In October of 2024, I was lucky enough to run away to Louisville, Kentucky for an extended weekend with Mrs. Bourbon Bossman. While there, we were able to visit a small handful of distillers and return with a few bottles. One of those distilleries was the Old Forester Distillery in Downtown Louisville, and after the tour, which I highly recommend, we were offered the chance to purchase up to four of these bottles. Looking back, I should have purchased four, instead of the two we came home with. Today’s review comes from the Old Forester Distillery and is their Old Forester 117 Series: High Angels’ Share, Batch 003.

From the Old Forester Website: High Angels’ Share showcases a selection of barrels which lost exceptional volume to evaporation in the aging process, resulting in a bourbon that is rich and multidimensional, layered with dark flavor notes, dried fruits, and unexpected herbaceous qualities. Given the dense concentration of flavors in the liquid, air, water or ice cube allow this whisky to open and unveil unorthodox character. This release examines the unfettered qualities presented in low-yield barrels, showing Old Forester consumers an unencumbered look at this specific facet of the aging process. This singular release is presented at 110 proof.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by Brown-Forman Distillers CO.
• Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley 
• Proof: 110
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2024
• 2024 MSRP: $59/375ml
• 2025 National Average: $300
• Official Website

I usually do not review bottles such as this on a Friday, as the Old Forester 117 Series is typically a distillery exclusive release. That said, you will be hard-pressed to find a bottle in NoCo, Colorado, or even outside of Kentucky unless you are willing to pay secondary pricing. Nonetheless, this bottle, and the 117 series, deserve a bit of attention. This bottle was purchased while visiting the distillery in October and I always recommend taking a tour at Old Forester while there. I will state, that was also able to try the 117 Series Rum Finished while in Louisville, but this bottle is leaps and bounds better.

Overall, this is a glorious dark bottle of miracle juice, of course, I am embellishing a bit, but still, this is an amazing bottle. I would go as far as stating that this 117 series expression is a damn near perfect expression of what a quintessential bourbon should nose and taste like. If you are wondering why it is rated less than perfection, I believe a bit more proof would help the finish and make this a five-star bourbon. If given the chance to purchase another bottle, I will not hesitate to do so, and I hope that one day these become more accessible. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Baking Spice, Oak, and Flat Cherry Cola
• Palate: Vanilla, Baking Spice, Brown Sugar, Cherry, Oak Tannin, Cinnamon, and a Slight Milk Chocolate
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Warming Baking Spice, Vanilla, and Oak Tannins
• My Rating: Drink It! (This is my first bottle from the 117 Series, and damn am I glad we bought two!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®