Old Forester has announced a new limited-expression lineup — The 117 Series — launching today with its inaugural release, High Angels’ Share.
This series, directed by Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan, showcases the “many facets of the Old Forester flavors,” the company says. The label bears Zykan’s name — the first bottle in the brand’s more than 150 year history to feature a woman’s signature.
The 117 Series: High Angels’ Share contains a selection of barrels which lost large volume to evaporation in the aging process, resulting in a bourbon layered with dark flavor notes, dried fruits and herbaceous qualities, the company reports. Old Forester recommends water or an ice cube to further open up this densely flavored whiskey’s “unorthodox character.” The finish features spice, roasted coffee and black pepper.
This singular release is 110 proof.
Subsequent releases in The 117 Series may explore selections from specific warehouses, barrel manipulations, deconstructed blends and more. “Creating The 117 Series has been a labor of love and seeing my signature on the label is one of the highlights of my career. My mind is exploding with the endless possibilities of this smaller scale of experimentation and innovation,” says Zykan. “This series presents an opportunity to pull the curtain back and share the isolates of the blending process to help deepen the understanding of how variants in maturation affect flavor profile. We’re playing in uncharted territory here and those who love Old Forester like we do will have the chance to explore with us.”
The name pays homage to the location of Old Forester’s homeplace along Whiskey Row on Main Street in Louisville. Old Forester also called this location home from 1882 – 1919, returning in 2018 with a fully functioning distillery and tour experience.
On Wednesday, March 24, The 117 Series: High Angels’ Share launches to the public via the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. Due to social distancing requirements and in-store capacities, a limited number of tickets will issue daily for fans to purchase up to four bottles. Tickets must be redeemed the day they are received.
The suggested retail price is $49.99 per 375-ml. bottle.
