Review: Old Forester The 117 Series – High Angels’ Share Rye

At this point every whiskey drinker should be well aware of the angel’s share, the impact of heat cycling in the rickhouse, causing evaporation of whiskey from the barrels. With this release of The 117 Series, Old Forester investigates what happens when the angels get very thirsty. The selection is drawn from barrels of Old Forester Rye that underwent exceptionally high levels of evaporative loss. (There was also a High Angels’ Share Bourbon release in 2021.)

Old Forester The 117 Series – High Angels’ Share Rye Review

On the nose, the whiskey is rich and buttery — and it doesn’t immediately connote rye, which surprises. Baking spice is expected and enveloping, with ample cinnamon visible, but its pairing here with a baked apple character is a surprise. Black and red pepper alike spice up the proceedings, with a slick of pistachio cream visible. Dubai whiskey, anyone?

The palate doesn’t wander far from the above, though the fruitier notes are more dominant and evolve to showcase some overripe banana — almost banana bread-like — qualities. Secondary flavors of ginger and mint are persistent and complementary, moving toward vanilla and dark chocolate on the fade-out. Aggressive baking spice notes — so much cinnamon, then nutmeg and some clove — ultimately keep this whiskey with one foot firmly planted in the world of rye, while that unctuous, creamy body tempers any threat of pungency.

My sample has vanished. All told, it’s one of the best 117 Series whiskeys I’ve tasted.

110 proof.

A / $65 (375ml)

The post Review: Old Forester The 117 Series – High Angels’ Share Rye appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.