Old Forester is a Kentucky whiskey maker boasting over 150 years worth of heritage. And that’s putting it mildly: These are the first folks to ever bottle bourbon.
Still, the brand isn’t content to rest on these impressive laurels, as evidenced by its innovative 117 Series. Debuting in the spring of 2021, the collection highlights liquids that are made in supremely limited supply. They are typically born of small-batch experimentation where the results are highly favorable, but there simply isn’t enough to make for a full-on portfolio extension.
What these bottles lack in quantity, they adequately reconstitute in quality. Indeed, the 117 Series is responsible for some of the most sought-after expressions of American whiskey of the past several years. Which is why we couldn’t have been more amped to get our hands on the latest addition to the lineup—a nifty 95-proof Kentucky straight bourbon finished in ex-rum barrels.
We weren't let down by what poured out the 375ml half-sized bottle. Namely: molasses. This one is an unapologetic brown sugar bomb. It’s to be expected from the involved cooperage. Although Old Forester won’t disclose the exact provenance of those rum barrels, we do know that they held onto the sugarcane spirit in question for a minimum of four years. During that time, the oak was saturated with a rich sort of tropical fruit. It burrowed itself deep within the staves and exerted these notes generously upon the bourbon it sat with thereafter. The bourbon noses with burnt sugar and fades slowly after each sip in a blaze of Bananas Foster-fueled glory.
"By finishing our signature bourbon for approximately six months in these rum barrels, we have complemented and accentuated the sweet aromatics of Old Forester with hints of brown sugar and molasses, emboldening its rich character," said Old Forester assistant master distiller Caleb Trigo of the new release. "Rum Finish provides a sweet addition to the series that whiskey aficionados—and rum drinkers—will love.”
For those of us who qualify as both, this is what dreams are made of. And that's not to mention sensational summertime cocktails. Though it might seem sacrilegious to apply such a rare whiskey toward a mixed drink, its sugary undertones are great for an old fashioned or in place of rum in a Mai Tai or Jungle Bird.
Unfortunately, the bottle is a solitary limited release. The bottles already sold out—in a matter of minutes—from Old Forester’s online store, where they debuted at $60. But, alas, all hope is not lost. They’re now shipping out across Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Washington, DC. So, if you find yourself in one of those places this summer, be on the lookout for a sweet surprise on liquor store shelves. Even if you’re not, this is a whiskey worth seeking out.
Related: 7 Best Dark Rums of 2024 to Drink Neat or Mix in a Cocktail
