Bourbon Review
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Annual Limited Release
The Story
Birthday Bourbon drops every September 2nd to mark the birthday of George Garvin Brown, the guy who founded Old Forester and the first person to sell bourbon in sealed bottles. Every year it's from barrels picked out of a single day's production, bottled at whatever proof that year's batch calls for, and kept under wraps until release day. Some years it's more approachable, some years it's a bruiser — but the quality doesn't really dip. Worth chasing at retail.
Nose, Palate & Finish
Nose
Rich — dark fruit, oak, plenty of caramel and vanilla. Takes a minute to open up and show more: dried cherry, a little leather, some baking spice.
Palate
Full-bodied, well put together. Less sweet than the nose suggests — brown sugar and toffee give way to oak and a firm rye kick. Dark fruit carries through with a little chocolate and dried herb in there too.
Finish
Long, layered, oak and spice with a hint of dark chocolate. Fades out slow and satisfying, doesn't rush you.