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

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

Author: Bourbon, Brass & Beyond September 3, 2026 Duration: 8:07

Old Forester President’s Choice 2026 Review

Dan 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

#brownforman

Key points

In 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.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introducing the 2026 Old Forester President’s Choice release

00:29 - Barrel 203 details: 92 months, 123.6 proof

00:57 - Limited online release and multiple barrel variations

01:29 - Why the President’s Choice name matters

01:49 - Comparing the 2026 bottle to the 2025 release

02:41 - Brown sugar and dark fruit on the nose

03:10 - Blueberry and ethanol coming through

03:50 - How air changes and improves the nose

04:45 - Fruit-forward entry on the palate

05:05 - Deep blueberry and grape-like finish

05:40 - Finish length and mouthfeel compared with other pours

06:09 - The bitterness difference versus 2025

07:13 - Second sip becomes sweeter and more layered

07:56 - Expecting more improvement as it opens up

08:25 - Final tasting summary with barrel and proof recap

09:12 - What’s coming up next for the hosts

10:25 - Closing thoughts and listener shout-out

Notable quotes

“Phenomenal nose now.”

“The second drink was a lot sweeter.”

“It’s a solid fresh crack.”

Bourbon, Brass & Beyond - https://www.bourbonbrassandbeyond.com


There’s a particular warmth that comes from good company, a shared pour, and a great story. That’s the feeling at the heart of Bourbon, Brass & Beyond, a podcast hosted by neighbors Bob and Dan. Their friendship frames each conversation, blending two distinct worlds into something uniquely engaging. Bob brings his relentless passion for tracking down remarkable bourbons, a pursuit he balances with being a dad and his role in operations management. Dan offers a different rhythm, drawn from a life spent mastering the trumpet and navigating the skies as an airline pilot, all while raising his own family. This isn’t a formal review show or a technical flight log. Instead, it’s where the hunt for a perfect bottle meets the soulful notes of a brass section and tales from travels high above the clouds. They often open their personal collections, sharing tastes and thoughts with each other and with guests, making every episode feel like an invitation to pull up a chair. The result is a natural exploration of life’s richer flavors and soundtracks. You’ll hear conversations that meander from the nuances of a specific distiller’s craft to the unexpected lessons learned between cities, all underscored by a deep appreciation for the hobbies and moments that define us. Tune in for a podcast that genuinely connects the spirit of bourbon with the music of everyday adventures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Bourbon, Brass & Beyond
Podcast Episodes
Bond & Lillard, WB Saffel, & Russell's Reserve 13 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:29
Join Dan, Calvin, and Noah as we explore the world of bourbon, discussing underrated brands, tasting notes, and the stories behind rare bottles. Perfect for bourbon enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge and disco…
Old Taylor, Old Swagger, & NEW Ass Pocket Whiskey; Ep. 49 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:13
Join Dan and Steph as they recount their adventurous bourbon tasting birthday trip to Kentucky, exploring distilleries, rare bottles, and memorable experiences. Perfect for bourbon enthusiasts and travel lovers alike.Key…
4 Episode Compilation with Nick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:03
The conversation revolves around bourbon tasting and comparisons, as well as exploring different bourbon releases. The hosts engage in a detailed discussion about various bourbon releases, comparing flavors, mouthfeel, a…
OADE Armagnac with Dan Hakker; Ep. 48 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:36
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Armagnac with Dan Hacker, delving into its history, production, and unique characteristics. Discover how this rare spirit compares to bourbon, the intricacies of aging, and…
Spring vs Fall Old Fitzgerald; Ep. 47 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:20
Join Nick and Dan as we explore the nuances of bourbon tasting, comparing spring and fall releases of Old Fitzgerald decanters, and delve into the unique characteristics of different whiskeys. Learn about bottle aging, f…
Elijah Craig 15 vs 18 Year Single Barrels; Ep. 46 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:13
Nick joins Dan as we explore the nuances of Elijah Craig's latest releases, the 15-year and 18-year single barrel bourbons, comparing their flavors, aging processes, and market dynamics. This episode offers insights into…
Seelbach and Old Elk Wheated Bourbons; Ep. 45 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:16
Join us as we explore a variety of wheated bourbon whiskey tastings, discuss the nuances of different brands, and share insights on collecting and appreciating fine spirits. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts and curious ne…