PurSpirit & Arkansas Barrel Heads Select Two Old Forester Barrels in Louisville

Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by 5e2793

Black Label 100 Proof and Blue Label Barrel Strength

On February 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM, Steve Crowe of Arkansas Barrel Heads made an announcement that will have bourbon fans across Arkansas paying attention.

What began as a focused trip to Louisville to select a single Old Forester Black Label 100 Proof barrel quickly became something much bigger.

They are bringing home two barrels.

The Story Behind the Pick

According to Crowe’s Facebook post, the team traveled to Louisville with one goal: select a Black Label 100 Proof Old Forester.

At 100 proof, there was zero debate.

The selection was unanimous.

Described as balanced, bold, and carrying that classic Old Forester richness, the chosen barrel reportedly delivered signature sweetness and structure while clearly standing above the other samples on the table. It was the best 100 proof any of them had tasted, and that is saying something for a group that does not approach picks casually.

But the visit did not end there.

The team asked to taste another sample at barrel strength. The same whiskey, not proofed down. No water added. Just the barrel in its natural state.

Again, unanimous.

The Blue Label barrel strength sample, clocking in north of 130 proof, was selected without hesitation. Crowe described it as the best Blue Label he has ever had. While some barrel strength Old Forester releases can lean intense and aggressive, this one reportedly drank like a 90 proofer. Smooth. Layered. Sweet. Rich caramel and dark oak. Almost no heat on the front end, followed by that slow, creeping reminder that you are holding something well over 130 proof.

The result: Arkansas Barrel Heads is coming home with both.

Two completely different proof points. Two completely different drinking experiences. Both hand selected. Both unanimously chosen.

About Old Forester

Old Forester is one of the most historic and consistent names in American bourbon.

Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, Old Forester was the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles. At a time when whiskey quality varied wildly and adulteration was common, Brown’s decision to seal every bottle created consumer trust and set a new industry standard.

Old Forester also survived Prohibition under a federal medicinal whiskey permit, making it one of the very few American whiskey brands with uninterrupted production dating back to the 19th century.

Today, the brand is owned by Brown-Forman, the Louisville-based spirits company that also produces Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniel’s. The modern Old Forester distillery on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville pays tribute to the brand’s deep roots while continuing full-scale production.

The house profile is unmistakable: caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, fruit notes, and structured oak. Their 100 proof expression has long been regarded as one of the best values in bourbon. Meanwhile, their single barrel and barrel strength offerings highlight how dramatically proof influences character.

Which brings us back to this Arkansas selection.

Black Label 100 Proof: Dialed In

Old Forester 100 Proof, often referred to as the Black Label, is a classic. It carries weight without overwhelming heat and sweetness without sacrificing backbone.

For Arkansas Barrel Heads to describe this barrel as the best 100 proof they have ever had suggests a selection that amplifies everything people love about the expression. Expect depth of caramel, balanced oak, classic Brown-Forman fruit tones, and a sturdy 100 proof structure that works equally well neat or with a single cube.

This is the kind of bottle that becomes a go-to pour.

Blue Label Barrel Strength: Chemistry on Display

Proofing whiskey down is chemistry. Adding water changes mouthfeel, structure, aroma, and the way flavors present themselves.

Some barrels shine brightest at a certain proof. Others reveal their true character when left untouched.

According to Crowe’s notes, this Blue Label barrel strength sample was something special. Despite pushing past 130 proof, it reportedly drank far softer than expected. Smooth and layered with rich caramel and dark oak, it offered sweetness up front with very little initial burn before that slow build of heat reminded you exactly what you were holding.

Barrel strength Old Forester can be powerful. When you find one that carries strength without harshness, that is when it becomes memorable.

PurSpirit’s Role

A special thanks was extended to Kyle and PurSpirit for helping facilitate and host the selection, along with Wil for joining the pick team.

Barrel picks at this level are not accidental. They require relationships, access, preparation, and a palate that knows what it is looking for. PurSpirit continues to establish itself as a key player in bringing high quality single barrels to Arkansas enthusiasts.

What This Means for Arkansas Bourbon Fans

This release offers something unique: two expressions from the same producer, selected on the same trip, representing two dramatically different proof points.

One bottle showcases balance and structure at 100 proof.

The other showcases full barrel strength intensity north of 130 proof.

Both were unanimously selected.

If the tasting notes from Louisville translate to the bottle the way they were described, these will not quietly linger on shelves.

Stay tuned for release details from PurSpirit and Arkansas Barrel Heads.

Y’all asked for big things.

They’re just getting started.