Old Forester

Old Forester Barrel Strength - Bourbon Concierge Pick - 129.1 Proof

Warehouse J-2

Old Forester will release the 21st iteration of its limited-edition, vintage-dated Birthday Bourbon on Sept. 2 in celebration of founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday. This year marks the 151st year of the company he began in 1870.

The 2021 Birthday Bourbon will be bottled at 104 proof and is made up of 119 barrels, aged 12 years, and barreled on April 16, 2009. After showing exceptionally unique character during a tasting panel, the 12-year-old barrels were chosen specifically for this year’s Birthday Bourbon.

Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon - Warrior Spirit #4

Selected with Old Forester Master Distiller Chris Morris to support the USO

This 100-proof Single Barrel selected at Old Forester in Louisville, Kentucky.

The mashbill is 72% corn with 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

Each year, Old Forester releases a limited edition Birthday Bourbon to commemorate the birthday of George Garvin Brown on September 2nd. These releases are known for their unique character, which varies from year to year based on the selection of barrels and the conditions under which they were aged.

Age: 12 Years
Proof: 107 Proof
ABV: 53.5%
We can anticipate a bourbon that has been carefully aged to develop a rich and complex flavor profile. The 107 proof indicates a bourbon that is likely to offer a robust taste experience, with a higher alcohol content contributing to an intensified expression of the whiskey's inherent flavors.

Nose: Aromatic richness with notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and oak, often complemented by hints of caramel and spice.
Palate: A complex blend of flavors such as chocolate, caramel, and dark cherry, with underlying notes of leather, tobacco, and spices. The palate is usually well-balanced, showcasing Old Forester's signature depth and warmth.
Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering sweetness and a smooth integration of oak and spice notes.

Old Forester is honored to release its most anticipated annual whisky: Birthday Bourbon. This year's expression is 12 years old and 92 proof and the bottle offers a unique twist that sets it apart from previous years.

In a rare departure from tradition, this year's batch was created without the use of "setback" during fermentation — a standard practice that ensures consistency. Instead, a "sweet mash" process was used, relying solely on freshly-propagated yeast.

This anomaly resulted in a silky and sweet flavor profile that shines at 92 proof.

These rare barrels from one day's production (April 5, 2013) were selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.

It was drawn from 210 barrels aged in Warehouse K, Floors 1 and 5.

"For our 25th Birthday Bourbon release, the absence of setback allowed the yeast to express its full character, creating a flavor profile that's both delicate and complex," Trigo said.

Inspired by private single barrels offered in 1964 by former Old Forester president George Garvin Brown II, this modern offering is specifically selected from matured barrels with exquisite quality and distinct characteristics.  

“President’s Choice has always been an incredibly rare and cherished bottle, and most consumers have never seen it, let alone tasted the whisky,” Master Taster Melissa Rift said.  “We are honored to bring it to a wider audience.”

“Every barrel selected for President’s Choice tells a story,” Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said.

“These are the barrels that showcase an extraordinary depth of character. Whether it’s the bourbon or our new rye, each bottle represents the pinnacle of Old Forester’s craftsmanship.”

Each President’s Choice barrel is aged between 7 - 9 years, and bottled at proof points selected by Caleb and Melissa highlighting their unique flavor profile, traditionally ranging from 110 to 125 proof. Every bottle reflects the highest standards of selection, with only the finest barrels deemed worthy of carrying the President’s Choice name.