Old Forester has unveiled the latest addition to its 117 series, Bottled in Bond. In accordance with the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, this bourbon is bottled from barrels filled during a single distillation season – the wet and warm late Spring of 2014.
On the nose, the whiskey offers confectionary notes of stewed blackberries, caramelized apricot, and sweet dates rounded out by a sweet nuttiness and topped with whipped cream. The palate delivers a rich medley of caramelized fruits with a subtle hint of spearmint. The finish features dried fruits that give way to heavy cream and herbal tea.
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 Bottled-in-bond criteria, the spirit must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery and also be matured in a U.S. bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 50% ABV. (100 proof).
“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.”
Bottled in Bond marks the latest installment in the 117 Series, a limited-expression lineup that debuted in Spring 2021 and focuses on innovation and experimentation. Previous releases include: Warehouse H, Whiskey Row Fire, 1910 Extra Old, Warehouse K, and High Angels’ Share.
Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled in Bond is bottled available in limited quantities and priced at $59.99 per bottle. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.