High Angels’ Share Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review

A little background

Old Forester’s 117 Series serves as a platform for the distillery to showcase the effects of unique maturation environments and experimental techniques. The High Angels’ Share Rye, specifically Batch No. 001, focuses on the concentration of flavor resulting from high levels of evaporation within the brand’s heat-cycled warehouses. This Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is composed of liquid from “the chosen few” barrels where the angels took more than their typical share, leading to a more intense and robust profile. As Brown-Forman’s founding brand, established in 1870, Old Forester continues to utilize this limited-edition series to highlight the intersection of tradition and the serendipitous nature of barrel aging.

Produced at DSP-KY-354, High Angels’ Share Rye is bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV). The expression is crafted using the distillery’s standard rye mash bill, consisting of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn. This small-batch release is presented in a 375 mL bottle and carries a suggested retail price of $64.99. It remains a distillery-exclusive and select Kentucky retailer offering, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to showcasing distinctive barrels that emerge from their Louisville maturation facilities.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Strawberry jam, pineapple, chocolate, and mint.

Palate

Banana bread, plum, cola, and ginger.

Finish

Toasted oak, peppercorn, and eucalyptus.

In closing

The Old Forester’s 117 Series: High Angels’ Share Rye stands as a powerful testament to the impact of heat-cycled maturation and intentional barrel selection. By capturing the concentrated essence of Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey that has undergone significant evaporative loss, Old Forester has delivered a 110-proof expression that punches well above its weight class in terms of depth and complexity. While the 375 mL bottle format remains a niche choice for the series, the liquid inside offers a dense, syrupy profile that balances traditional rye spice with an unctuous, fruit-forward richness. For enthusiasts and collectors looking to explore the technical boundaries of warehouse maturation, this release is a definitive highlight of the 117 Series, proving that when the angels take more than their fair share, they often leave something truly remarkable behind.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Old Forester. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.