Old Forester’s Single Barrel Program Just Got Better

Old Forester Single Barrel 100 Proof and Barrel Strength. Courtesy Photo.

Old Forester has announced a relaunch of their single barrel program – with two new options for proof.

While Old Forester Single Barrels originally came bottled at a sippable 90 proof, trends for bourbon lovers as of late have looked to higher proof expressions. The distillery will now be offering a choice between 100 proof and barrel strength, unfiltered bourbon, while the 90 proof option will be eliminated.

“Since our founding 150 years ago, we’ve always listened to our customers and looked for ways to innovate to meet their tastes,” said Jackie Zykan, Old Forester master taster in a press release this morning. “Proof and filtration are both really important factors in the final flavor and complexity of a whisky, and we wanted to be able to share how special some of these barrels are when the product inside is tasted in raw form.”

The program will remain a private, “by the barrel” purchase, meaning you won’t find these bottles on standard liquor store shelves. Old Forester fans who want to try the new Single Barrel options can purchase a bottle from the distillery, or from stores who have selected a private barrel. The new options should start appearing on shelves around May 2020.

“What I love about our Single Barrel program is the chance it gives me and the brand to connect with our fans one-on-one, creating a bespoke product that’s unique to their personal flavor profile,” continued Zykan. “And with these updates, we have even more options to help our fans find their perfect fit.”

The distillery estimates that the choice of 100 proof bourbon will yield approximately 200 bottles at a suggested retail price of $49.99. Depending on the proof, they say, Barrel Strength bottling will yield approximately 160 bottles at a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Stay tuned for more from the historic Whiskey Row distillery in 2020 – this year, they’re celebrating their 150 year anniversary.

Caroline Paulus
Caroline Paulus is the Senior Editor for The Bourbon Review. She lives and writes in Lexington, Kentucky. Follow her on Instagram @misswhiskeyhistorian to keep up with her latest in bourbon news - and a few old finds, too.