Old Forester is once again honoring its creator, George Garvin Brown, with the annual release of its Birthday Bourbon.
The 2023 Birthday Bourbon was bottled from 103 barrels that were filled May 5, 2011. The barrels were stored in Warehouse I, 5th floor for 12 years old and resulted in a 96 proof expression.
“We don’t have a lot of the old stuff floating around, so 12 years is about the highest age range that we typically put birthday bourbon out atAny year that we have a 12 year release, it is kind of special, especially with the way that we age in our heat cycled warehouses,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift told us exclusively. “We just get so much extraction from those barrels at the 12 year mark. This one features really great barrel characteristics. At the proof that we’re presenting it at, we’re getting really nice charred oak, but without too much spice or presence from the ABV behind it. This one’s all about balance and finesse, but like really featuring those sweet aromatics and a lot of the the oaks and the tannins that we get from that.
Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon bottles is available for purchase nationwide at select retailers. In addition, bottles were available at Old Forester Distillery in Louisville via a national sweepstakes. It allowed consumers nationwide a more equal opportunity to purchase the limited-edition expression.
“Every year, Birthday Bourbon is a unique opportunity for lovers of Old Forester to taste a snapshot of the bourbon that was being laid down over a decade ago,” said Riff. “This year, I am honored to raise a glass to yet another year of George Garvin Brown’s ongoing legacy and celebrate all there is to love about this special offering with friends, family and fans of the brand.”
Sweepstakes winners were chosen on September 2 and bottles will be available for pickup through December 23.
Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon is available $169.99.
