Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky 100 Proof 750ml

Old Forester has bottled bourbon since 1870, but this is its first Kentucky straight rye, made from a recipe the company acquired in 1940. The mash bill is unusual: 65% rye, 15% corn and a hefty 20% malted barley.

All that barley lets the mash ferment naturally, with no added enzymes, and gives the whiskey a floral, malty side that softens the rye's pepper. Old Forester uses its own yeast and distills every drop itself. The result is darker than it looks: brown sugar, molasses and root beer on the nose, then burnt sugar, blood orange, black pepper and licorice, with a long, citrusy finish.

At this price and 100 proof, it's the rye we'd put up against Rittenhouse in a Sazerac. Choose Old Forester if you like your rye a little sweeter and maltier, Rittenhouse if you want it drier.

Old Forester publishes its own Sazerac recipe for it. Neat, give it a few minutes in the glass before the first sip.

We carry it in the 750ml size. More bottles are under rye whiskey, and the rest of our whiskey is a click away. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens.