Spiced syrup | Rich aged oak | Baking spices | Plump raisin | Berry compote | Incredibly pleasing

Rye spice | Dry oak | Cinnamon stick | Leather | Raisin | Leather | Berry syrup | Light brown sugar

Rye spice | Dry oak | Baking spices | Dried tobacco leaf | Faint raisin | Lingering dry oak & spice

Old Forester President’s Choice Rye is a single barrel rye 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 Rye is selected from barrels that range in age from 7-9 years, and this year’s expression varies in proof from 110 to 125.

First impressions count, and this year’s Old Forester President’s Choice Rye wants to make sure you’re aware of what you’re drinking as soon as you lift up the glass to your nose. An incredibly pleasing aroma focused on spiced syrup, rich aged oak, baking spices, plump raisin, and berry compote greets you, which will bring an instant smile to any whiskey lover. For only being aged for 8 years, the whiskey takes a surprising turn towards drier notes in the midpoint, however. Spice is present, but the focus is on dry oak, leather, and cinnamon stick. While a berry syrup note tries to add sweetness, it is no match, and this is the last push for any sweet notes before an incredibly dry, spice-filled finish greets you wrapping up the sip.

The 2026 Old Forester President’s Choice Rye follows a similar path to last year’s release. If the sip ended with the nose, this whiskey would be a grand slam. However, that’s not how life works, and instead it has to contend with the other legs of the tripod that make it up. The focus on dry notes brings the sip back down to reality and holds it back, particularly in the finish. In the end, this is still a great rye, and those willing to pay the high price of admission will be pleased, as long as they know what they’re getting themselves into ahead of time.

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