Old Forester Rye is the first Kentucky straight rye whisky from Old Forester, the historic Louisville brand that became the first bottled bourbon back in 1870. Launched in 2019 under the Brown-Forman umbrella, it draws on a genuine piece of whiskey history: the recipe is inspired by Normandy Rye, a brand Brown-Forman acquired in 1940, and it marked the first new mash bill for Old Forester in nearly 150 years. What sets it apart is that mash bill itself, an unusual and distinctive 65 percent rye, 20 percent malted barley, and 15 percent corn. That high proportion of malted barley, well above what most ryes use, allows for a fully natural fermentation without added enzymes and lends the whisky a unique floral, malty character that balances the brisk, peppery spice of the rye grain. As with all Old Forester products, the brand uses its own proprietary yeast strain and distills every drop in house. Bottled at a confident 100 proof, the same strength and value price as its sibling Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon, it is bold enough to anchor a cocktail yet balanced enough to enjoy on its own. Expect a nose of floral notes, brown sugar, citrus zest, mint, soft pine, and black pepper, a palate of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baked bread, banana, and a touch of chocolate and citrus, and a warm, spicy, medium finish. Widely regarded as one of the best values in rye whiskey and a fixture of cocktail bars, it is an outstanding choice for a Manhattan, Sazerac, Old Fashioned, or whiskey sour, and equally rewarding neat or over a large cube.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Old Forester Distilling Company, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Brown-Forman |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky |
| Expression |
Old Forester Rye, 100 Proof |
| Mashbill |
65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 15% Corn |
| Age |
No Age Statement |
| Maturation |
New Charred Oak |
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Bronze amber.
Nose: Floral notes, brown sugar, citrus zest, mint, soft pine, and black pepper.
Palate: Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baked bread, banana, and a touch of chocolate and citrus.
Finish: Warm, spicy, and medium length, with a dry, peppery fade.
FAQ
What makes Old Forester Rye's mashbill unusual? It uses 65 percent rye, 20 percent malted barley, and 15 percent corn. The high malted barley content, rare among ryes, enables a fully natural fermentation and gives the whisky a distinctive floral, malty character.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 100 proof, or 50 percent ABV, the same strength as Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon.
What is its history? It is inspired by Normandy Rye, a brand Brown-Forman acquired in 1940, and was Old Forester's first new mash bill in nearly 150 years when it launched in 2019.
Is it a bourbon? No. It is a Kentucky straight rye whisky, distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky.
How should I drink it? Its 100 proof and spicy, floral profile make it excellent in cocktails like a Manhattan, Sazerac, or Old Fashioned, as well as neat or over a large cube.
Where can I buy Old Forester Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
