Old Forester Releases 117 Series Prohibition Era Still Proof Bourbon

Old Forester honors its Prohibition-era legacy with a new 117 Series release bottled at 130 proof and launching on Repeal Day. Read on to learn more about this limited release!

Press Release – Old Forester 117 Series Prohibition Era Still Proof

Old Forester 117 Series Prohibition Era Still Proof Bourbon Debuted December 5 – Repeal Day 

Honoring Old Forester’s Prohibition-Era Legacy

Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon, proudly announces the latest release in its acclaimed 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof. This limited-edition expression pays homage to Old Forester’s storied past as one of the few distilleries legally permitted to produce whiskey for medicinal purposes during Prohibition.

A Nod to Historical Distillation Practices

Bottled at 130 proof, this special release is a nod to the historical fact that Old Forester was distilled at 130 proof during the 100-day distiller’s holiday a few years prior to the repeal of Prohibition.


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Medicinal Whiskey During the 1930s

During the 1930s, a select group of government-authorized distillers — including Old Forester — were granted licenses to replenish whiskey stocks for medicinal use.

Capturing a Bold Chapter in Bourbon History

Prohibition Era Still Proof release captures the bold, uncut character of those historic barrels, celebrating a remarkable chapter of resilience and craftsmanship in bourbon history.

Distiller Commentary

“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.”

Repeal Day Release and Celebration

The release coincides with Repeal Day — December 5 — the date marking the end of Prohibition in 1933, when the 21st Amendment restored Americans’ right to enjoy bourbon once again.

Join us for a Repeal Day celebration at the Old Forester Distillery, beginning December 5th at 4:30 PM EST, for the release of this limited-edition expression. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, music and the first sips of this latest release.

Availability and Pricing

Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof will also be available in limited quantities in the online store at shop.oldforester.com for shipping to states where it is legal (D.C., KY, NE, NH, ND only) and select Kentucky retailers beginning December 5, 2025, for $64.99.

For more information on Old Forester, please visit OldForester.com.


Will you be picking up a bottle of Old Forester 117 Series Prohibition Era Still Proof Bourbon? Next, check out these related reviews: Old Forester 2025 Birthday Bourbon Review and Old Forester 117 Series 1910 Extra Extra Old Bourbon Review.

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About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.

Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.

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