Old Forester’s New Bourbon Celebrates an Important Part of Whiskey’s Aging Process

On Wednesday, Old Forester unveiled the first release within its 117 Series of 2024: High Angels’ Share. The brand’s 117 Series consists of three annual releases.

The Angels’ (or Angel’s) Share is a reference to the amount of whiskey that is lost to evaporation while a spirit matures in its barrel.

According to Old Forester, High Angels’ Share was sourced from low-yield barrels, which offers enthusiasts of the brand the opportunity to taste the impact of the Angel’s Share on the whiskey-making process.

The whiskey was bottled at 110 proof and hosts a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 375-milliliter bottle.

“When walking into our aging warehouses, the aroma of evaporating whiskey is immediately evident,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said in a news release. “That smell is commonly called Angels’ Share — the angels taking their portion of the bourbon.”

The whiskey is available at the Old Forester Distillery and the brand’s online store. Individuals were additionally able to purchase a two-bottle set for $119.98, but those have already sold out on the website.

High Angels’ Share is the first release under Old Forester’s new assistant master distiller, Caleb Trigo.

The brand claims this process yields a “rich and multidimensional” bourbon with an “unorthodox character.”

Trigo was brought on at Old Forester in February, after he had been working with Brown-Forman since 2009. Trigo’s prior position was as an operations leader at Old Forester Distillery in Louisville’s Whiskey Row.

“Barrels with high evaporation concentrate flavors,” Trigo said. “We are pleased to bring those flavors directly to consumers through this unique bottle.”

Previous releases in Old Forester’s 117 Series include Bottled in Bond, Extra Extra Old and Scotch Cask Finish.

Old Forester High Angels’ Share Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Bold, with rich caramel, toasted coconut, dried cranberry and dark brown sugar amongst a background of intense oak spice.

Taste: Full-bodied, opens with molasses and dense dessert elements then trails into anise and celery seed.

Finish: Extensive, full palate with roaring spice, roasted coffee and black pepper.

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