Old Forester releases rum-finished Bourbon
The limited release from Old Forester is the latest addition to the Kentucky brand’s experimental 117 Series.
Old Forester 117 Series: Rum Finish was placed in casks that had previously held rum for a minimum of four years, lending it notes of rich tropical fruit and coconut. "By finishing our signature Bourbon for approximately six months in these rum barrels, we have complemented and accentuated the sweet aromatics of Old Forester with hints of brown sugar and molasses, emboldening its rich character," assistant master distiller Caleb Trigo said. The whiskey is bottled at 47.5% ABV and comes in 375ml bottles for US$60, with two-pack sets retailing for US$120. It will be available at select Kentucky retailers. On the nose, the whiskey shows buttery toffee, banana custard, and fresh apple. The palate brings banana, toffee, and dry barrel spices. "Rum Finish provides a sweet addition to the series that whiskey aficionados – and rum drinkers – will love," Trigo added. The 117 Series launched in 2021 and has featured other innovations such as 1910 Extra Old in 2022, which featured whiskey that sat in heavily charred barrels for 18 months. In January 2024, Old Forester added a 10-Year-Old Bourbon dubbed 1924 to its Whiskey Row Series, and the brand has been attracting a lot of consumer attention lately. After selling out of its 150th Anniversary decanter bottling in 14 minutes in November 2023, the online release of 117 Series: Rum Finish sold out in less than a day.
