Old Forester Barrel Strength “I’m Your Barrel Proof!” pick from BCA

Last Updated on June 1, 2021 by 5e2793

Ace Liquor Center & Bourbon Club of Arkansas Joint Selection

PUBLISH DATE: June 2021

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) has officially unveiled one of its most powerful and anticipated releases of 2021: the Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength pick fittingly titled “I’m Your Barrel Proof!” — a collaboration with Ace Liquor Center.

This release marked the fifth club pick of the year and followed an already impressive lineup that included selections from New Riff, Barrell Bourbon, SAOS, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Even among that strong field, this Old Forester barrel stood out immediately for its sheer intensity and depth.

Barrel Details at a Glance

• Distillery: Old Forester
• Proof: 133.8 (66.8% ABV)
• Warehouse: Warehouse I
• Floor: 8
• Selection Type: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength
• Pick Name: I’m Your Barrel Proof!

First Tasting Notes (Source: Gary Penna – June 16, 2021)

“Old Forester SB Barrel Strength ‘I’m Your Barrel Proof!’ — Ace Liquor Center/BCA Joint Pick.
Color: Deep Mahogany.
Nose: A toasted marshmallow and caramel nose bomb… charred oak, maple syrup, hints of banana, and dark cherry.
Palate: A caramel mouth punch with strong vanilla and maple syrup… incredibly rich and creamy. The proof fades as the bourbon opens.
Finish: Lingering buttery dark cherry pastry with caramelized sugar, marshmallow, and graham cracker notes.”
— Gary Penna, Bourbon Club of Arkansas

Gary went on to call this release one of his personal favorites of the year, awarding it his famously tongue-in-cheek “How much is the rent for this gorgeous apartment?” rating — high praise within BCA circles.

Why This Barrel Matters

Old Forester Barrel Strength single barrels are already known for delivering unfiltered, undiluted bourbon straight from the barrel, but this selection pushed the envelope even by those standards. At nearly 134 proof, the whiskey managed to retain balance, richness, and approachability — a combination that’s increasingly rare at this proof level.

The pick also highlighted the importance of warehouse and floor placement, with Warehouse I / Floor 8 historically producing bourbons with deeper oak influence, concentrated sugars, and layered dessert notes — all of which showed clearly in this barrel.

About Old Forester Distillery

Founded in 1870, Old Forester is widely recognized as America’s first continuously sold bourbon brand, surviving Prohibition by producing medicinal whiskey. Today, it operates under Brown-Forman, one of the most respected names in American spirits.

Old Forester is unique among Kentucky distilleries for distilling, aging, and bottling all of its bourbon in downtown Louisville, maintaining full control over every step of production. The brand is also known for its transparency, frequently releasing detailed barrel, warehouse, and floor information — a major reason its single barrel program is so highly regarded.

Much of the modern acclaim surrounding Old Forester’s barrel program is credited to Master Taster Jackie Zykan, whose influence helped elevate the brand’s barrel strength and single barrel offerings into must-buy territory for enthusiasts nationwide.

Looking Ahead

“I’m Your Barrel Proof!” represented the fifth of six planned BCA selections for 2021, with the final pick teased for a September announcement. At the time of release, anticipation was already high — but few expected this Old Forester barrel to become one of the year’s most talked-about club selections.

For Arkansas bourbon fans, this bottle wasn’t just another pick — it was a benchmark release.