Every Old Forester release is built on the simple belief of its founder, George Garvin Brown. Every bottle contains a liquid that is better than anything else in the market. Across the brand’s offerings, there are releases that are large and some that are celebrated for their rarity. This year’s President’s Choice diverges into two paths, and one will have whiskey drinkers running to secure a bottle.
From Birthday Bourbon to the 117 Series, Old Forester delights whiskey and bourbon drinkers with each new offering. Whether they keep these special, limited releases for a special occasion or happily sip a neat pour when the mood hits, spirits aficionados appreciate the craft and care pulled from every barrel.
With the President’s Choice release, it is more than the distillers experimenting with a trend or referencing a specific moment in time. The bourbon is tied to former Brown-Forman President George Garvin Brown II and his decision to release select single barrels. Even decades ago, people appreciated the uniqueness of these special unicorns.
For the 2025 President’s Choice release, Old Forester expands on that initial intent from back in 1964. This year marks the occasion that the brand’s most coveted expression can be put in the hands of more drinks.
Master Taster Melissa Rift commented that many people have never seen a bottle of this treasured Old Forester offering and even fewer people have tasted it. By expanding the release, a larger audience can experience the beauty of this magical elixir.
This year’s expansion is two-fold. In addition to the national debut, Old Forester is offering a secondary President’s Choice, President’s Choice Rye. Given that rye, which has underlying spicy, peppery notes, has surged in popularity, Old Forester welcomes a new group of drinkers who will be delighted with the special offering.
With the 2025 Old Forester Rye, the spicy qualities are quite apparent on first sip. For rye drinkers, they will swoon over the delicate balance of the traditional rye aspects with the smoothness of the spirit. With a hint of sweetness on the nose, this release wants to tell a story. Like an alluring woman seen from afar, the first sip draws you closer, lingers, and invites you back to experience it again.
Since it is at 117 proof, it can benefit from being served over a single cube. Also, a small dropper of water can allow the spirit to open. The 2025 President’s Choice Rye would be an amazing after dinner drink following a tomahawk chop or a rich short rib with risotto.
With the 2025 President’s Choice Bourbon, the connection between the two spirits is clear. It can be seen on the nose. But, at first sip, this release has a touch of whimsy. Similar to previous releases, the sweetness is clear. Truthfully, there is moment of simplistic joy, like a child who is elated to have the first cookie from the oven, when the spirit is brought to the nose. Every bottle has a story, and every drinker makes that sipping experience her own.
Similar to the 2024 release, there are signature Brown Foreman characteristics and some oak. The biggest takeaway from this year’s release seems to be the balance of approachability and craftsmanship. Yes, it is a big pour at 120 proof, but it welcomes even the less experienced bourbon drinker.
Both President’s Choice offerings are aged between seven to nine years. The proof can range from 110 to 125. The release goes on sale June 14 at 10 a.m. ET. It will be sold at the Old Forester Distillery and online. The price is $225 and bottles are limited.
In the spirit world, unicorns are treasured as much as the tales of those mythical creatures in folklore. The 2025 President’s Choice releases from Old Forester should be experienced before the disappear.