Old Forester – Birthday Bourbon 2019
- Distillery: Old Forester Distillery
- Spirit: Bourbon
- Aged: 11 Years
- Proof: 105
- Purchase Price: $100
From the Distiller: “The 2019 Birthday Bourbon is presented at 105 proof, the highest proof to-date for this special expression. After showing exceptionally unique character during a tasting panel, the 11-year-old barrels were chosen specifically for Birthday Bourbon.
A total of 120 barrels distilled on May 15, 2008, and aged on the second floor of Warehouse I, Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Jackie Zykan selected and proofed this year’s limited edition. With a taste consisting of rich oak spice and blackcurrant coupled with light maple, caramel cake, and white floral notes, the 2019 Birthday Bourbon is a one-of-a-kind expression with a truly unique multidimensional profile.”
Review & Rating
Nose: Sweet toffee and vanilla are strong on the nose, followed by cinnamon crumb cake
Palate: Oak, spice, and rye are bold up front followed by more delicate and sweeter notes of bubble gum and vanilla
Body: Somewhere nestled between hot and medium body with nice and complex balance between savory and sweet
Finish: leather, honey, and peppermint play for dominance at the end of the taste
Conclusion: If you’re looking to spend $100 on a bourbon, this year’s Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a great contender. However, you may have to make it to your local bar to try it since its nearly impossible to get without having a solid in with a local store. The balancing act of savory and sweet keep this 100 proof bourbon from tasting too hot in a great way. You’ll find yourself bouncing between drinking this bourbon, and wanting a rich and savory caramel-based desert with icing as an ideal pairing. Not a bad way to spend an evening in our books.
Greg Sinadinos started his spirits journey writing a whiskey periodical for Fine Tobacco NYC Magazine. He began answering review requests under a social media page he named “Whiskey Culture,” which quickly merged with Greg’s passion for connecting with others and his interest in history.
Today, Greg travels the country not just looking for great whiskey, but also exploring the history and individuals that the whiskey community is founded upon. He has authored “Whiskey History From Around The World” and is the host of “The Rickhouse” web series.
