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2019 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Coming In September

It is Old Forester Birthday Bourbon time again, this time 2019 style. As has been the case for the last well over a decade, Old Forester is releasing its annual highly sought after American whiskey as we begin to draw closer to the traditional fall bourbon hunting season, and for this go around it is at its highest proof ever.

The 2019 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, according to those behind it, is presented at 105 proof, said to be the highest ever for this particular special expression. After showing what was noted to be “exceptionally unique character during a tasting panel,” a group of 11-year-old barrels were chosen specifically for this release, with the full allotment of product representing one day’s production of Old Forester. More specifically,

a total of 120 barrels were distilled on May 15, 2008 and aged on the second floor of Warehouse I. Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Jackie Zykan selected and proofed this year’s limited edition. With a taste consisting of rich oak spice and blackcurrant coupled with light maple, caramel cake and white floral notes, the 2019 Birthday Bourbon is a one-of-a-kind expression with a truly unique multidimensional profile.

“Birthday Bourbon selections have ranged from nine- to 14-years-old since the expression was first launched in 2002,” said Zykan in a prepared statement. “When selecting the barrels for this year, we found something truly exceptional in this lot and we’re proud to call it our 2019 Birthday Bourbon.”

2019 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
2019 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (image via Brown-Forman)

“September is a special month for us at Old Forester,” added Campbell Brown, Old Forester President. “We get to mark, in a public manner, through a carefully curated expression, the bourbon my great, great grandfather founded. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy George left behind. And yes, I wish it was easier to locate!”

This particular expression, for those that don’t know its history, marks an annual tradition at Old Forester of celebrating founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday. The bourbon is expected to price around $100 per 750 ml bottle, and roughly 2,200 (six bottle) cases will be available for purchase nationwide, depending on the final yield. You’ll find some official tasting notes below for this raw honey colored whiskey for your consideration.

  • Aroma: Butterscotch and toffee dominate, supported by layers of sweet melon and cornbread
  • Taste: Rich oak spice and blackcurrant instantly warm coupled with light maple, caramel cake and white floral notes
  • Finish: Peppermint tea sweetened with honey, with ever long Szechuan Peppercorn
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