Old Forester has announced the limited edition “The 117 Series” lineup, which includes its inaugural High Angels’ Share expression.

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The series is directed by Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan, with High Angels’ Share becoming the first bottle in the brand’s more than 150 year history to feature a woman’s signature.

Image Source: Old Forester

“Creating The 117 Series has been a labor of love and seeing my signature on the label is one of the highlights of my career. My mind is exploding with the endless possibilities of this smaller scale of experimentation and innovation,” said Zykan of the new Old Forester range.

“This series presents an opportunity to pull the curtain back and share the isolates of the blending process to help deepen the understanding of how variants in maturation affect flavor profile.”

The 117 Series: High Angels’ Share showcases a selection of barrels that lost exceptional volume to evaporation in the aging process, known colloquially as the angels’ share.

The resulting bourbon is rich and multidimensional, layered with dark flavor notes, dried fruits, and unexpected herbaceous qualities. 

Image Source: Old Forester

Old Forester 117 Series: High Angels’ Share Tasting Notes

Proof: 110

Color: Raw Garnet

Aroma: Bold, with rich caramel, toasted coconut, dried cranberry, and dark brown sugar amongst a background of intense oak spice

Taste: Full bodied, opens with molasses and dense dessert elements then trails into anise and celery seed

Finish: Extensive, full palate, with roaring spice, roasted coffee, and black pepper

Zykan believes this limited release shows the potential of making great bourbon from low-yield barrels.

“We’re playing in uncharted territory here and those who love Old Forester like we do will have the chance to explore with us.”