Calling all bourbon enthusiasts! Old Forester, the renowned Kentucky distillery, has just unleashed a new and exciting Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) expression as part of its exclusive 117 Series. If you’re eager to embark on a tantalizing bourbon adventure, read on, as we’ve had the privilege of getting an early taste of this limited-edition gem.

Old Forester has built a solid reputation for offering a delightful lineup of whiskeys that strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. However, the distillery also takes pride in crafting scarcer, higher-end expressions, such as its annual Birthday Bourbon release. The 117 Series falls into this prestigious category, and this latest bourbon marks the eighth release since its debut in 2021.

Let’s dive into the allure of Bottled-in-Bond bourbons. The BIB designation originated with the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and signifies several key characteristics. First, the whiskey must be at least four years old, bottled at precisely 100 proof, produced at one distillery during a single distillation season, and matured in federally bonded warehouses.

This isn’t the first time Old Forester has ventured into the realm of BIB expressions. Their lineup already includes the esteemed 1897 Bottled in Bond. However, according to master taster Melissa Rift, the new release has its own distinct charm. Rift explains, “For the 117 Series, we really honed in on the single distillation season as the main variable for flavor development. We selected the warm and wet spring of 2014, which also means that this expression has a decent bit of age to it, more than you’d typically find in the 1897 offering. We found it has really dynamic and rich flavors to it.”

The 117 Series has historically seen releases in two batches, such as Whiskey Row Fire and High Angel’s Share. Although this new BIB expression may follow a similar path, each release is intended to be a unique one-time offering. So, if a new 117 BIB were to emerge, it would hail from a different distillation season, introducing another layer of distinctive flavors.

Bottled-in-Bond bourbons continue to entice both large and small distilleries alike, as they evoke a sense of tradition and quality. For Old Forester, BIB is a meaningful aspect of their brand’s identity, connecting past and present with their various lineups. Rift acknowledges the significance, stating, “BIB kind of sits between those worlds. These barrels were all from one season, so they’ve gone through the same [weather] patterns together. We know barrels next to each other can still come out completely different, but there is continuity to [how they turned out] age- and flavor-wise.”

If you’re eager to experience this outstanding bourbon, the Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled-in-Bond is now available for a suggested retail price of $60. However, given the series’ popularity, expect higher prices on the secondary market.

Prepare your taste buds for a journey through rich flavors and expert craftsmanship with Old Forester’s newest Bottled-in-Bond bourbon. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this limited-edition gem promises to be a delightful addition to your collection. Cheers to a sensational whiskey experience!