Old Forester 117 Series High Angel’s Share

A little background

According to Old Forester, the 117 Series pays homage to the location of Old Forester’s homeplace along the famed Whiskey Row on Main Street in Louisville. Old Forester also called this location home from 1882 – 1919, returning in 2018 with a fully-functioning distillery and tour experience giving guests an immersion into the brand’s rich history and contemporary innovations.

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

Old Forester 117 Series High Angel’s Share is the first iteration of the new series and created by Master Taster, Jackie Zykan. This release is rightfully named High Angel’s Share, as it’s made from a selection of barrels that lost exceptional volume to evaporation in the aging process. Old Forester 117 Series High Angel’s Share is a single release that that is bottled at 110 proof and has a retail price of $50 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Orange custard, nutmeg, caramel, barrel char, bubble gum, maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon.

Palate

A blast of luxardo cherries and fruit. Swirled cinnamon, smoked char, pancake syrup, chocolate fudge. Thick and viscus!

Finish

Bitter almonds, licorice, chocolate fudge, butterscotch hard candy, and clove.

In closing

Old Forester 117 Series High Angel’s Share is big, bold, and a treat for the senses. The nose alone will keep you busy for quite some time, as it’s complex and full of wonderful unique scents. The palate is rich, full-bodied, and loaded with waves of delicious dense flavor that carry through to a long and complex finish. Not only should we be thanking Jackie Zykan for the wonderful blend, but also the angles for leaving behind the delicious bourbon that remained in these barrels. At $50, this is a must-buy!