Old Forester 117 Rum Finish Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
Today, Old Forester isn’t considered much of a bourbon trendsetter - with one exception. Named after Old Forester’s former 117 Main Street address, their 117 expressions have always been positioned as Old Forester’s more experimental line. Sold only as 375mls and most often found at the distillery (although not a distillery exclusive), these past versions have included a Scotch Cask Finish, High Angels Share, 1910 Extra Old, Whiskey Row Fire and other slightly wild and wacky takes on their traditional bourbon profile. Today, we are going to dive into one of their latest 117 releases – the 117 Rum Finished. At $59.99, around 4 years old, and 95 proof, is it worth making a trip to the distillery to grab one?
Age: 4 Years old (finished for 6 months)
ABV: 47.5%
Cask: Finished in Caribbean rum casks
MSRP: $59.99 for 375ml
Distillery Name: Old Forester
Review Date: 10/17/24
Nose: Banana foster, bubblegum and icing sugar. All of that classic Brown-Forman banana Laffy Taffy, with earthy metallic note and yellow cake covered in vanilla frosting. Super sweet with some unfinished edges.
Palate: More of the classic Brown-Forman banana cream, milk chocolate, and confectionary sugar with the sweetness cranked up to 11. Black strap molasses, caramelized sugars, and candied apples. Borderline too sweet but with a nice weighty mouthfeel.
Finish: Short to medium finish that continues the sweet character. Honey sticks, vanilla extract, and a strong woody dryness that lingers on the tongue.
