About the product
Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey delivers bold, uncut character straight from the barrel. Each bottle is hand-selected and bottled at full proof, showcasing the rich complexity that comes from careful aging in charred American oak. This Kentucky straight bourbon reveals layers of vanilla, caramel, and spice with a warming finish. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate authentic, unadulterated flavor and the craftsmanship behind premium bourbon.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Tasting Notes
A deep amber bourbon with remarkable intensity, this single barrel release opens with concentrated aromas of dark caramel, toasted oak, and baking spices. On the palate, layers of rich brown sugar, molasses, and vanilla bean meet bold rye spice and charred oak. The high proof delivers a powerful mouthfeel, coating and warming, with hints of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and tobacco emerging as it develops. The finish is long, structured, and deeply warming, leaving lingering notes of spice and oak.
Food Pairings
Starter Smoked brisket sliders with a touch of barbecue glaze, or a charcuterie plate featuring prosciutto and aged salami.
Main Course Grilled ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce, or roasted duck with a maple-bourbon glaze.
Cheese Aged Gouda, sharp cheddar, or blue cheese for contrast with the bourbon’s richness.
Dessert Dark chocolate fondant, pecan pie, or crème brûlée with caramelized sugar crust to mirror the whiskey’s caramel depth.
About the brand
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.
