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Old Forester pays tribute to the darkest era of American alcohol with its newest whiskey

Old Forester is launching a new Prohibition-style bourbon

By Christopher Osburn Published December 8, 2025

whiskey glass — Thomas Park / Unsplash

Fans of bourbon eagerly await the release of Old Forester’s popular 117 series. They won’t have to wait long, as the iconic Louisville-based brand recently announced the release of a new expression in the series that pays tribute to a dark era in the American alcohol landscape.

Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof

This limited-edition bourbon was crafted to pay homage to the brand’s history. If you didn’t know it, a small group of distillers were still allowed to produce alcohol during Prohibition (for medicinal purposes). Old Forester was one of those distilleries, and this 130-proof special release was made to continue this legacy.

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This cask strength whiskey was released on December 5th, the date that marks the end of Prohibition in 1933, when the 21st Amendment was officially ratified.

“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,” Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distillery of Old Forester, says.

“This bourbon offers a glimpse into the intensity and authenticity of our Prohibition heritage.”

Where can I buy it?

There’s no better way to celebrate the anniversary of the end of prohibition than by cracking open a bottle of Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof. On top of being available at the distillery, you can also purchase this limited-release expression on the Old Forester online shop (shop.oldforester.com) for shipping to DC, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Dakota, as well as select Kentucky whiskey retailers for the suggested retail price of $64.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Christopher Osburn

Writer

Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional

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