Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Product Description

Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond: Bourbon, Sealed in Quality

Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond is the second expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series, and it honors one of the most important dates in American whiskey history: the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. That law was created to quite literally "seal in the quality" of American whiskey at a time when adulterated and counterfeit spirits were common. To be labeled Bottled in Bond, a whiskey must be the product of one distillation season, one distiller, and one distillery, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.

The idea behind the act, sealed-in quality, was something Old Forester introduced in 1870 as America's first bottled bourbon. This bottling is a recreation of Old Forester's production at the time the law passed, so it's a small piece of history you can pour. It is also recognized: it won a Silver Medal at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition and "Master" at the 2019 American Whiskey Masters.

How Old Forester 1897 Is Made

The bourbon uses Old Forester's classic mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, entered into heavily charred new oak barrels at a high entry proof. It's aged a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse, lightly filtered, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), as the Bottled-in-Bond standard requires. The result is a robust, intense bourbon with a big, bold finish, richer and more concentrated than the standard 86 proof Old Forester.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A classically styled bourbon profile with robust, intense caramel and vanilla bean, complemented by dried fruits, sweet leather, and cured tobacco.

Palate: Sticky toffee and smoky wood tones lead, with figs, dates, and raisins adding dimension. Black pepper and cinnamon provide structure and texture.

Finish: Deep fruit, spice, and oak layered over dark caramel and vanilla. Big, bold, and classic, with leather and cured tobacco as it lingers.

Food Pairings

The toffee, dried fruit, and spice character in Old Forester 1897 pairs well with grilled steak, smoked brisket, and barbecue ribs. It also goes well with dark chocolate, pecan pie, bread pudding, and aged cheddar. A fig and walnut dessert or a cheese board with dates matches its dark fruit notes.

Serving Suggestions

At 100 proof, Old Forester 1897 is best sipped neat or with a few drops of water, or over a large ice cube. It also holds up well in cocktails. Old Forester's own signature serve is the River Parallel Sazerac: 2 oz of Old Forester 1897, ½ oz crème de cacao, and smoked cinnamon bitters in an absinthe-rinsed glass. It's also a strong base for an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bottled in Bond mean? Under the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, the whiskey must be from one distilling season, one distiller, and one distillery, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof.

What proof is Old Forester 1897? 100 proof (50% ABV).

What is the mash bill? 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.

How old is it? At least four years old, as required for Bottled in Bond.

Is it part of a series? Yes. It's the second release in the Whiskey Row Series, after 1870 Original Batch and before 1910 Old Fine Whisky and 1920 Prohibition Style.

Is it cask strength? No. It's bottled at the 100 proof Bottled-in-Bond standard rather than at barrel proof.

Where is it made? By Old Forester in Louisville, Kentucky.

Explore More

Want to continue the series? Try the Old Forester 1870 Original Batch, the Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky, or the bold Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style. Browse our full Bourbon collection for more bottled-in-bond and high-proof Kentucky bourbons.

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At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your bourbon is in good hands.