Owsley Brown I was the son of George Garvin Brown, a pharmaceutical salesman turned bourbon man who started Old Forester all the way back in 1870. In 1940, Owsley purchased a competing brand, Normandy Rye. And now, in 2019, the recipe from that acquisition is finally being put to good use. Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is Old Forester's latest release, and the first new grain recipe from the distillery in nearly 150 years.

Inspired by that original Normandy Rye recipe, it's an all-new mash bill (composition of grains), made up of 65 percent rye, 20 percent malted barley, and 15 percent corn.

"Throughout history, rye whisky showcased a balanced grain recipe," said Master Distiller Chris Morris in a press release. "The high proportion of malted barley in this traditional recipe allows for a wholly natural fermentation process, leveraging Old Forester's proprietary yeast strain. The generous percentage of malted barley yields a unique floral character, producing a remarkably balanced rye."



It's not clear why Old Forester sat on the Normandy recipe for so long, but at 100 proof with notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and baked apple, we can't wait to taste it for ourselves.

Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is expected to retail at $23 and will be available in stores nationwide starting February 1.



Here's hoping it was worth the wait.

Nate Erickson Senior Lifestyle Editor Nate Erickson is the senior lifestyle editor for Esquire.com.

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