Back in the day when America went dry, a few tough outfits kept the spirit alive—literally. Old Forester, the brand that kicked off bottled bourbon way back in 1870, just dropped a new limited-edition bottle that's got folks talking about those wild Prohibition times. It's called the Prohibition Era Still Proof, part of their popular 117 Series, and it's all about remembering how this Kentucky distillery hung in there when most others got shut down.
Picture this: It's the 1920s and early '30s, and the government slaps a ban on booze across the country. But Old Forester wasn't about to fade away. As one of the handful of distilleries that got the green light to keep producing whiskey—strictly for "medicinal purposes," of course—they stayed in the game. Doctors were writing prescriptions for pints of the stuff to treat everything from a bad cold to a rough day. That era tested everyone's grit, but Old Forester came out swinging, proving that real craftsmanship doesn't quit.
This new release bottles that same tough-as-nails vibe. It's clocking in at a hefty 130 proof, which isn't just a random number. That's a direct hat tip to how Old Forester was distilled back then, especially during that short 100-day "distiller's holiday" right before Prohibition got the boot in 1933. We're talking about whiskey straight from the still, bold and unfiltered, just like the barrels they rolled out in those government-approved runs. It's got that raw, intense flavor that screams history in every sip—think deep caramel notes mixed with a kick that reminds you why bourbon earned its stripes.
The timing couldn't be better. This bottle hits shelves on Repeal Day, December 5—the very date in 1933 when the 21st Amendment finally put an end to the dry spell and let folks raise a glass legally again. Old Forester is marking the occasion with a bash at their distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Kicking off at 4:30 PM Eastern Time on December 5, it's the kind of event where you can grab some bites, listen to tunes, and be among the first to taste this special pour. If you're in the area, it's a chance to soak in the atmosphere of a place that's been making whiskey for over 150 years.
For those who can't make the trip, don't sweat it. The Prohibition Era Still Proof will be up for grabs in limited amounts starting that same day. You can snag it online through shop.oldforester.com, but shipping's only to a few spots: Washington D.C., Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Dakota. If you're in Kentucky, check out select retailers there too. Price tag? A reasonable $64.99 for something this exclusive. Stock won't last long, so if you're into collecting or just want a bottle that tells a story, move quick.
What makes this release stand out is how it shines a light on Old Forester's unbreakable spirit. During the height of Prohibition in the 1930s, only a select crew of distillers got those special licenses to restock medicinal whiskey supplies. Old Forester was right there, keeping the tradition going when the industry was on the ropes. This bourbon isn't just a drink; it's a piece of American resilience, bottled up for guys who appreciate the long haul—the kind of story you share over a fire pit or at the end of a solid day.
Caleb Trigo, the Assistant Master Distiller at Old Forester, puts it best: "This release is a tribute to the ingenuity that allowed Old Forester to endure and emerge stronger during one of the most challenging periods for American whiskey," said Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distillery of Old Forester. "This bourbon offers a glimpse into the intensity and authenticity of our Prohibition heritage." He's spot on—it's like cracking open a time capsule that lets you taste the determination of those old-school whiskey makers.
Digging deeper into Old Forester's roots, it all started with George Garvin Brown in 1870. He was convinced his bourbon was top-notch, so he started bottling it himself—sealing each one, signing it, and backing it with a bold claim: "There is nothing better in the market." That kind of confidence built a legacy that's still going strong under Brown-Forman, the company that owns it today. From those early days in Louisville to surviving the dry years, Old Forester has always been about quality and consistency, the stuff that turns a simple pour into something memorable.
Of course, with great whiskey comes the reminder to enjoy it right. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky packs 65% alcohol by volume, distilled right there in Louisville by the Old Forester Distilling Company. It's a registered trademark, and all rights are held by Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc., as of 2025. So, sip responsibly—savor the history without overdoing it.
In a world full of flashy new spirits, this 117 Series release stands as a reminder of what real bourbon is about: enduring tough times, crafting something genuine, and celebrating the wins. Whether you're adding it to your shelf or cracking it open for a quiet evening, the Prohibition Era Still Proof brings a slice of America's whiskey past straight to your glass. For more on what Old Forester's cooking up, head over to OldForester.com and dive in. Who knows, it might just become your new go-to story to tell.
