Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon is a single barrel bourbon that the company states “is specifically selected from matured barrels with exquisite quality and distinct characteristics.” Launched in 2018, the bourbon is “inspired by private single barrels offered in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II.” Since its launch, the bourbon has only been available at the Old Forester Distillery in downtown Louisville.

‍‍In June 2025, the company expanded the reach of its Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon by opening up availability at select retailers nationwide. Notably, with this change of availability, the company also changed the age range of the barrels selected for this release. Since its launch, the barrels used were aged 7-12 years; however, going forward, the range of age of barrels selected will be 7-9 years.

‍‍The sample provided for review is from a representative barrel, but neither its age nor barrel number was provided by the company.

A fantastic classic aroma greets you right away, which will bring a smile to any bourbon lover. Cinnamon sticks, baking spices, and oak scents waft out, while freshly baked raisin bread and vanilla extract pull through upon further inspection. Brown sugar adds a sweet note along with hints of nutmeg and spiced apples. If there were a scratch-and-sniff designed around what a classic bourbon smells like, Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon would be it.

The palate is marked by many of the same classic notes introduced by the aroma. It starts with a pleasing cinnamon spice note that mingles with brown sugar and oak. Baked pie crust adds depth along with a dash of rye spice and spiced raisin. While not quite reaching the same level of its exceptional nose, the palate is still an excellent midpoint of the sip.

A combination of rye and cinnamon spice kicks things off. The rye spice persists, while the cinnamon spice transitions to a dry, cinnamon-like note. Oak and leather add a touch of dryness, while a faint hint of vanilla powder helps balance them out. Providing a slightly chewy mouthfeel, it’s a powerhouse ending to the sip, and thanks to its truly incredible length, it allows you to take time to really enjoy its fantastic flavors and extend the pour between sips.

In a sea of bourbons that use various blending techniques, barrel finishes, or ultra-high age statements, sometimes the simplest things stand out the most. Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon is far from the oldest bourbon available, nor is it finished in any sort of exotic secondary barrel. Instead, it focuses on being truly exceptional, quintessential bourbon. Looking backward, a release with similar underlying qualities comes to mind: Heaven Hill’s Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope. Also a single barrel release, it was (unexcitingly) drawn from the same stocks as Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond, aged for 10 years, and proofed down to 96. On paper, there was very little to get excited about. However, the quality of bourbon barrels selected was immediately apparent on first sip, and it earned one of the few 5 barrel ratings we have awarded on this site.

While some may decry the fact that the company lowered the age range of barrels selected for President’s Choice compared to the previous release, my honest retort to that is, so what? While each single barrel will be slightly different, if the line delivers a delicious, classic-tasting sip, why does it matter what the age range used is? At the end of the day, excellent bourbon is excellent bourbon.

Age aside, what I find unique about this bourbon is the lack of red fruit notes that are so often found in Old Forester bourbons. This isn’t a bad thing; however, it is interesting to see, considering this is the cream of the crop of what Old Forester has to offer. It’s a small detail, but one that hardcore fans of the brand will instantly notice. For everyone else, however, the main focus will be on the enjoyable classic flavors from start to finish.

Limited edition bourbon pricing has turned into a frivolous game. Prices continue to rise, and a majority of consumers scoff at them. Bourbons that used to cost $50 now cost four or five times that, and ultra luxury bourbons costing a thousand dollars or more are becoming more and more common. It’s easy to look at Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon’s $225 price, roll your eyes, and instantly write it off.

The thing to remember is that price doesn’t define quality, whether it’s good or bad. In the case of Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon, its price is actually justified, especially when you consider that King of Kentucky, another exceptional bourbon by Brown-Forman, is priced $100 higher. In today’s world of skyrocketing prices, it is well worth the price of admission.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype of new and exciting when it comes to limited releases. Lacking a high age statement, a barrel finish, or any special blending, Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon bucks the trend of what many other brands are chasing after right now. Instead, it focuses on delivering a sip from the best of the best barrels that Old Forester has to offer. While each single barrel will be slightly different, it’s safe to assume that most barrels selected have a similar flavor profile. It isn’t a flashy bourbon, but it doesn’t need to be either, and that’s what makes it so exceptional.