Overview: Old Forester has introduced a new addition to its 117 Series, marking the first expression produced entirely at its Louisville distillery. The Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey features an intensified oak profile derived from casks charred three times longer than standard barrels.
The Full Story
The latest release represents a significant milestone for the Louisville-based brand, offering clear insight into the new distillery’s spirit character. Caleb Trigo, Old Forester’s assistant master distiller, described the project as an exciting new chapter that allows the team to showcase the Main Street distillery’s output in a completely new way. The result is a Bourbon with remarkable richness, intense spice and a depth of oak that demonstrates both heritage and innovation.
This limited release is presented at 57.5% ABV in 375ml bottles with an RRP of US$64.99. It is available now from the Old Forester Distillery on Louisville’s Main Street and selected retailers across Kentucky. The brand was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, though it is primarily used to market whiskeys made at Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky.
The 70,000-square-foot Old Forester Distillery opened its doors in 2018. Earlier this year, the brand was the subject of a documentary created by filmmaking duo the Balas Brothers. The episode covered the brand’s 19th-century origins and survival through Prohibition.
Production & Profile
Aging occurs in new American oak casks charred three times longer than the distillery’s standard barrels to create a bold character and intensified oak. Tasting notes for the new release mention pecans, baked apples, stone fruit, honeysuckle, and leather, as well as rich oak, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Brand & Industry History
Old Forester was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. The brand is primarily used to market whiskeys made at Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. The 117 Series showcases experimental expressions and unusual cask finishes. It is named for Old Forester’s historic address at 117 Main Street, Louisville. The series launched in 2021 with the release of Old Forester High Angels’ Share, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon drawn from barrels that had lost unusually high volumes of liquid to evaporation. Other entries have included a ‘still proof’ expression and a Bourbon aged in rum casks.
What This Means
The release signifies the first clear insight into the new distillery’s spirit character within the 117 Series. It demonstrates the brand’s continued spirit of innovation alongside its heritage.
Consumer Takeaway
This bottle offers a bold Bourbon with intensified oak character and layered complexity for the drinker. The 375ml format provides an accessible entry point to this experimental expression at the Main Street distillery.
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