Ever since Old Forester released a rye whisky in 2019, fans of the brand (myself included, duh) have wondered if they’d one day put out a single barrel or at least barrel-strength version of the rye. Well, my friends, the wait is over.

Today, Old Forester announced it’s introducing the Rye Single Barrel to its product line, and it is not only barrel strength — at a whopping 124 proof — but also unfiltered. And that’s not all. For the first time, this Rye Single Barrel will be available nationwide, so all Old Fo fans can unite, unwind and clamor over this amazing spice ball of fire.

Here’s what I know: The Old Forester Single Barrel Rye will be sold in limited quantities at the distillery and in liquor stores across the country starting June 1. It’ll retail for $79.99 for a 750ml-sized bottle.

I don’t know if that means we need to camp out at the distillery for a bottle, or if it’ll be readily available around town. But either way, I know I’ll eventually get my hands on one of these, and that should be a goal of yours, too, if you like caramel and spice and everything nice.

“The Old Forester Rye Single Barrel delivers on the same balanced and unique flavor profile of our 100 proof expression, only amplified and in unfiltered, raw form,” said Master Taster Jackie Zykan in a news release.  

The nose on this one is quite potent at that high of proof, but once you get past the zap of the alcohol vapors, you get a nice creme brûlée and a pinch of black pepper. And when you sip, wow!

Of course you get the spice right up front — bam! — it’s like every Kramer entrance on “Seinfeld” as he swings open the door and takes centerstage. But after that, the sharp pepper and cinnamon notes simmer, welcoming a slice of Grandma’s baked apple pie with a drizzle of caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side that play well with both the heat and the high-rye content.

I know the Old Fo Rye mash bill is 65% rye, 15% corn and 20% malted barley, so obviously this follows suit. The finish is also quite nice, leaving a slight burn on your tongue as it travels south. I’d call this one a Kentucky Bear Hug.