Old Forester 2017 Birthday Bourbon

This September, Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky will introduce its 17th release of Birthday Bourbon: the annual limited-edition expression that pays homage to founder George Garvin Brown’s Sept. 2 birthday.

The 2017 Birthday Bourbon barrel selection was drawn from 12-year-old barrels from different warehouses and floors on May 27, 2005. Ninety-three barrels matured together on the fourth floor of G warehouse, yielding a spice-forward expression. The remaining 27 barrels matured together on the fifth floor of K warehouse, contributing a rounding sweetness to the blend. 

During the transfer of bourbon from the holding tank to the bottling line, alcohol vapors were lost during bottling, causing the proof to drop. As a result, this year’s Birthday Bourbon will be presented at both 96 proof and 95.4 proof. This distinction is identifiable in the proof statements on the bottle.

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The 2017 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be on shelves with a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750-ml. bottle. Florida and Georgia will receive the 95.4 proof expression and remaining states will receive the 96-proof expression. Kentucky is the only state which will receive both expressions with the 96-proof expression shipping first.

On the nose is toasted oak and black pepper, the company says, with a heavy suggestion of orange oil and toffee. The taste is of oak spice and charred black pepper over a subtle core of chocolate custard and kola nut. The finish is a spicy perimeter mouthfeel, the company reports, with floral undertones and cocoa powder.

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