2023 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Release Set for September 2nd
The latest Old Forester Birthday Bourbon release features a 12 year age statement and lands on our bourbon release calendar 2023 for a September drop. We review everything bourbon lovers need to know from price to proof, and of course how to buy Birthday Bourbon Old Forester. Hint, scroll down to enter the lottery or sweepstakes.
SEE ALSO: Bourbon Shirts, Whiskey Shirts & Apparel
What better way to party like it’s 1870 than with a bottle of Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon? Each year, this limited edition gem is released to honor the legendary George Garvin Brown, the mastermind behind the original Old Forester bourbon. Get ready to savor a unique taste experience with this vintage-dated expression that bourbon aficionados go wild for. Don’t miss out on the chance to sip on a truly special whiskey!
As mentioned, 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.
SEE ALSO: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: Info on Every Release
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.
“Every year, Birthday Bourbon is a unique opportunity for lovers of Old Forester to taste a snapshot of bourbon that was laid down over a decade ago. This year’s 12-year-old offering serves up a classic Old Forester profile that honors George Garvin Brown’s ongoing legacy,” said Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift.
-Master Taster Melissa Rift
SEE ALSO: Old Forester 117 Series “Whiskey Row Fire“ Bourbon Release, Review, Price, and Proof
Quick Details:
- 12 Years Old Age Statement
- 96 Proof
- MSPR $169.99
- Allocation: 103 barrels, filled May 5, 2011
- Warehouse I, 5th floor
Review & Tasting Notes
This release marks the 22st 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 on the lower end of the spectrum as it pertains to proofing at 96 proof, while on the higher end of the range with a 12-year age statement. The 2023 release is derived from 109 barrels that were all filled on May 5, 2011. Those barrels were then aged in Warehouse I 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 2023 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon tasting notes, we outline each segment below.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. When it comes to the aroma, prepare to be blown away by the rich, sweet notes of roasted goodness. It’s like taking a whiff of a barrel-aged stout beer blended with rich, bold coffee flavor and dark chocolate, topped with a cherry compote. This nose is all about indulgence, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
Moving on to the taste, the oak makes its presence known, but it’s more than just your typical heavily charred flavor. There’s a gentle spiced toasted oak character that adds complexity to the experience. And don’t worry, the coffee and dark chocolate make a comeback, joined by bright cherry and caramel banana, with hints of gingerbread. Surprisingly, it’s not as sweet as you might expect, thanks to a touch of roasty astringency that nicely balances everything out. The alcohol is smoothly integrated, offering a pleasant warmth.
While the palate doesn’t quite reach the same level of excitement as the nose, all the individual flavors are still there, and that’s still a win in our book. This Birthday Bourbon stands out from the crowd, showcasing a unique roasty character without sacrificing drinkability. It’s a breath of fresh air and easily one of our favorite releases in recent years.
So grab a bottle of this individualistic gem and toast to another year of outstanding bourbon. Cheers!
Color
Rich aged leather.
Nose
Aroma: Bright candied citrus and floral overtones give way to rich turbinado sugar and roasted coffee beans as slight cedar and charred oak round out the nose.
Palate
Taste: Subtle citrus with heavy notes of dark honey, molasses and charred oak.
Finish
A dry toasty oaked caramel with lingering bittersweet tannins.
SEE ALSO: Old Forester 117 Series Bottled In Bond Bourbon Release, Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
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 officially released every September 2nd. Thus, confirming that September 2, 2023 will be a highly anticipated day for bourbon lovers around the globe.
In years past lines would form outside the Old Forester Distilling Co. Gift Shop in Louisville, KY. That WILL NOT be the case this year, so save your camping adventures for Mammoth Cave this season. This 2023 Birthday Bourbon Sweepstakes online release will be your best shot this year, and you can enter that below. But don’t worry if you don’t win, because select retailers nationwide will also have bottles available for purchase.
As for allocation, there were 109 barrels filled during production. This is within range of their typical allocation, which was 119 barrels for Birthday Bourbon 2021 for example. Without factoring in the angel’s share and the proofing process, this equates to roughly 5,800 gallons of this fine juice.
Get ready to celebrate with Old Forester’s exclusive Birthday Bourbon! Until then, grab one of our Bourbon Glasses, fill it with something special, and cheers to a bourbon-filled birthday bash!
SEE ALSO: Old Forester 117 Series 1910 Extra Old Bourbon Release, Review, Price, and Proof
Birthday Bourbon Lottery 2023 (Sweepstakes)
Looking for how to buy online? You can enter the Birthday Bourbon Sweepstakes 2023 drawing below. Starting August 24, you’ll have a chance to win a bottle through a national sweepstakes, giving everyone an equal shot at snagging this limited-edition gem. Just remember, the party ends on August 31, so don’t miss out!
If selected, you may pick up your Birthday Bourbon bottle at the Old Forester Distillery Gift Shop, in Louisville KY from September 8, 2023, through December 23, 2023. Potential winners will be notified by email on or about September 2, 2023. Also, winners are required to be present and provide proof of ID to purchase.
Proof & ABV
This latest batch is bottled at 96 proof, which is stronger than most releases. The 96-proofing is the equivalent of 48% ABV. The highest proof offering in the history of Birthday Bourbon releases came in at 105 proof for those of you all keeping track.
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.”
SEE ALSO: Old Forester Caramel Vanilla Old Fashioned Recipe
MSRP & Secondary Price
Birthday Bourbon is available in a 750ml offering for an MSRP of $170. This has increased by $40 since 2021, for those trying to keep up with their bourbon hobby amid the increased hype. 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 $170. 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.
Be sure to follow our Instagram and ‘Like’ our Facebook page to see all of our latest Bourbon Accessories, New Gear, Shirts, and other fun stuff as they’re released!
