Old Forester Releases 117 Series: High Angels’ Share

Old Forester today releases High Angels’ Share, an expression from its celebrated 117 series.  This limited-edition whiskey is the result of low-yield barrels, providing consumers with a taste of this specific facet of the aging process, and …

Old Forester today releases High Angels' Share, an expression from its celebrated 117 series.  

This limited-edition whiskey is the result of low-yield barrels, providing consumers with a taste of this specific facet of the aging process, and resulting in a rich, layered concentration.

Bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) in a 375 ml bottle, the expression is full-bodied with dark flavor notes, dried fruits and herbaceous qualities. 

"When walking into our aging warehouses, the aroma of evaporating whiskey is immediately evident," said Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. "That smell is commonly called Angels' Share – the angels taking their portion of the bourbon. Barrels with high evaporation concentrate flavors. We are pleased to bring those flavors directly to consumers through this unique bottle."

High Angels' Share is from The 117 Series, a limited-expression lineup that debuted in Spring 2021. Old Forester releases three different 117 expressions annually. It will be offered in very limited quantities for purchase today at the Old Forester Distillery at $59.99 per bottle and will be available in our online store in a two-bottle set for $119.98.  Guests visiting the distillery for tours between now and March 20 will have the opportunity to sample High Angels' Share and purchase a bottle, under the distillery's special release policy. It will also be available at select Kentucky retailers.

This release is the first since Trigo was named Assistant Master Distiller in February 2024.

To celebrate that milestone, Trigo will meet consumers at Old Forester Distillery on March 6 and lead special tastings of High Angels' Share. The distillery will be celebrating with pastries and coffee from one of Trigo's favorite local bakeries.

Taste Notes

  • Color: Burnt orange
  • Aroma: Rich caramelized citrus peel, brown sugar, oak and pumpkin spice
  • Taste: Caramel, lightly charred oak, sweet coconut, citrus peel with a hint of spice
  • Finish: Long caramelized citrus
My Take

First off, congrats to Caleb Trigo on his first release and congrats on the marvelous handlebar... that thing brings up memories of Tom Selleck on Magnum P.I.  

In terms of the release, if you see this out, it is a probably-buy. It's a limited edition and would be a fun pour, even in the smaller 375 ml bottle. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below. 



Source: Old Forester

Old Forester Announces New 117 Series Release: Extra Extra Old

Brown-Forman owned brand Old Forester has announced the latest release in their 117 Series called Extra Extra Old. This is made up of their 1910 Bourbon aged an additional 24 months in a second barrel. Master Taster Melissa Rift says of this:This …

Brown-Forman owned brand Old Forester has announced the latest release in their 117 Series called Extra Extra Old. This is made up of their 1910 Bourbon aged an additional 24 months in a second barrel. 

Master Taster Melissa Rift says of this:
This expression was born from a creative and innovative experiment while staying true to the classic taste which sets Old Forester apart. Although I only joined Old Forester last month, this was one of the first new limited expressions I was honored to taste – and the extra long double barreling leads to an explosion of flavors.

Old Forester 1910 is named commemorating the October 22, 1910 distillery fire at 117 Main Street. As mentioned, this was then barreled in a second heavily charred barrel for 2 additional years. This release is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% alcohol) and is available at select Kentucky retailers as well as at the Old Forester Distillery and in their online store. No MSRP was provided. The tasting notes are:

Nose: Roasted coffee, rich maple syrup, dark chocolate and caramel coat hints of toasted coconut, fruit and a smokey char foundation.

Taste: Rich mocha coffee with hints of brandy and dark cherry fruit.

Finish: Smooth, creamy chocolate coffee notes fade quickly

My Take

I love the double oaked bourbons and this sounds like an awesome one spending two additional years in a secondary barrel. It's disappointing that it's only available in Kentucky and won't be coming to Ohio shelves. If you see this out and about, I'd recommend picking up a bottle if it's under or around the hundred dollar price range. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 


Source: Old Forester