Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Tasting Notes
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is hand selected by Master Distiller Chris Morris. Birthday Bourbon holds a special place among Old Foresters limited-releases, celebrating the legacy of the Brown family, said Morris. Were excited to open up the opportunity for bourbon lovers all over the country to get their hands on this beloved bourbon.
Here are the tasting notes provided by Old Forester.
Color: Dark amber with orange highlightsAroma: Begins with caramelized orange peel and cherry fruit softened with vanilla bean, graham cracker atop rich layers of toasted and charred oak brightened with a touch of cedarTaste: Subtle fruit flavor transitions into sweet roasted coffee with hints of dark chocolate and a dash of cocoa with toasted and charred seasoned oak characterFinish: Smooth and light with velvety coffee and mocha notes with lingering dark chocolate characterAge: 12 YearsProof: 96°
Old Forester 2021 Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester will release the 21st iteration of its limited-edition, vintage-dated Birthday Bourbon on Sept. 2 in celebration of founder George Garvin Browns birthday. This year marks the 151st year of the company he began in 1870.
The 2021 Birthday Bourbon will be bottled at 104 proof and is made up of 119 barrels, aged 12 years, and barreled on April 16, 2009. After showing exceptionally unique character during a tasting panel, the 12-year-old barrels were chosen specifically for this years Birthday Bourbon.
Great Bourbon Shouldnt Be Impossible To Find Just Impossible To Forget
PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY
Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. AMERICAS FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON is a trademark. ©2022 Brown-Forman Distillers. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
Please do not share or forward this content to anyone under the legal drinking age.
To find out more about responsible consumption, visit Responsibility.org and OurThinkingAboutDrinking.com
Please Sip Responsibly
Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. AMERICAS FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON is a trademark. ©2022 Brown-Forman Distillers. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
Please do not share or forward this content to anyone under the legal drinking age.
To find out more about responsible consumption, visit Responsibility.org and OurThinkingAboutDrinking.com
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What Year Was The First Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
The first Old Forester Birthday Bourbon was released in 2002. It is a limited edition bourbon that is only released once a year on the anniversary of the brands founding. It is made with a special blend of barrels that are selected by the master distiller.
The 2021 release includes a 12-year-old barrel with a proof of 104. The 119 barrels of crude oil that comprise the batch matured in Warehouse G on April 16, 2009. For the 151st year, the Old Forester has celebrated its birthday. It is the only bourbon brand in existence that has an uninterrupted history that goes back to before Prohibition and afterwards. George Garvin Brown, the founder of Brown-Forman, began making Old Forester Whiskey in 1870. It has a smooth texture, with hints of buttery caramel, burnt sugar, and a hint of fresh baked Linzer cookies on the mouthfeel. The Old Forester trademark can be found on the internet.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: A Vintage
Because it is a limited-release bourbon, the term Birthday bourbon is apt. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a 12-year-old bourbon that was aged in bourbon barrels that were once used to age other bourbons. A bottle of 104 proof bourbon is suggested retail price of $50.00. The Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is unique because it is the first vintage-dated bourbon in the industry. George Garvin Brown, the bourbons creator, was born on September 2nd, 2002, and it is one of his favorites. Bourbon is only available for a limited time and costs $49.99 at this time.
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Price Of The Old Forester Bourbon
You can expect to find a bottle of Old Forester bourbon 86 proof to stock your drink cabinet at around $14-$18. Its one of the best value bourbon considering the versatility of flavors and usages. Some of the batch variations will come at a higher price, though:
- Old Forester 100 proof : $30-$40
- Birthday Bourbon: $130
To keep your bourbon cabinet top-up, wed undoubtedly recommend the standard and trusted 86 proof, that packs a superb nose and palate under its small price.
How To Enter The 2022 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Sweepstakes
Bourbon fans can go to OldForester.com here for more information on how to enter the sweepstakes and additional rules and regulations. This 22nd Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $149.99.
Prize winners will be notified via e-mail on George Garvin Browns Birthday on September 2, 2022.
Here are a few points of interest for the sweepstakes.
- Sweepstakes winners will have to pick up their Birthday Bourbon in person at the distillery before December 23, 2022.
- Old Forester Distillery will NOT be selling bottles at the distillery on September 2, 2022
- There will be some random unannounced days and times when their may be a gift shop release or in conjunction with select tastings or tours.
- Additional opportunities to purchase will not be announced in advance.
Old Forester is Brown-Formans founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it in glass bottles, signed it, and pledged, There is nothing better in the market.
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The 2020 vintage of Birthday Bourbon marks the 20th release of the annual Old Forester series. Aged ten years and clocking in at 98 proof, this exceptionally flavorful expression is bursting with sugar and spice, a pinch of cinnamon, and heaps of vanilla frosting on top.
2020 Release / 98 Proof
Old Forester Single Barrel Select
Average Price: Around $45
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Liked It:
If you found number three too hot, you will definitely enjoy the Old Forester Single Barrel Select. This one is a lot more mellow at 90 proof.
The whiskey was pulled from a lone barrel personally hand-picked by the Master Distiller.
This dram is much more easy-going yet still retains the Single Barrels depth and richness. It has a perfect balance of salted caramel, sweet vanilla, citrus notes, and black pepper spice on the palate.
This Old Forester bourbon is an instant crowd favorite and one of our favorite expressions from the brand.
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Old Forester 21st Release Of Annual Birthday Bourbon
Press images of the 2021 Birthday Bourbon can be found here.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., The highly anticipated release of Old Foresters Birthday Bourbon will be available on September 2, the birthday of Old Foresters founder George Garvin Brown.
The 2021 release is from 12-year-old barrels and presented at 104 proof. The batch is comprised of 119 barrels filled on April 16, 2009, and matured in Warehouse G. This year marks Old Foresters 151st anniversary, making it the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted history, sold by the same family company before, during and after Prohibition.
Old Forester Celebrates Founder George Garvin Browns Birthday with 21st Iteration of Birthday Bourbon on September 2
Birthday Bourbon is a special release that not only commemorates the memory of George Garvin Brown, but also celebrates the legacy that he built which continues to live on, said Master Taster Jackie Zykan. Im honored to be able to share such a delicious offering to celebrate our founders milestones, and to be a part of raised glasses for special moments in the lives of our fans.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be available starting September 2nd at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. and nationwide in limited 750ml bottles. Additionally, this year there will not be an online release or any specialty tours at Old Forester Distiller for the Birthday Bourbon iteration.
The suggested retail price is $129.99.
Notes:
About Brown-Forman:
Tiers Of Allocated Bourbon
I have ranked these bourbons based on how hard it is to find and obtain. Obviously, these may vary regionally, according to the season and the total amount of bottles sold. And realistically, some brands are more coveted then others.
Youll see that many Buffalo Trace items are listed as Tier 1 items, but thats just the way it is with as many fans that BT has.
Tier 3 Allocated bottles that are somewhat easy to find and could be found on a shelf in most cases.
These are dependable annual releases with most having multiple releases per year.
Tier 2 The difference between Tier 3 and 2 is that Tier 2 items are typically more expensive and may only be released once a year.
Also, Ill include distillery-only releases in here as well because unless you live in Kentucky, then its not fair.
Tier 1 These are the hardest to find allocated bottles and the ones that command the highest secondary prices.
Youll realistically not find these bottles on the shelf. Youll always have to know somebody to get them.
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Review & Tasting Notes
This release marks the 21st edition of Birthday Bourbon, launched back in 2002. It has grown to become one of the most highly sought after Old Forester offerings. Over the course of this vintage-dated bourbon, it has ranged from 90 to 105 proof. The age statements have ranged from 9-14 years.
This years batch is the second-highest proofing to date at 104 proof, while also proclaiming a 12-year age statement. The 2021 release is derived from 119 barrels that were all filled on April 16th, 2009. Those barrels were then aged in Warehouse G to mature.
Each release is rare and unique to the year, therefore one-of-a-kind flavor profiles that are never recreated. As for the 2021 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon tasting notes, we outline each segment below.
Color
Golden Citrine
Nose
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 brulee, subtle pecan, rich maple syrup, and cocoa.
Palate
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.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020
Old Forester 2020 Bourbon is 98 proof, made from 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley and aged 10 years. Suggested retail price and distribution is nationwide, but actually laying hands on a bottle is another matter.
This liquid is a very clear, rich amber with a hint of bronze. It beads and forms excessively slow tears.Powerful! Banana peel leaps out of the glass, followed by brown-sugar sweetness. Dark cherry comes on later, with a hum of latex
On the palate, this Birthday Bourbon is smooth and sweet velvety white flowers on the attack and the glassy crust of crème brûlée. Mid palate finds cola, while the finish is long and tinged with black pepper and allspice.
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Old Forester 1897 Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Average Price: Around $60
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Liked It: The Old Forester 1897 Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon pays homage to the first year the Bottled in Bond Act was implemented.
As the name suggests, this is a Bottled In Bond, meaning the bourbons were distilled and produced under well-regulated conditions.
This is pretty spicy relative to the proof. It has warm notes of chewy caramel, smooth vanilla latte, brown sugar, and hints of cherry.
Msrp & Secondary Price
Birthday Bourbon is available in a 750ml offering for an MSRP of $130. Being as it is a highly sought after offering with limited allocation, secondary market prices will demand many times over that that retail price.
Suggested retail pricing is set for $130. However, anyone who has looked for this bourbon personally can attest that it is a major find if you can spot it in the wild. Moreover, if youre willing to pay secondary prices, get ready to pony up for around $1,000 or more per bottle.
Be sure to and to see all of our latest Bourbon Accessories, New Gear, Shirts, and other fun stuffas theyre released!
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Old Forester Sets 21st Release Of Annual Birthday Bourbon
LOUISVILLE, Ky. The release of Old Foresters Birthday Bourbon will be available on Sept. 2, the birthday of Old Foresters founder George Garvin Brown.
The 2021 release is from 12-year-old barrels and presented at 104 proof. The batch is comprised of 119 barrels filled on April 16, 2009, and matured in Warehouse G.
This year marks Old Foresters 151st anniversary, making it the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted history, sold by the same family company before, during and after Prohibition.
Birthday Bourbon is a special release that not only commemorates the memory of George Garvin Brown, but also celebrates the legacy that he built which continues to live on, said Master Taster Jackie Zykan. Im honored to be able to share such a delicious offering to celebrate our founders milestones, and to be a part of raised glasses for special moments in the lives of our fans.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be available starting Sept. 2 at the retail shop at Old Forester Distilling Co. and nationwide in limited 750ml bottles. Additionally, this year there will not be an online release or any specialty tours at Old Forester Distillery for Birthday Bourbon.
Brown-Formans brands are supported by approximately 4,700 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide.
What Is The Best Old Forester Bourbon Ranked
Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Old Forester is one of the bourbon industrys oldest brands. But thats not all it was also the first bourbon sold in sealed bottles.
Before Old Foresters innovation, bourbon was just out of barrels in grocery stores, much like an archaic soda fountain machine.
Old Foresters 150 years in the business allowed them to create cult classic bourbons, some of which are our personal favorites. So what is the best Old Forester bourbon?
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The Best Bourbons Over $100
Bookers Bourbon 2021-04 Noe Strangers Batch
The fourth and final 2021 release from Bookers, this iteration was aged for 6 years, 6 months, and 12 days, and arrives at a dizzying 62.2 percent ABV. As with all cask-strength bourbons, it proves to be a heady, in-your-face experience, though not one that lacks nuance or complexity. Fruity, floral notes take charge on the intense nose, while the palate leans into baked desserts and rich caramel. Dont be afraid to add a splash of water. Average price: $113. Rating: 93.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Launched in 2020, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel quickly won over bourbon aficionados, and bottles now fetch much more than its $50 MSRP at retail. Made by finishing standard Elijah Craig in new, custom-toasted oak barrels, the bourbon has multiple layers of aromas and flavors that go well beyond wood. Expect sweet caramel tones on the nose, and enticing coffee and dark chocolate on the palate. If you come across this bottle, dont leave it sitting on the shelf. Average price: $132. Rating: 93.
Knob Creek 15 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey
Larceny Barrel Proof A122
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Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Spring 2022
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 For Sale
If you can bear it, allow this bourbon to open up in your glass before you begin to taste. Then keep nosing every few minutes or so and see the notes keep multiplying as time passes. Along with a healthy dose of oak, breakfast foods come to mind like oatmeal with brown sugar and apples maple syrup and pancakes and bacon and buttered toast. Theres even a touch of cherry fruit here. As you taste, warm barrel spices come through which marries well with the aforementioned sweet notes. A nice bittersweet and savory finish is found with a bit of char smoke wrapping it all up. Another enjoyable Birthday Bourbon from Old Forester.
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Old Forester Set To Launch 21st Edition Of Its Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester has announced the upcoming release of its coveted, 21st edition of Birthday Bourbon.
The 2021 release comes from 12-year-old barrels and clocks in at 104 proof. Old Forester distillers note that this batch consists of 119 barrels filled on April 16, 2009, all matured in Warehouse G.
This year, weve composed a bold and compelling offering which showcases the unique fruit-forward side of Old Forester, said Old Forester Master Taster Jackie Zykan in a prepared statement. Playful berry undertones with summery dessert notes balance out to our flagship spice finish while taking sippers on a textural journey from velvety to dry mouthfeel.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2021
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a vintage-dated bourbon, selected from one specific day of production and released each year on Sept. 2nd to celebrate the birthday of Old Forester founder George Garvin Brown.
Since Birthday Bourbons introduction in 2002, the juice has ranged in age from 9-14 years old, with proofs from 90 to 105.
This year marks Old Foresters 151st anniversary, which Zykan said is historic, as it makes Old Forester whats said to be the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted history, sold by the same family company before, during and after Prohibition.