Review: Old Forester’s First Bottled in Bond Rye Is a Bold Standout

(Photo: Old Forester)

Old Forester added a significant new chapter to its story in March with the release of its first Bottled in Bond rye. Part of the distillery’s limited-edition 117 Series, this release delivers depth, power and plenty of flavor.

Crafted from barrels filled during the cool and rainy spring of 2015, the whiskey is bottled at 100 proof and available in 375-milliliter bottles. As with all 117 Series releases, availability is limited — but this rye whiskey’s flavor is anything but.

What Is Bottled in Bond? A Legacy of Trust and Quality

The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was one of the earliest consumer protection laws in American history. It required whiskey to be:

• Produced by one distiller at a single distillery
• Distilled in one season
• Aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse
• Bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV)

The designation was meant to ensure quality and authenticity at a time when adulterated and diluted whiskey was a major concern. For Old Forester, long known for consistency, this rye release connects the brand to that storied past while pushing flavor boundaries in a modern direction.

Our Tasting Notes: Brooding, Spiced and Rewarding

We had the chance to taste the 117 Series: Bottled in Bond Rye, and it’s a whiskey that demands time and attention.

The nose is sweet and rich, offering cherry cordial, molasses, cinnamon and raspberry mocha. On the palate, it opens with heavy oak and smoked character, followed by clove-studded orange, dark chocolate, walnuts and a burst of fresh mint. Anise and powdered ginger provide spice, while caramel adds sweetness for balance.

The finish is long and complex: char, ash, coffee beans, maple, cacao and a refreshing touch of peppermint.

We noted in our full review that the first Old Forester Bottled in Bond Rye didn’t fully reveal itself on first sip — but once it had time to breathe, the experience changed dramatically. What starts dark and weighty transforms into something brighter, spicier and more layered.

Availability and Pricing

Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled in Bond Rye was released in March at the Old Forester Distillery retail shop in Louisville and at select Kentucky retailers. A limited number of bottles were also available for shipping (to D.C., KY, NE, NH and ND) via shop.oldforester.com. The suggested retail price is $64.99 per 375-milliliter bottle.

With its bold flavor and historical roots, this release is likely to appeal to both serious rye fans and those looking to explore the category. Either way, it’s a memorable pour from a brand that knows how to honor the past while embracing what’s next.