The President's Choice is the most exclusive regular expression Old Forester makes, and it operates on a completely different basis from the rest of the range. Every bottle comes from one barrel, hand selected by Campbell P. Brown, a fifth generation member of the founding family, and bottled at that barrel's own strength by his direction. Nothing is blended, nothing is proofed down to a house standard, and nothing is filtered into uniformity. What that means practically is that the specifications are written onto each label by hand, because they are true of that barrel and no other. This bottle comes from barrel number 162, aged at least 88 months, which is a little over seven years, and bottled at 57.70 percent alcohol by volume, or 115.4 proof. Another President's Choice bottle will carry different numbers in all three fields. That variability is the entire proposition. A single barrel at cask strength gives you the whisky exactly as the wood left it, with all the character that blending is designed to average out, and at this strength the concentration is considerable. Expect deep amber color, a nose of rich caramel, dark cherry, toasted oak and warm baking spice, then a full and oily palate carrying vanilla, dried fruit, cocoa and pepper. The finish is long, dry and assertive. Drink it neat first to see what this particular barrel is doing, then add a few drops of water, which at 115 proof will open it considerably. Record the barrel number if you like it, because you will not find it again.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
57.70% |
| Proof |
115.4 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Louisville, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky |
| Expression |
The President's Choice, single barrel |
| Barrel Number |
162 |
| Age |
At least 88 months |
| Selection |
Hand selected by Campbell P. Brown |
| Bottling |
Single barrel, barrel strength |
| Producer |
Old Forester Distilling Co., Brown Forman |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep rich amber with mahogany depth, heavy legs in the glass.
Nose: Rich caramel and dark cherry lead, with toasted oak, warm baking spice and a note of leather.
Palate: Full bodied and oily, carrying vanilla, dried fruit and cocoa against black pepper and firm oak tannin, with real intensity at barrel strength.
Finish: Long, dry and assertive, closing on oak, spice and lingering caramel warmth.
FAQ
What proof is this bottle? This particular bottle is 115.4 proof, or 57.70 percent alcohol by volume. Because each release comes from a single barrel bottled at its own strength, the proof varies from bottle to bottle.
What barrel is it from? Barrel number 162, aged at least 88 months. Both figures are written by hand onto this label and apply only to this barrel.
Who selects the barrels? Campbell P. Brown, a fifth generation member of the founding family, hand selects each barrel and directs its bottling.
Will another bottle taste the same? No. Every President's Choice bottling comes from a different barrel with its own age, proof and character, which is the point of a single barrel release.
Should I add water? Try it neat first, then add a few drops. At over 115 proof water opens the aromatics noticeably and softens the tannin without diluting the character.
Where can I buy Old Forester The President's Choice online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
