Old Forester 2019 Birthday Bourbon

Description

Old Forester 2019 Birthday Bourbon represents the 19th consecutive release in the annual Birthday Bourbon series from Brown-Forman. This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey was distilled on May 15, 2008, at the Brown-Forman Shively Distillery and aged for 11 years before its release on September 2, 2019. The 2019 release is notable as the highest proof Birthday Bourbon at the time of bottling.

This expression is drawn from 120 barrels that represent a single day’s production. The barrels were aged on the second floor of Warehouse I, a heat-cycled warehouse where boilers are used during winter months to maintain consistent aging conditions. Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Jackie Zykan selected and proofed the barrels for this release. The final bottling produced approximately 13,200 bottles across 2,200 six-bottle cases.

Old Forester 2019 Birthday Bourbon is bottled at 52.5% ABV or 105 proof in 750 mL bottles. The whiskey displays a copper color with tones of raw honey and tawny hues. On the nose, butterscotch, toffee, and sweet melon emerge alongside cornbread, vanilla, baking spices, caramel, oak, banana bread, and cinnamon. The aromatic complexity reflects the influence of 11 years in oak combined with the heat-cycled warehouse environment.

The palate presents rich oak spice, blackcurrant, and light maple balanced by caramel cake, white floral notes, vanilla, cherry, dark fruit, and rye spice. The layered flavor profile demonstrates the integration achieved through extended maturation on the second floor of Warehouse I. The finish is long and lingering with peppermint tea, honey, Szechuan peppercorn, oak, leather, and spice carrying through the conclusion of the tasting experience.

The Birthday Bourbon series has received recognition from spirits competitions, including Outstanding at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, Extraordinary and Ultimate Recommendation at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and Gold Medal at Whiskies of the World. Old Forester 2019 Birthday Bourbon is presented in a distinctive bottle shape and is typically enjoyed neat or with a small amount of water to open the complex flavors developed through 11 years of aging.