Old Forester will again celebrate the annual tradition of marking founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday with the release of Birthday Bourbon 2019.
The 2019 Birthday Bourbon is presented at 105 proof, the highest proof to-date for this expression. The highly sought-after vintage-dated release will be the brand’s 19th consecutive iteration.
“Birthday Bourbon selections have ranged from nine- to 14-years-old since the expression was first launched in 2002,” says Jackie Zykan, Old Forester master taster. “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.”
A total of 120 barrels were distilled on May 15, 2008 and aged on the second floor of Warehouse I. The full allotment of product represents one day’s production of Old Forester. Zykan and Master Distiller Chris Morris selected and proofed this year’s limited edition.
“September is a special month for us at Old Forester. 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,” says Campbell Brown, Old Forester president. “And yes, I wish it was easier to locate!”
On the nose is butterscotch and toffee, supported by layers of sweet melon and cornbread, Zykan says, before a palate of oak spice and blackcurrant, coupled with light maple, caramel cake and white floral notes. The finish is peppermint tea sweetened with honey, with ever-long Szechuan Peppercorn.
The 2019 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is offered at a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750-ml. bottle. Roughly 2,200 (six-bottle) cases will be available for purchase nationwide, depending on the final yield.
