Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2021

We review the 2021 release of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. This year's batch was aged for 12 years and is released at 104 proof.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2021

Tasting Notes

About:

104 proof (52% ABV). Barreled on April 16 2009. Batch consisting of 119 barrels all taken from the 8th floor of Brown-Forman’s heat cycled warehouse G in Shivley, Kentucky. $130 MSRP.
Appearance:
Clear, with a gold to burnt sienna color. A deep body that holds the sunlight when observed through a tasting glass. The viscosity forms wide rivulets that cling to the side after a swirl of the glass.
Nose:
Notes reminiscent of toffee and caramelized sugar on first inspection. Then it opens up with berry compote and marmalade characteristics, plus touches of oak and pecan.
Palate:
The full-bodied mouthfeel is noticed right away. A deep, chewy character and a balanced complexity leaves space for each note to develop on its own – citrus to cocoa and then a spectrum from raisin to mint. The lengthy warm finish is slightly dry.
Finish:
Comments:
All kidding aside, Birthday Bourbon releases are something I look forward to each year. Tasting this year reminds me of why that is. I’m really enjoying the mint and cocoa aspect of this one and I look forward to comparing it to previous years. It may not be released for my birthday, but this guy feels special nonetheless.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jason Marshall

Jason Marshall has dedicated his career to championing and mentoring bartenders, fostering an environment where fresh talent and innovative ideas thrive. Through this process, he has cultivated his own creativity, nurtured aspiring individuals who have pursued their passions, and organized cocktail competitions with a focus on community engagement. A certified Executive Bourbon Steward, Jason currently holds the position of Officer and Board Member of The Oregon Bartenders Guild USBG/Oregon.

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