Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is the first rye expression from Old Forester, America's First Bottled Bourbon, produced by the Brown-Forman Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky. This 100 proof (50% ABV) rye whisky is built on a historic recipe acquired in 1940 by Owsley Brown I, featuring a distinctive mash bill of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn.

The unusually high proportion of malted barley enables a fully natural fermentation process, eliminating the need for artificial enzymes typically found in high-rye mash bills. This generous malt content also yields a unique floral character that balances the sharp, brisk spice of the rye grain. Old Forester uses its own proprietary yeast strain, produces every barrel, and distills every drop in-house.

On the nose, expect moody brown sugar and molasses rounded out by hints of malt and playful notes of root beer and dark fruits. The palate delivers burnt sugar, blood orange, a hint of black pepper, sweet licorice, and subtle oak undertones. The finish is long and lingering, with black pepper and citrus oils offering complex texture while toasted malt rounds out the flavor. Bottled at 100 proof, Old Forester Rye plays beautifully in cocktails such as a Sazerac but also stands up boldly on its own.