In 2002 Brown-Forman introduced its first batch of Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky ‘Birthday Bourbon’ to celebrate the September 2, 1846 birth of its founder George Garvin Brown. This September the brand will be celebrating the 15th anniversary by releasing 93 select barrels of its Birthday Bourbon.
Each barrel in the Birthday Bourbon selections annually are drawn from the same day of production, this year’s on June 4, 2004, leading to the ‘vintage-dated’ reference. The 2016 release of 93 barrels uniquely matured together on the 5th floor of Warehouse K at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, KY. This is a largest quantity of Birthday Bourbon ever bottled. The lot was positioned near a window facing west allowing them to be sun kissed, yielding a deeper oak mouthfeel. This warm location provides this year’s release with a deep, rich, oak forward personality. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is bottled in a unique decanter style glass as tribute to the late 1800’s when Old Forester was first produced.
Master Distiller Chris Morris and Old Forester Master Bourbon Specialist Jackie Zykan
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“When we first introduced Birthday Bourbon, the market for premium Bourbons was almost nonexistent; Birthday Bourbon represented a “first” in this category. But 15 years later, global interest for premium Bourbons and well-crafted whiskeys is at a record high,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “We’re proud to have been a part of this story – not just over the last 15 years, but since George Garvin Brown founded America’s First Bottled Bourbon in 1870.”
2016 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Tasting Notes
Jackie Zykan, Old Forester Master Bourbon Specialist says this years release, “Starts off as soft butterscotch with candied orange peel. It transitions into a creamy vanilla in the middle and finishes with subtle anise and moderate spice. It’s like eating black jelly beans in the middle of an orange grove.”
The 2016 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be on shelves beginning in September with a suggested retail price of $79.99. 2,400 (six bottle) cases will be available for purchase nationwide.
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2016 Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky Birthday Bourbon
