice-forward rye with substantial oak character for its 7–9 years of age. The charred oak influence is prominent—sometimes aggressively so—layered with cinnamon, clove, anise, and herbal notes that define Old Forester's rye character. The higher proportion of malted barley (20%) compared to many rye mashbills contributes a distinctive richness and creamy texture that sets Old Forester rye apart from the crowd.

Value & Critical Reception

Critical reception has been enthusiastic but measured. The complexity and drinkability below proof were widely praised, though some questioned whether $225 represents fair value for a 7–9-year rye when comparable experiences exist for less. The standard Old Forester Single Barrel Rye, which shares the same mashbill at barrel proof, runs under $100—making the President's Choice a harder sell on pure liquid merits alone.

What justifies the premium is the selection. Not every Old Forester rye barrel earns the President's Choice designation—these are the outliers, the exceptional barrels that stood apart during tasting. Whether that distinction is worth an additional $150+ over the standard single barrel is a personal judgment call that depends on how much you value rarity and the very best barrel selections.

Our Verdict

Our unbiased rye whiskey review concludes that Old Forester President's Choice Rye 2025 is a confident, well-executed debut that showcases the potential of Brown-Forman's rye program. The liquid is excellent—complex, layered, and full of character. The value question is the only hesitation, and for collectors and Old Forester enthusiasts, the historic significance of this first-ever rye release may tip the scales. This is a whiskey that deserves attention regardless of where you land on the price.