With a history as storied as some Scotch brands, Old Forester is easily one of the best known Bourbon brands and is the first Bourbon to be commercially sold in sealed bottles.

Originally created by Former Master Taster Jackie Zykan, the 117 Series is the first Old Forester series to feature a woman’s signature on the bottle. The releases up until recently had all been selected by Zykan and have included High Angels Share barrels, barrels from Warehouse K, and two different 1910 releases: an extra old, and extra extra old.

This most recent release is the Warehouse H, which according to Old Forester “is symbolic of [our] growth after WWII. Construction on the brick warehouse began in 1946, housing 50,000 barrels. The 4 story, 8 chamber warehouse was designed to be heat cycled in the winter months when temperatures dropped below 60 degrees and the maturation process ceased. Warehouse H is unusual in its heat cycling profile with the 1st floor sometimes hitting the highest temperatures.”

One bit of housekeeping before we move on: I received this sample compliments of Old Forester and their PR agency in exchange for my honest feedback and review. While life would be much easier if I was on the take like a dirty cop, I’m not, and all my reviews are honest. The presence or absence of a media sample never affects the outcome. That said, I need a drink…


Appearance: In the glass this Bourbon presents as a beautiful golden honey.

Nose: There are notes of vegetable tanned leather alongside the OldFo’s usual off-sweet/sour note as well as some mocha notes. Following that is a subtle aroma of honey graham crackers with notes of caramel and toasted oak. A very subtle caramel apple helps to round out the aromatics with a touch of mint.

Palate: This is a surprisingly delicate Bourbon for Old Forester. Soft but prevalent creme bruûlée leads into silky caramel, and notes of barrel char. That is followed by a nice corn-forward sweetness, and a very subtle fruitiness that tastes like it was from a wine yeast. A little bit of dark chocolate truffle and cocoa powder round out the finish on this Bourbon.