Old Forester Single Barrel, Strength Bourbon 129.9Proof

Old Forester holds a special place in American whiskey history as the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles back in 1870, guaranteeing consistency and authenticity at a time when bulk whiskey dominated the market. Today, the distillery continues to honor that legacy with its Single Barrel Barrel Strength series—expressions that reflect the individuality of a single cask, untouched and unfiltered, showcasing the whiskey in its purest form.

This particular barrel, bottled at a formidable 129.9 proof (64.95% ABV), represents the intensity and depth for which barrel strength bourbon is known. Unlike small batch or batched releases, a single barrel expression carries the unique fingerprint of one cask, meaning no two bottlings are ever identical. The whiskey is drawn straight from the barrel without dilution, retaining the natural oils, congeners, and layered complexities that develop during years of maturation inside charred American oak.

Old Forester’s warehouses in Louisville, Kentucky, are known for their heat cycling process, exposing barrels to fluctuations in temperature that accelerate the interaction between whiskey and wood. The result in a high-proof single barrel is a bold concentration of character—powerful, full-bodied, and unapologetically rich. The whiskey’s deep amber hue hints at years of patient aging, while the nose and palate deliver the intensity that only barrel strength can provide.

While every barrel tells its own story, the hallmark traits of Old Forester’s mashbill (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley) come through: a foundation of sweet, corn-driven richness, elevated by rye spice, caramelized oak, and a long, warming finish. The 129.9 proof bottling particularly emphasizes the depth of charred oak influence, concentrated vanilla, and robust baking spice notes that have become signatures of the brand’s higher proof offerings.

Each sip is not only an exploration of flavor but also a connection to bourbon heritage—capturing the raw, undiluted essence of Kentucky craftsmanship. For collectors, enthusiasts, and those who value intensity in whiskey, this single barrel is both a bold statement and a testament to why Old Forester remains one of the most respected names in bourbon.

Old Forester is one of the true pioneers of American whiskey, often called “the first bottled bourbon.” Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown in Louisville, Kentucky, Old Forester was the first brand to exclusively sell its bourbon in sealed glass bottles — a revolutionary move that assured drinkers of consistent quality and protection against adulterated whiskey. This bold decision set the foundation for trust and authenticity in the bourbon industry, values that continue to define the brand to this day.

As the only bourbon to be produced continuously before, during, and after Prohibition, Old Forester has an unbroken legacy that spans over 150 years. While many distilleries shuttered during America’s “dry years,” Old Forester received one of only a handful of government licenses to produce medicinal whiskey, keeping the brand alive while others disappeared.

The brand is still produced by the Brown family through Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits companies. Distilled at the Old Forester Distillery on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, the whiskey benefits from traditional production methods combined with modern consistency. A signature hallmark of Old Forester is its heat-cycled warehouses, a method that accelerates and deepens maturation by controlling seasonal temperature swings, producing bourbons with rich flavor intensity and complexity.

From its classic 86 Proof expression to limited releases like the Birthday Bourbon and the 150th Anniversary Series, Old Forester is known for balance, boldness, and a flavor profile that spans approachable everyday sipping bourbons to high-octane barrel strength bottlings. The Single Barrel program, including the 129.9 Proof expression, reflects the brand’s willingness to let individual casks shine — raw, undiluted, and packed with character.

Today, Old Forester stands not only as a historic name in bourbon but also as a living symbol of innovation, integrity, and the enduring spirit of Kentucky whiskey-making.