Old Forester Just Released Their First Rye Whisky

Old Forester will forever have a slot on our Whiskey Bucket List. Even if you can’t manage to get your hands on a bottle of Birthday Bourbon, they have plenty of other great options available. This is especially true right now with 1910, 1920 and the rest of the Whiskey Row series. And now, they’re adding to the portfolio with their first rye whiskey. There are a few interesting things of note here. First, the “historic recipe” used to create Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky uses a mash bill of 65% rye, 20% malted barley and 15% corn. 51% rye is legally required, but Old Forester’s rye is 14% higher when compared to other mash bills from stalwarts like Sazerac and Rittenhouse which use the absolute minimum 51% rye. In other words, it’s going to be spicier than some of the low rye options while still being less of a kick in the mouth than high rye MGP-sourced options like Bulleit and Ezra Brooks. The plot thickens when you factor in the increase of malted barley (20%), which is said to impart a unique floral character that balances the spice. Old Forester Rye Whisky will be available nationwide in February.