Old Forester has introduced the latest expression in its 117 Series, using whiskey distilled entirely at its Main Street facility to highlight both production craftsmanship and a significant moment in the distillery’s history.
Old Forester has released Triple Char, the newest bourbon in its limited 117 Series and the first expression produced entirely from whiskey distilled at the company’s Main Street distillery in Louisville. While presented as a new addition to the brand’s portfolio, the release also represents a milestone for a facility that has served both as a visitor destination and a working distillery since opening in 2018. By tying the whiskey to the evolution of the site itself, the launch reflects how heritage distilleries increasingly use limited releases to tell stories about production as much as the finished spirit.
The American bourbon industry has experienced sustained interest in experimental releases that highlight specific production methods rather than entirely new recipes. Barrel treatment, aging conditions, and small-scale production techniques have become important ways for distillers to demonstrate how subtle changes influence flavor and character. These releases often appeal to enthusiasts who are interested not only in tasting bourbon but also in understanding the craftsmanship behind each stage of the process.
According to Old Forester, Triple Char was matured in barrels charred three times longer than the brand’s traditional specification, increasing the interaction between the whiskey and the oak during aging. Bottled at 115 proof, the bourbon is described as offering notes of baked apple, cinnamon spice, oak char, leather, and sweet licorice, with the extended charring intended to create greater depth and complexity. The expression joins the 117 Series, introduced in 2021 as a collection showcasing distinctive production techniques, experimental barrel treatments, and limited releases that explore different aspects of bourbon making. Available in 375 mL bottles, Triple Char will be sold in limited quantities through the Old Forester Distillery and select Kentucky retailers.
