Light oak | Brown sugar | Ripe pears | Honey | Baking spice | Dried fruits | Nicely mingled scents

White peppercorn | Spiced cinnamon syrup | Light leather | Tobacco leaf | Maraschino cherries | Soiree of spices

Dry oak | Leather | Cigar box | Peppercorn | Underlying spice | Dry & lingering

The 117 Series by Old Forester is a limited-expression lineup first introduced in spring of 2021 and is directed by Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan. Following the release of Batch 001, Batch 002 is composed of a blend of barrels from the company’s famed Warehouse K. According to Old Forester, “Warehouse K features a blend of barrels aged on different floors from a warehouse known to produce exceptional liquid. Constructed in 1953, Warehouse K uses the time-honored tradition of heat-cycling and has long been one of Old Forester’s favorite places for Single Barrel expressions.”

While it contains some of the similar traits found in Batch 001, Batch 002 differentiates itself throughout the sip. Opening with a bouquet of sweet scents that mingle together nicely, the rest of the sip transitions to more earthy and spicier notes. This is especially evident in the palate where a bold soiree of spices takes center stage and is hard to ignore. Ending on a drier note, the finish wraps things up neatly, although uneventful. Overall, Batch 002 is a fine example of Old Forester’s capabilities, although it’s hard-pressed to stand out against other current Old Forester products such as the often lauded Old Forester 1920.