“Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a vintage--dated bourbon, hand--selected from one specific day of production and released each year on September 2nd to celebrate the birthday of Old Forester founder, George Garvin Brown. This year’s release is a rare, handcrafted bourbon with one--of--a--kind character and flavor that can never be replicated.” 

 

Birthday Bourbon was originally introduced in 2002. It has ranged in age from 9--14 years old, with proofs from 90 to 105.  

 

“This year marks Old Forester’s 151st anniversary, making it the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted history, sold by the same family company before, during, and after Prohibition.”

 

This year’s Birthday Bourbon was distilled on April 16th, 2009. Making this year’s bottling 12 years old and 104 proof. 

 

“Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be available starting September 2nd at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. and nationwide for $129.99 in limited 750ml bottles. Visit  OldForester.com for more information and to find retailers nationwide.”

 

Jackie Zykan has recently become the face of Old Forester, coming to the forefront with her first signature bottling of “The 117 Series” which Chad and I had the pleasure of doing a live tasting on WBSE with her.  Jackie is very vibrant and passionate about her whiskey projects! I foresee a very interesting and delicious future for the brand. As for myself, I’ve never met an Old Forester I didn’t like!

 

Chad and I were fortunate enough to secure a sample for tasting this year, which will probably be about as close as we will get to finding a bottle.

 

 

Alright, time to taste! (Click HERE to watch our video review))

 

Bill’s notes:

 

Nose: Dark berry fruits like raspberries, burnt brown sugar, oak, and a hint of cocoa.

 

Palate: Burnt brown sugar sweetness greets you followed by oak, cocoa and baking spices, with a nice, oily mouthfeel.

 

Finish: Long and warm, with notes of cocoa and a dry oak spice

 

 

Chad’s notes:

 

Nose: Vanilla and dark berries

 

Palate: Sweet upfront with a lot of brown sugar and a silky mouthfeel

 

Finish: Dry with long lingering baking spices and a bit of heat

 

 

Old Forester’s notes:

 

Color: Golden Citrine  

 

Aroma: A beautiful symphony of berry and dessert components. Red raspberry preserves join plump, juicy blackberries and dried strawberries to set the tone, nestled in a bed of dried herbs and balanced with vanilla creme brûlée, subtle pecan, rich maple syrup, and cocoa. 

 

Taste: Rich and inviting, the velvety mouthfeel carries notes of buttery caramel, burnt sugar, and a touch of fresh baked Linzer cookie. This silky palate quickly awakens into a bright, peppery, peripheral spice. 

 

Finish: Lengthy and warm with subtle dryness. Subdued notes of chocolate, raisin and cool herbs linger in the shadow of stark oak spice.