Old Forester President’s Choice Returns for National Bourbon Day with Bourbon and Rye Releases

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Coveted Single Barrel Series Returns Nationwide on June 13.

Old Forester is bringing back one of its most sought-after annual releases just in time for National Bourbon Day. The Brown-Forman brand announced the return of President’s Choice, featuring both bourbon and rye single-barrel expressions that will be available in limited quantities nationwide beginning June 13, 2026.

The release coincides with National Bourbon Day and the eighth anniversary of the opening of the Old Forester Distillery on Louisville’s Whiskey Row.

A Modern Revival of a Historic Tradition

President’s Choice traces its roots to 1964 when former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II personally selected and offered private single barrels to consumers. The modern iteration continues that tradition by showcasing some of the distillery’s most exceptional barrels, chosen for their maturity, complexity, and unique flavor profiles.

“It’s always an exciting time for us to bring the next iteration of President’s Choice to whiskey enthusiasts who truly cherish exceptional taste,” said Master Taster Melissa Rift. “Our process of tasting each barrel is rooted in the history of this label, and this year’s release is no exception.”

Bourbon and Rye Return for a Second Year

For the second consecutive year, Old Forester will release both bourbon and rye expressions under the President’s Choice label.

Each barrel is individually selected and bottled at barrel strength, with ages ranging from seven to nine years. Proof points will vary by barrel, falling between 110 and 125 proof.

According to Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo, the selection process focuses on identifying the most distinctive barrels in the warehouses.

“Bringing this coveted bottle to audiences means tasting for the highest, most extraordinary depth of our best barrels, which are always hand selected and tasted by us,” Trigo said. “Craftsmanship is at the heart of every Old Forester bottle and both this bourbon and rye selection are the peak expressions we offer.”

Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Age: 7–9 Years
  • Proof: Varies by barrel (110–125 Proof)
  • MSRP: $225
  • Release Date: June 13, 2026

Old Forester President’s Choice Rye

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Age: 7–9 Years
  • Proof: Varies by barrel (110–125 Proof)
  • MSRP: $225
  • Release Date: June 13, 2026

Availability

The national release begins at 10 a.m. ET on June 13.

A limited allocation will be available for purchase at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Additional bottles will be offered through Old Forester’s online store for shipping to select states where direct shipment is permitted, including:

  • Kentucky
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • North Dakota
  • Washington, D.C.

As with previous President’s Choice releases, availability is expected to be extremely limited and demand among collectors and enthusiasts will likely be high.

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