Old Forester 117 Series Scotch Cask Finish
In-Depth Review
Let’s face it - scotch scares a lot of bourbon fans. The word “scotch” tends to evoke thoughts of smokey, meaty, whiskies that are challenging and abrasive – a total departure to the sweet, silky, comfort of bourbon (let’s put aside the fact that bourbon lovers tend to love their whiskies at full cask strength compared to the gentler ABV offerings found in most scotch). And while this is a MASSIVE generalization, if you spend any time on the bourbon forums you will see proof of this in the constant flood of hate directed towards scotch. Many bourbon fans simply think scotch isn’t for them.
When I was recently at Old Forester, I noticed many folks disappointed to find that the 117 Series expression on offer that day was the Scotch Cask Finish (rather than High Angels Share or other versions of the 117 series). Many scoffed and just walked away, leaving plenty on the shelf by midafternoon. When I grabbed the small 375ml off the shelf, I expected this to be a finished in some kind of Islay scotch barrels, with a heavy peat and smoke character. But to my surprise, the label explained that this utilized sherry and wine casks from a Speyside distillery – typically known for its lighter, fruity, character. So, for a price of $59.99 and an ABV of 46.5%, it was worth the chance. So let’s dive in and see if this lives up to other 117 releases!
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 46.5%
Cask: Finished in scotch whisky casks that previously held sherry and wine
MSRP: $59.99 for a 375ml
Distillery Name: Old Forester
Review Date: 7/25/24
Color: Dark Gingerbread
Nose: Wow. This starts off with a big nose full of wood spice, baked red apples, and crystalized ginger with a crisp and tangy note that settles into the back of the nose. There are waves of baked caramel apple tart, juicy red wine, and classic bourbon oaky vanilla. The mixture of casks used for this is very apparent here with a wonderful interplay between the sherry, wine, and bourbon that jumps out of the glass.
Palate: On first pass, the palate is more muted than the big and wonderful nose, but there’s still plenty to like. It becomes gentler, sweeter, with jammy red fruits and poached pears mixed with an excellent wood forward backbone. After a few sips, the plums and raisins from the sherry are layered onto the toffee and baked pastry from the bourbon to add a little something special on top of Old Forester’s normally very good distillate. Its desserty character leans perfectly into its excellent and viscous mouthfeel.
Finish: Medium length finish that leans creamy and sweet with more red fruits, mulling spices, and a touch of black licorice.
Final Thoughts: Scotch haters need not be worried. There is absolutely none of those typical Islay, peaty, smokey flavors to be found on Old Forester’s 117 Scotch Cask Finished expression. This takes the best of Speyside and marries it with the best of Old Forester. And even at only 93 proof, there is so much going on you won’t miss the extra ABV. Sometimes I worry that bourbon finished in wine or sherry casks can become dry and tannic but what Old Forester has done with this expression by taking wine and sherry casks that have already been used once has softened those notes and left beautiful subtle flavors that enhance the entire experience. If you have the chance to pick up a bottle of this, I wouldn’t hesitate. This may be the best marriage of scotch and bourbon I’ve had yet.
