Old Forester Continues 117 Series With a Whiskey That Will Appeal to Rum and Bourbon Fans Alike

Old Forester unveiled its latest offering within the brand’s 117 Series, a bourbon finished in rum casks. (Photo: Old Forester)

On Wednesday, Old Forester unveiled the latest whiskey in its 117 series, a bourbon bourbon was finished in rum barrels, adding a tropical twist to America’s native spirit.

Old Forester The 117 Series Rum Finish clocks in at 95 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $64.99 per 375-milliliter bottle. Two-bottle sets can be purchased for $129.98.

“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,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said in a statement. “Rum Finish provides a sweet addition to the series that whiskey aficionados — and rum drinkers — will love.”

The bourbon is available for purchase from the distillery’s retail shop. It will also be available online and can be shipped to Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Dakota. It can additionally be purchased in Kentucky at specialized retailers.

The Brown-Forman-owned company shared that this bourbon possesses a story steeped in history, as commercial trade of yesteryear typically took place on the Ohio River, and many cask-aged spirits would be shipped to a pier behind Old Forester at Whiskey Row.

Old Forester launched its 117 series in 2021, kicking off the series with Warehouse H. That bourbon was, obviously, aged in Old Forester’s Warehouse H, a rickhouse that was constructed in 1946. The facility can hold approximately 50,000 barrels. The brand claims it hosts an unusual “heat-cycling profile,” and barrels often experience extreme temperature shifts when housed there.

In December 2022, Old Forester unveiled the Old Forester 1910 Extra Extra Old as part of the 117 Series. Though the bourbon did not have an age statement, the company shared it was aged for an “unusually long time.”

Old Forester The 117 Series Rum Finish Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Toffee with banana custard, freshly picked apples and coconut shavings.

Taste: Rich tropical fruit, banana, coconut and toffee with barrel spice and well-integrated tannins.

Finish: Lingering, easy-going with cream and spice. Sweet fruit and red licorice linger.

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