Old Forester has unveiled the latest addition to its 117 Series: Rum Finish
Since launching its 117 Series in 2021, Old Forester has gone through a number of changes, including the departure of the collection’s creator, Jackie Zykan. Still, the ‘longest continuously selling’ bourbon maker has pressed on with these limited-edition expressions, releasing a variety of new bottlings over the past few years, including Bottled in Bond, Warehouse H, Warehouse K, Whiskey Row Fire, 1910 Extra Old, Warehouse K, Extra Extra Old, and High Angels’ Share. Now the Kentucky brand has unveiled the latest addition the the collection, Old Forester 117 Series: Rum Finish.
As the story goes, commercial trade on the Ohio River brought a variety of cask-aged spirits to the wharf behind Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row. And while the Ohio River never makes its way to the Ocean, it does connect with Mississippi in Cairo, Illinois, which makes its way all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico, and it would make sense for some rum to have made its way up the river and to Kentucky at some point. So it’s with that in mind, and a collection of rum barrels readily available, that Old Forester has decided to add to the 117 Series.
The 117 Series: Rum Finish features the finishing of Old Forester in barrels that have matured rum for a minimum of four years. On the nose, buttery toffee mingles with banana custard, coconut, and fresh apple. The palate features rich tropical fruit led by more banana, coconut, and toffee supported by dry barrel spice and tannins. The long, dry finish also offers creaminess and spice surrounded by notes of sweet fruit and red licorice.
“By finishing our signature bourbon for approximately six months in these rum barrels, we have complimented and accentuated the sweet aromatics of Old Forester with hints of brown sugar and molasses, emboldening its rich character,” said Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. “Rum Finish provides a sweet addition to the series that whiskey aficionados – and rum drinkers – will love.”
Bottled at 95 proof, Old Forester 117 Series: Rum Finish is priced at $59.99 per 375 ml bottle and is available at Old Forester Distillery Co. and will be available for shipping (to D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only). For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last November, Old Forester celebrated its 150th Anniversary with the release of 150 handmade decanters filled with its 150th Anniversary Expression.