Old Forester's New Rye: A Bold Expression Born from Evaporation

LOUISVILLE, KY – March 20, 2026 – Old Forester, a cornerstone of American whiskey for over 150 years, has unveiled its latest innovation: a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey born from extreme maturation conditions. The new release, titled High Angels' Share Rye, is the newest expression in the brand's experimental 117 Series and highlights the profound impact of evaporative loss on a whiskey's final character.

This limited, small-batch offering is crafted from a selection of barrels that yielded an unusually low volume of liquid due to the brand's unique heat-cycled warehousing. This phenomenon, known affectionately in the industry as the “angels’ share,” has resulted in a rye whiskey with a remarkably concentrated and intense flavor profile. Bottled at a robust 110 proof, the release is set to capture the attention of connoisseurs and collectors alike.

The Science of Serendipity

At the heart of this new release is the science of maturation. The “angels' share” refers to the volume of spirit that evaporates through the porous oak barrels during the aging process. This is not merely a loss; it is a crucial part of a whiskey's development, concentrating the remaining liquid and deepening its interaction with the wood. Factors like temperature, humidity, and airflow dictate how much the angels take, and in Kentucky’s variable climate, the results can be dramatic.

Old Forester amplifies this effect through its use of heat-cycled warehouses. Unlike traditional rickhouses that are subject to the whims of the seasons, these facilities are climate-controlled, using heaters to raise the temperature during colder months. This process forces the whiskey to expand and contract within the barrel year-round, accelerating the aging process and intensifying the extraction of flavors like vanilla, caramel, and spice from the charred oak. While this technique can create a whiskey that tastes older than its age, it also significantly increases the rate of evaporation.

The High Angels' Share Rye comes from barrels that experienced this effect to an extreme degree. These casks, having surrendered a significant portion of their contents to the atmosphere, held a spirit that was darker, richer, and more potent. "We're continually amazed by what our warehouses can produce," noted Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo in the official announcement. "With High Angels' Share Rye, the angels clearly left their mark, yielding a rye whiskey that's bold, concentrated, and deeply rewarding. It's a celebration of both old-world tradition and the serendipitous magic that comes from maturation in motion."

A Rye Renaissance for a Bourbon Pioneer

The introduction of a rye whiskey into the prestigious 117 Series marks a significant moment for Old Forester. Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, the brand built its legacy on bourbon, famously becoming the first to be sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles. For nearly 150 years, bourbon was its singular focus. It wasn't until 2019 that the distillery released its first rye whiskey, reviving a historic recipe with a unique mash bill of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn.

This latest release demonstrates a deepening commitment to the rye category at a time when consumer interest is soaring. The American rye whiskey market has experienced explosive growth, with sales volumes increasing dramatically over the past decade. Driven by the classic cocktail revival and a consumer thirst for spirits with bold, spicy flavor profiles, rye has re-established itself as a vital segment of the American whiskey landscape. By placing its new rye within the 117 Series—a line reserved for its most creative and boundary-pushing expressions—Old Forester is making a clear statement about the importance of rye to its future and its capacity for innovation beyond its bourbon heritage.

The Collector's Quest

The 117 Series, named for the brand's historic address on Louisville's Whiskey Row, has quickly become a proving ground for experimentation and a beacon for collectors. Since its launch in 2021, the series has featured unique bourbons highlighting specific warehouses, cask finishes, and age statements, with each release generating significant buzz. These limited offerings, sold primarily at the distillery in 375 mL bottles, often command prices well above retail on the secondary market.

High Angels' Share Rye, designated as Batch No. 001, is poised to follow this trend. The combination of its unique origin story, limited availability, and the inaugural batch number makes it an immediate target for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors. The price of $64.99 for a 375 mL bottle places it squarely in the premium category. While more expensive on a per-milliliter basis than many standard rye offerings, its pricing is consistent with previous 117 Series releases, which have proven to be sound investments for collectors who value novelty and rarity.

This release taps directly into the premiumization trend driving the spirits market, where educated consumers are willing to pay more for products with a compelling narrative and a distinct character. The story of the angels taking an extra-large share is not just marketing; it is a tangible explanation for the whiskey's concentrated nature, appealing to those who appreciate the craft and circumstance behind what is in their glass.

Tasting the Angels' Work

Ultimately, the success of High Angels' Share Rye will be determined by its profile. According to Old Forester, the whiskey delivers a complex sensory experience. The nose is described as decadent and aromatic, with notes of rich chocolate and hazelnut balanced by ripe strawberry and herbal tones. On the palate, it opens with citrus oils, burnt sugar, and sandalwood, which give way to layers of peppercorn and eucalyptus. The finish is described as long and textural, dominated by earthy peppercorn, toasted oak, cedar, and a final hint of eucalyptus.

Presented at 110 proof (55% ABV), the whiskey promises a boldness that complements its concentrated flavors. The inaugural batch of Old Forester The 117 Series: High Angels' Share Rye will be available starting in March 2026 at the Old Forester Distillery and select Kentucky retailers, offering a rare opportunity to taste the serendipitous results of a particularly thirsty band of angels.