To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Orlando Sentinel, Forward/Slash Distillery & Blending House has crafted a unique whiskey called Ol’ Watchdog. This limited-release spirit embodies the newspaper’s rich history while offering whiskey enthusiasts a delightful tasting experience.

Co-owners Michael Buffa and Tim Bradstreet focused on two key elements for this special whiskey: honoring the Sentinel’s storied past and involving its staff. The whiskey features deep fruit notes, resulting from two blends aged in ancient Armagnac casks, representing one of the oldest spirits in the United States. They aimed to create something rustic and fruity that encapsulates a century and a half of storytelling.

Only 344 bottles of this whiskey will be available, with pricing set at $115. There’s also an option for half-ounce pours at $7 and 1-ounce pours at $11, designed to be savored. The casks used for aging date back to 1976, made from trees that were growing in France around the same time the Orlando Sentinel was founded.

Buffa explained that the choice of Armagnac was intentional to introduce flavors reminiscent of stone fruits and figs, contributing to the whiskey’s complexity. Additionally, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks were used to infuse a hint of sweetness and spiciness.

The name Ol’ Watchdog was derived from a suggestion made by photographer Stephen Dowell, fitting perfectly with the Sentinel’s journalistic mission. The "Ol’" was added as a tribute to whiskey tradition. Various staff members participated in the tasting process to help select the final blend, ensuring it met both expert and staff preferences.

Bradstreet described the whiskey as having a unique profile that drinks older than its years, standing out among other creations from the distillery. The bottles will be available for purchase and tastings starting May 7 at their Winter Park tasting room.

For more details, visit Forward/Slash Distillery.