2021 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Release Details
The latest Old Forester Birthday Bourbon release features a 12 year age statement and lands on our bourbon release calendar for a September 2021 release. We review everything bourbon lovers need to know from price to proof. Also, check here if you’re looking for the latest Old Forester Birthday Bourbon release.
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First off however, the concept behind Old Forester Birthday Bourbon traces back to the distillery’s founder, George Garvin Brown. As a salute and celebration to his legacy, the distillery releases its “birthday bourbon” on Brown’s birthday, September 2nd.
Moreover, the bourbon company has many achievements associated with its heritage. One being that it is has been on the market continuously for longer than any other bourbon –more than 150 years. It has been one of the rare brands that has remained in the same family for that extent of time. Another cool fact about Old Forester is that it was the first bourbon brand to sell bottled bourbon whiskey.
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“This year, we’ve composed a bold and compelling offering which showcases the unique fruit-forward side of Old Forester,”
-Master Taster Jackie Zykan
Zykan added, “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.”
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 year’s 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.
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Release Date, & Availability
As we previously noted, this bourbon release date isn’t really negotiable due to the symbolism behind the entire line’s concept. It coincides with the birthday of Old Forester’s Founder, George Garvin Brown.
Therefore, it is expected to be released every September 2nd. The presser for its official release launched on July 8th, 2021. Thus, confirming that September 2, 2021 will be a highly anticipated day for bourbon lovers around the globe.
You will be able to buy this new bourbon release at the Old Forester Distilling Co. gift shop in Louisville, KY. Additionally, it will be available at select retailers nationwide.
As for allocation, there were 119 barrels filled during production. Without factoring in the angel’s share and the proofing process, this equates to roughly 6,307 gallons of this fine juice. Relative to the allocation for the 2020 release, 2021 should see around a 25% increase in bottles available.
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Proof & ABV
This latest batch is bottled at 104 proof, which is stronger than most releases. The 104-proofing is the equivalent of 52% ABV. The highest proof offering in the history of Birthday Bourbon releases came in at 105 proof for those of you all keeping track.
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Mash Bill
The Birthday Bourbon release utilizes Old Forester’s traditional bourbon mashbill. That mash bill consists of 72% corn (maize), 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This happens to be the same mash bill used for Woodford Reserve, a sister distillery within the Brown-Forman group. This mash bill is sometimes described as “richer in rye than most bourbons” but also “pretty standard.”
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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 you’re willing to pay secondary prices, get ready to pony up for around $1,000 or more per bottle.
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