The 2018 revival of The President’s Choice brings back a Brown-Forman tradition from the 1950’s and 60’s, when Brown-Forman President George Garvin Brown would personally select barrels to be bottled exclusively for special customers. His grandson, Old Forester President Campbell Brown, now selects the barrels along with Master Taster Jackie Zykan, and the new version is available primarily at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville and a handful of selected Kentucky retailers. The strength will vary from barrel to barrel, and these tasting notes are for Barrel #1.

The nose is full of caramel, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, soft spices, and a nice oakiness. The taste is thick and chewy with spicy notes of cinnamon and black pepper balanced by honey, vanilla, and caramel. The finish is long and chest-warming. A great dram for a chilly night! (October, 2018)