Old Forester 100 Proof Rye is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky produced by Old Forester, the first bottled bourbon brand in America, founded by George Garvin Brown in 1870. This 1-liter bottle is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), making it bold enough to stand on its own while playing beautifully in cocktails.

The whisky is built on a historic mash bill — acquired by Owsley Brown I in 1940 — consisting of 65% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, and 15% Corn. The high proportion of malted barley enables fully natural fermentation without artificial enzymes, and lends a unique floral character that balances the sharp, brisk spice of the rye grain. Old Forester uses its own proprietary yeast strain and distills every drop at its Louisville, Kentucky distillery.

On the nose, expect moody brown sugar and molasses rounded out by hints of malt with playful notes of root beer and dark fruits. The palate delivers burnt sugar, blood orange, and a hint of black pepper with sweet licorice and subtle oak undertones. The finish is long and lingering, with black pepper and citrus oils offering complex texture and toasted malt rounding out the flavor.

This expression has earned numerous accolades including Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Double Gold at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge, Gold at the 2019 American Whiskey Masters, and a 93-point Finalist/Great Value designation from Ultimate Spirits 2018.