Old Forester Announces Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey

(Louisville, KY) March 18, 2025 – Today, Old Forester® releases its latest expression in the 117 Series: Bottled in Bond Rye – This release marks the first Bottled in Bond Rye Whisky handcrafted by Old Forester.

The 1897 Bottled in Bond Act required that each bottling be composed of barrels filled during a single distillation season. This small batch of Rye Whisky reflects the unique flavor of the unusually cool and wet Spring of 2015.

117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye is bottled at 100- proof in a 375 mL bottle.

“This 117 Series release is unique because it holds a tie to our 1897 Bottled in  Bond, our tribute to the Bottled in Bond Act,” said Old Forester Assistant Master  Distiller Caleb Trigo. “This release is a first for Old Forester, and stays true to  our historical promise of quality, consistency and balance.”

Bottled in Bond Rye marks the latest expression in the 117 Series, which  launched in 2021.

Old Forester 117 Series: Bottled in Bond Rye is available starting today at the  retail shop at Old Forester Distillery Co. and will be available for shipping (to  D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only) in our online store at shop.oldforester.com. The  suggested retail price for the 375 ml bottle is $64.99. 

The product is also available at select Kentucky retailers.

For more information on Old Forester, please visit OldForester.com

Tasting notes:  

Color: Ripe Tangerine

Aroma: Sweet honeysuckle and candied lemon with hints of ginger root and  thick molasses

Flavor: Intense spice immediately hits followed by charred oak, freshly  cracked pepper and cooked pear

Finish: Quick and dry finish with notes of bright citrus, lemongrass and  coriander

About Old Forester Bourbon: 
Old Forester is Brown-Forman’s founding brand, founded in 1870 by George  Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he  sealed it, signed it, and pledged, “There is nothing better in the market.”

Bourbinsane’s Breakdown

Old Forester’s latest 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye is an exciting addition to their lineup, marking the brand’s first-ever Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey. As a 100-proof, small-batch rye distilled in the Spring of 2015, this release promises a bold, well-aged profile that rye enthusiasts will appreciate.

The tasting notes suggest a complex balance of spice, citrus, and oak, with flavors like charred oak, cracked pepper, and cooked pear, followed by a quick, dry finish with bright citrus and lemongrass. Given Old Forester’s strong reputation for consistency and quality, this could be a standout rye whiskey for 2025.

At $64.99 for a 375ml bottle, it’s a premium-priced offering, but its limited availability at the distillery and select Kentucky retailers makes it an exclusive pick for collectors and serious whiskey fans. If you’re a fan of high-quality rye whiskey with a rich history, this may be worth adding to your collection.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Old Forester has a strong track record with its 117 Series, and this Bottled in Bond Rye looks like a promising new entry. If you enjoy bold, high-rye spice with balanced sweetness, this is a whiskey to consider. However, the price and availability might make it challenging for some to get their hands on a bottle.

Will you be hunting for a bottle? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Stay Insane!🥃🥃