Latest news with #MelissaRift
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kentucky hosts Bourbon and Belonging event to welcome LGBTQ+ revelers
Kentucky hosts Bourbon and Belonging event to welcome LGBTQ+ revelers The image of a bourbon drinker has too often been that of a white cis male and his friends hanging out in rugged environments. But for a week in October 2024 at more than 60 locations in Kentucky, where 95% of the world's bourbon is produced, white cis males were in the and Belonging was a first-of-its-kind event aimed at making Kentucky's signature product a more inclusive experience. From small, curated dinners featuring bourbon pairings to large celebrations of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle, Bourbon and Belonging opened the doors and the bottles to a new audience. Some of the gatherings were free, and some came with a small price Forester, located on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row, hosted four separate events, including a garden party on the rooftop of the company headquarters where Simone the DJ emceed the event. 'It was wonderful, what we call an unwind moment,' Melissa Rift, a master taster at Old Forester and member of the LGBTQ+ community, says. 'There is a lot of stress in our community, and this was certainly a laid-back event with music and food and connections. It felt good.' About 85 people attended Old Forester's free rooftop garden party. Their other events included an intimate 10-person tour and tasting, and co-hosted events with other bourbon brands in northern Kentucky. In addition to visitors from nearly every state, Rift talked with couples from Canada, Brazil and several Caribbean the western Kentucky city of Paducah, Landee Bryant was among the merchants who immediately embraced the idea of Bourbon and Belonging in her city. She owns Bricolage Art Collective on the Market House Square, a place she describes as liberal-leaning and queer friendly. Paducah's event became a block party with more than 14 businesses participating. Bryant invited author Clint Waters to her shop for a reading of his science fiction and poetry, which feature LGBTQ+ themes. She created a fruity little cocktail for the occasion that highlighted Green River bourbon, although there were also nonalcoholic drinks on offer.'It was immediately clear that we had created a safe, collaborative community space for this celebration, and we look forward to participating again,' says Liz Hammonds with Paducah's Convention and Visitors for announcements regarding Bourbon and Belonging, Oct. 3-5, 2025 or
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Old Forester President's Choice: First National Release Of Bourbon & New Rye
The latest release of Old Forester President's Choice Bourbon and the first ever President's Choice Rye will be offered in a nation wide sale. In a move set to electrify the American whiskey landscape, Old Forester has just announced the national debut of its highly coveted and historically rare expression, President's Choice Bourbon. Previously, this gem was primarily confined to the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, and a few Kentucky retailers. Now, for the first time, President's Choice Bourbon will be offered at select retailers nationwide, albeit in limited quantities, opening a new chapter for this exceptional spirit. But the news for whiskey enthusiasts gets even better. Alongside the expanded reach of the bourbon, Old Forester is, for the very first time, introducing President's Choice Rye. This marks a significant expansion of the President's Choice line, which sees its limited-release bottles quickly disappear into the hands of bourbon collectors and whiskey enthusiasts. By offering a line extension and an expanded release opportunity, Old Forester is signaling that it has no intention of dialing back its highly popular limited-release lineups that bourbon aficionados crave. This latest strategic move ensures that more discerning consumers will have the chance to experience these hand-selected, high-proof treasures. Master Taster Melissa Rift underscored the significance of this moment, noting, "President's Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky. We are honored to bring it to a wider audience." Old Forester President's Choice Bourbon. What fundamentally elevates any spirit bearing the President's Choice name is its unwavering commitment to the single-barrel expression. Unlike standard blends that marry multiple barrels for consistency, each bottle of President's Choice originates from an individual barrel, hand-selected by its President for its truly exceptional character. This meticulous practice isn't a new innovation for Old Forester; it began in 1890 and sporadically continued for decades. In 1964, then-president George Garvin Brown II introduced The President's Choice bottles, which were given to VIPs, executives, and other dignitaries. It was first offered to the public in 2018, coinciding with the opening of the Old Forrester Distillery on Louisville's Whiskey Row. Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks. This rigorous selection process ensures that only barrels displaying remarkable quality and a distinct flavor profile—those that rise above even Old Forester's already high standards—earn the coveted "President's Choice" label. It's a testament to a philosophy that values unique excellence over uniform consistency. "Every barrel selected for President's Choice tells a story,' says Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. 'These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it's the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester's craftsmanship." Because different barrels are selected and not blended for every President's Choice, it is possible to get several different expressions in one release. This inherent variability is both its defining characteristic and its profound allure. Each barrel, whether bourbon or rye, is aged between seven and nine years. They are bottled at robust proof points, ranging from 110 to 125 proof, designed to showcase the liquid at its finest. Old Forester President's Choice Rye. Both the President's Choice Bourbon and the inaugural Rye (from Rye Barrel #1) will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $225, reflecting their premium status and rarity. However, they will likely command a far higher price on the secondary market. For those who want a bottle, Old Forester Distillery will also be releasing a limited number for in-person purchase at the distillery and through their online store at This online release, scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 14th, will allow shipping to states where it is legal (D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only). This date holds special significance, as it coincides with National Bourbon Day and marks the 7th anniversary of the opening of the Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
