Old Forester has unveiled Triple Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, the latest expression in its limited 117 Series, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The release is the first Old Forester bourbon crafted entirely from whiskey distilled at the company’s Main Street Distillery in downtown Louisville, where production resumed in 2018 as part of the historic Whiskey Row revival.
First Whiskey Produced Entirely at Louisville’s Main Street Distillery
Since opening its doors, the Main Street Distillery has welcomed thousands of bourbon enthusiasts while producing whiskey destined for future Old Forester releases. Triple Char represents the first bottled expression made exclusively from that distillate, highlighting the maturation of the distillery’s own whiskey program.
To commemorate the occasion, Old Forester matured the bourbon in barrels that received three times the standard char level. The extended charring increases interaction between the whiskey and the oak, creating additional depth and complexity while emphasizing the distillery’s continued focus on innovation alongside its longstanding traditions.
Extended Barrel Char Creates Bold Flavor Profile
Bottled at 115 proof (57.5% ABV), Triple Char delivers a rich flavor profile driven by intensified oak influence. According to Old Forester, the nose opens with pecan praline, crisp apple, stone fruit, cardamom, honeysuckle, and sweet leather. On the palate, buttery baked apple cobbler is complemented by cinnamon spice, black pepper, and prominent oak char before finishing with rich oak, soft leather, and subtle licorice notes.
“Triple Char is an exciting new chapter for Old Forester and our 117 Series,” said Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. “Not only is it the first expression made entirely from whiskey distilled at our Main Street distillery, but the extended barrel char allows us to showcase that spirit in a completely new way. The result is a bourbon with remarkable richness, intense spice and a depth of oak that demonstrates both our heritage and our continued spirit of innovation.”
The Latest Addition to the 117 Series
Introduced in 2021, the 117 Series serves as Old Forester’s experimental collection, exploring unique barrel treatments, production methods, and limited releases. Previous expressions have included 1910 Extra Extra Old, Whiskey Row Fire, and High Angels’ Share, each highlighting different aspects of the brand’s whiskey-making process.
Triple Char continues that tradition while becoming one of the series’ most historically significant releases by showcasing whiskey produced entirely at the downtown Louisville distillery.
Availability and Pricing
Old Forester 117 Series Triple Char is available beginning July 24, 2026, in 375 mL bottles with a suggested retail price of $64.99. The limited release is available at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville and through select Kentucky retailers while supplies last.
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