Raspberry | Cherry | Sweet seasoned oak | Vanilla | Cinnamon | Raisin

Cinnamon spice | Brown sugar | Vanilla extract | Fermented raisin

Dry oak | Spiced raisin | Leather | Cigar leaf | Vanilla powder

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.” The Old Forester President’s Choice line was launched in 2018, and in 2025, the company added rye to the lineup. Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon is selected from barrels that range in age from 7-9 years, and this year’s expression varies in proof from 110 to 125.

This year’s Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon starts off as the best Old Forester bourbons do, with an aroma flushed with rich fruit notes of raspberry and cherry. They’re complemented with sweet seasoned oak, vanilla, cinnamon, and raisin. There was definitely hope these same notes would carry over into the palate and finish, but alas, they don’t. The palate features cinnamon spice up front, with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a fermented raisin note. The finish is noticeably dry and grounded, with spiced raisin, leather, cigar leaf, and vanilla powder.

Some of the best Old Forester bourbons feature the brand’s quintessential raspberry, cherry, sweet raisin, and seasoned oak notes. Though you would expect Brown-Forman to highlight that flavor profile for their President’s Choice Bourbon, they seem more interested in interpreting those flavors through a different prism. At the core, those Old Forester flavors are present, but turned on their head and slightly skewed. It makes for a unique-tasting Old Forester bourbon that subverts expectations. Though this can lead to disappointment, it seems like Brown-Forman is trying to offer its customers a new experience.

This year’s Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon is a solid release with plenty of impactful flavors. With the company releasing so many different Old Forester bourbons nowadays, including their Whiskey Row series, the 117 Series, Birthday Bourbon, and Anniversary bottles, how does the company keep it fresh? The 2026 Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon offers a wide range of flavors that skew dark, spicy, and dry - all qualities not typically found in most Old Forester bourbons. It may not be what longtime fans expect, but it's a reminder that single barrels don't always reinforce a brand's house style - they can challenge it.

‍‍‍The sample provided for review is from a representative barrel; however, the barrel number was not provided by the company.