Review of 2026 Old Forester President's Choice; Ep. 83

Old Forester President’s Choice 2026 ReviewDan and Calvin taste and compare the 2026 Old Forester President’s Choice release, focusing on how it opens up in the glass, how it differs from the 2025 bottle, and whether the fresh crack delivers on the nose, palate, and finish. This is a short bourbon review with a clear tasting arc: initial impressions, evolution after air, and a quick comparison to a previous year’s release.#bourbon #whiskey #oldforester #presidentschoice #2026release #bourbonbrassandbeyond #podcast #bourbonreview #bourbontasting#brownformanKey pointsIn this episode, the hosts review the 2026 Old Forester President’s Choice release from a fresh crack and compare it directly to the 2025 bottle.They note the specific barrel details for the 2026 bottle: Barrel 203, aged 92 months, bottled at 61.8% ABV, or 123.6 proof.The nose stands out immediately with brown sugar, dark fruit, blueberry, and a fruit profile that becomes more expressive as the whiskey breathes.The palate starts with fruit and spice, then shifts into a deeper grape and blueberry character.The finish is described as a little hotter, thinner, and shorter than some other pours they had that night.A noticeable bitterness appears after the initial sip, though they describe it as not unpleasant, just less desirable than the 2025 release.The 2025 version is remembered as having a longer finish and avoiding that bitter turn on the back end.On the second sip, the bourbon seems sweeter and more layered, suggesting the bottle may improve with more time open.They conclude that it is a solid fresh crack with a phenomenal nose, even if it does not quite outperform the 2025 bottle right away.The episode closes with a casual life update about bourbon hunting, work, travel, and upcoming vacation plans.Timestamps00:00 - Introducing the 2026 Old Forester President’s Choice release00:29 - Barrel 203 details: 92 months, 123.6 proof00:57 - Limited online release and multiple barrel variations01:29 - Why the President’s Choice name matters01:49 - Comparing the 2026 bottle to the 2025 release02:41 - Brown sugar and dark fruit on the nose03:10 - Blueberry and ethanol coming through03:50 - How air changes and improves the nose04:45 - Fruit-forward entry on the palate05:05 - Deep blueberry and grape-like finish05:40 - Finish length and mouthfeel compared with other pours06:09 - The bitterness difference versus 202507:13 - Second sip becomes sweeter and more layered07:56 - Expecting more improvement as it opens up08:25 - Final tasting summary with barrel and proof recap09:12 - What’s coming up next for the hosts10:25 - Closing thoughts and listener shout-outNotable quotes“Phenomenal nose now.”“The second drink was a lot sweeter.”“It’s a solid fresh crack.”Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com