Old Forester Distillery located on Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky has announced their newest release in its 117 Series. The 2023 release is The 117 Series Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
“The heritage of Old Forester is uniquely tied to the Bottled-in-Bond movement as George Garvin Brown’s first bottled bourbon really set the stage for quality guarantee decades before the historic law went into effect” said Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift.
“This bonded expression as part of the 117 Series is a fantastic opportunity to look at a very small batch of bonded liquid and how it has developed from that single season to the offering we are launching today.”
In accordance with the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, this product is bottled from barrels filled during a single distillation season – the wet and warm late Spring of 2014. In Bottled-in-Bond terms Spring season is January through June while Fall is considered July through December.
Bottled-in-bond is a designation that protects the integrity of aged spirits by ensuring each barrel is produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery. To meet the criteria, the spirit must also be matured in a U.S. bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
The 117 Series is a limited-edition Old Forester release that began in the Spring of 2021 and focuses on innovation and experimentation. This new 117 series will be featured on all distillery tours through the end of July 2023 where all tour guests will also have the opportunity to purchase following their experience.
The 2023 117 Series Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Tasting Notes
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Here are the tasting notes as provided by Old Forester Distillery.
Nose: Confectionary notes of stewed blackberries, caramelized apricot and sweet dates rounded out by a sweet nuttiness and topped with whipped cream
Taste: Rich medley of caramelized fruits with a subtle hint of spearmint
Finish: Dried fruits give way to heavy cream with an herbal tea finish
Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled in Bond is bottled at 100-proof and is available starting today at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. and in select states for direct-to-consumer sales for $59.99 in limited quantities – and at select Kentucky stores.
Old Forester is Brown-Forman’s founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, “There is nothing better in the market.”
Related Stories
– What is the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897? [Full Text]
– Bottled in Bond Act Signed Into Law March 3, 1897 – The Law Explained by Fred Minnick & Bernie Lubbers [Video]
Learn more about Old Forester Distillery.
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