Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B

Six years ago, Old Forester introduced its first rye whiskey. Keeping that in mind, it is about the time the company should do something to build further on its rye. The brand was introduced at 100 proof, so it was already in tandem with Old Forester Signature (the 100 proof version of their bourbon). The next logical step was the Old Forester Rye Single Barrel, which followed in due course. Yet during the intervening years, there was now Whiskey Row series expression of the rye, and the Series 117 releases had not reached for the rye either. Now that has changed, and with a bonded version of the rye at that.

Because it’s been a minute since Old Forester did anything new and interesting with their rye stock, a reminder is in order: this is not a sweet, almost bourbon, Kentucky style rye. The mash for this whiskey is 65% rye, 20% malted barley and 15% percent corn.

The Whiskey
This one shows a dark red amber coloring in the glass. The nose takes molasses, makes it a touch musty, and then adds cookied spices, red berries and lemon zest in for good measure. I thought the flavor lead with a dry, spicy and oaky kick before developing some sweetness in the form of a fruit cocktail note. The finish was also in that dry, wood and spice vein, and wound down swiftly.

The Price
This rye was done in a 375ml bottle, which is priced at $64.99. Given the half size bottle, price point and that it delivers a not markedly better experience than the standard Old Forester Rye (and at the same strength/proof!), I would stick with the regular rye for now.