Old Forester revives Repeal Day with the bold Prohibition Era Still Proof
NewsWednesday, 10 December 2025 at 07:03
Brown‑Forman has added a new whiskey to the 117 Series: a limited release that tips its hat to a pivotal era in drinks history: the Prohibition.
The bottle goes by the name Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof. Guess when it dropped? Last Friday, December 5. Prohibition officially ended on December 5, 1933.
Back to Prohibition
With this release, Old Forester pays tribute to its unique role during Prohibition. While most distilleries were forced to shut their doors, the brand was among the select few legally allowed to keep producing whiskey for medicinal purposes. That extraordinary privilege not only kept the brand alive, it helped lay the foundation for the reputation it enjoys today.
The new bottling comes in at 65 percent ABV, the same “still proof” Old Forester produced during the so‑called 100‑day distiller’s holiday.
That temporary production exemption took place a few years before Prohibition officially ended and gave a handful of distilleries the chance to replenish severely depleted stocks.
An authentic whiskey
Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo is thrilled with the release and emphasizes that it’s more than a nod to history.
'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.’ (…) This Bourbon offers a glimpse into the intensity and authenticity of our Prohibition heritage.'- Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distiller.
A festive Repeal Day launch
In Louisville, Old Forester Distillery marked Repeal Day with a special event where guests were the first to sample the new release.
Where to buy Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof
This limited whiskey is available in small quantities via the Old Forester website and select Kentucky retailers. The suggested retail price is 64.99 dollars, just over 55 euros. It’s not the first time a Prohibition‑themed bottling has been released.
Want to know more? Visit the official website.
FAQ
- What is Old Forester?
Old Forester is an American bourbon brand known as one of the first bottling‑era bourbons, with a history dating back to the late nineteenth century.
- Where is Old Forester made?
The brand is produced by Brown‑Forman in Louisville, Kentucky, where you can also visit the renowned Old Forester Distilling Co.
- What makes Old Forester special?
Old Forester is the only bourbon brand that legally continued production throughout Prohibition for medicinal purposes, meaning the brand has never been interrupted.
The accompanying photo is not of the new bottle; it is for illustration purposes only.
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LATEST COMMENTS
- Hi Yvonne, Thank you for your response and for sharing the video. Unfortunately, the evidence you referred to consists only of two people talking about the whisky, without any explanation or identification. We have not spoken to the individuals in the video ourselves, nor can we verify who they are. We describe it as a Chinese whisky because it is released by a Chinese distillery. As you mentioned, the distillery has chosen to label the product as “pure malt” instead of “Chinese whisky.” Based on that, we do not believe they are doing anything illegal.M0nkey16-11-2025
- So - you have the proof......where's your write up?Yvonne16-11-2025
- You are absolutely right. Luckily that doesn't matter for the taste of the whisky. Have you tried it yet?M0nkey05-11-2025
- Guess what? Finland is not part of Scandinavia.Gray105-11-2025
- Throw in the towel? You mean restructure to compete and win in a challenging industry environment.WestwardFounder21-10-2025
- There is nothing legally to prevent the English whisky GI from coming into force, it complies with all the relevant laws and the single malt definition follows the precedent of Welsh whisky and US whiskyChefBear15-10-2025
- Three emails sent (two with videos, linked to a Google Drive Share). 1. The original video. 2. The video with subtitles as it was shared on YouTube 3. Screen grab of the YouTube channel where the video was blocked due to Pernod Ricard lobbying. The story was covered on Drinks Intel at the time - link here - https://drinks-intel.com/subscriber-news/pernod-ricards-the-chuan-pure-malt-whisky-not-sourced-solely-from-china-global-drinks-intel-exclusive/Yvonne10-10-2025
- Hi Yvonne, Thank you for your interesting comment. Could you share your copy with us, so we can adjust our item accordingly? Mail us at [email protected]. Thank you in advance.M0nkey09-10-2025
- Let's keep this factually correct. Pernod Ricard DID NOT release a Chinese whisky. Their first output from The Chuan (the name of the distillery in Sichuan, China) wasn't fit for bottling. What they actually bottled was imported Scotch whisky. This is why the product is called "PURE MALT" and not "Chinese Whisky" - because Pure Malt is not a regulated term - this is not a secret. This was exposed about a week after they released it. There were even videos about their own staff on site admitting it was made from imported whisky - which Pernod Ricard got the lawyers onto to get the video pulled. I've got a copy if you want it.Yvonne09-10-2025
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