Old Forester releases 130 proof Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon for Repeal Day. Limited edition honors medicinal whiskey heritage. Available Dec 5.
There’s something poetic about sipping bourbon on December 5th. While most of us mark our calendars with birthdays and holidays, true whiskey lovers circle Repeal Day, the anniversary of Prohibition’s end in 1933.
This year, Old Forester is giving us an exceptional reason to raise our glasses higher. The distillery just released its latest 117 Series expression:
Old Forester Prohibition Era Still Proof Bourbon, a limited-edition bottled at a robust 130 proof
This isn’t just another release; it’s liquid history that honors one of the darkest—and most fascinating—chapters in American distilling.
Old Forester was among the rare few legally permitted to produce whiskey during Prohibition, and this new bourbon captures that audacious spirit in every sip.
A Medicinal Loophole That Saved American Bourbon
When the Volstead Act went into effect in 1920, it looked like the curtain call for American whiskey.
Distilleries shuttered.
Barrels gathered dust.
But Old Forester had something most didn’t: a medicinal whiskey permit. Yes, you read that right; during Prohibition, doctors could prescribe bourbon for “medicinal purposes,” and a select group of government-authorized distilleries could produce it.
Old Forester was one of those lucky few.
According to the National Archives, approximately 10 million gallons of whiskey were prescribed annually during Prohibition, making the local pharmacy more exciting than your neighborhood speakeasy. Old Forester’s medicinal bourbon kept the brand alive when others vanished. This new Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon celebrates that survival story with a historically accurate 130 proof bottling, the same proof Old Forester used during the 100-day distiller’s holiday a few years before Prohibition’s repeal.
Bold, Uncut, and Unapologetically Strong
At 130 proof, this isn’t a bourbon for the faint of heart.
It’s a flavor powerhouse that demands respect and rewards patience. Caleb Trigo, Assistant Master Distillery of Old Forester, puts it perfectly:
“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
“…This bourbon offers a glimpse into the intensity and authenticity of our Prohibition heritage.”
The Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon delivers that intensity with every pour. Expect rich caramel, toasted oak, and a spicy kick that lingers long after the glass is empty. It’s the kind of bourbon that makes you slow down and savor; perfect for a quiet evening at home or impressing guests at your next dinner party.
The high proof means you can also play mixologist, adding a splash of water or a single ice cube to unlock different flavor notes and make it uniquely yours.
For bourbon enthusiasts in cities like San Francisco, New York, or Chicago, where craft cocktail culture thrives, this release offers both versatility and prestige. Pour it neat to appreciate its full-bodied character, or use it as the backbone for a robust Old Fashioned that would make any speakeasy bartender proud.
The 117 Series: Where History Meets Innovation
Old Forester’s 117 Series has become a collector’s dream, with each release exploring different aspects of the distillery’s heritage and craft. The series name itself:117 references the historic address of the original Old Forester distillery on Whiskey Row in Louisville.
Previous releases have showcased various proofs, mash bills, and aging techniques, but Prohibition Era Still Proof stands out for its direct connection to such a pivotal moment in American history.
What makes this release particularly fun-loving is its timing.
Launching on Repeal Day isn’t just clever marketing; it’s a full-circle moment. On December 5, 1933, Americans legally raised their glasses again after 13 dry years. Now, 92 years later, we’re celebrating with a bourbon that honors the resilience that kept the industry, and Old Forester—alive during those challenging times.
If you’re in Louisville, the Old Forester Distillery is hosting a Repeal Day celebration starting at 4:30 PM EST on December 5th, complete with hors d’oeuvres, music, and the first pours of this limited-edition expression. It’s the kind of event that reminds us why bourbon culture is so special, it’s not just about what’s in the bottle, but the stories and community that surround it.
Where to Find Prohibition Era Still Proof Bourbon
Starting December 5, 2025, Old Forester 117 Series: Prohibition Era Still Proof will be available for $64.99 through the Old Forester online store at shop.oldforester.com (shipping to D.C., KY, NE, NH, and ND only) and at select Kentucky retailers. Given the limited quantities and the 117 Series’ track record of selling out quickly, bourbon collectors should act fast.
At roughly 65 dollars, this bourbon offers remarkable value for a limited-edition, high-proof expression with such historical significance. Compare that to other allocated bourbons commanding triple-digit price tags on the secondary market, and Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon becomes even more appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon different from regular Old Forester?
This limited-edition release is bottled at 130 proof—the same proof Old Forester used during the pre-Prohibition distiller’s holiday. It’s uncut, bolder, and celebrates the brand’s unique role as a medicinal whiskey producer during Prohibition.
Can I buy Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon outside Kentucky?
Online shipping is available only to D.C., KY, NE, NH, and ND through shop.oldforester.com. However, select Kentucky retailers will carry limited quantities starting December 5, 2025.
How should I drink 130-proof bourbon?
There’s no wrong answer! Try it neat first to experience the full intensity and flavor profile. Add a few drops of water or a single ice cube to open up different notes. It also makes an exceptionally bold Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Raise Your Glass to Resilience
Old Forester Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon isn’t just another bottle on the shelf;it’s a celebration of American ingenuity, legal loopholes, and the distillers who refused to let Prohibition kill bourbon. Whether you’re a serious collector, a home bartender looking for your next signature cocktail base, or simply someone who appreciates a good story with their pour, this release deserves a spot in your collection.
Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and prepare to toast Repeal Day the way it was meant to be celebrated: with authentic, bold, historically significant bourbon that honors the past while tasting very much like the future.
Old Forester releases 130-proof Prohibition Era Still Proof bourbon for Repeal Day. Limited edition honors medicinal whiskey heritage. Available Dec 5.
Dark chocolate, aged cheddar, and this bourbon. That’s the entire holiday party menu
Imagine being a bartender in 1925 and legally slinging “medicine” across the counter. Living the dream.
“Medicinal purposes” is absolutely going to be my excuse for everything now.
RIP to my previous house bourbon.
Finally, a bourbon that won’t judge me for adding one ice cube. At 130 proof it’s basically asking for it.
I have to admit, this sounds incredible. Maybe it’s time to add a bourbon shelf to the cellar. Don’t tell my Bordeaux.
$64.99 for liquid history? Meanwhile my “regular” allocated bottles cost three times that on secondary markets. Old Forester coming in clutch.