Old Forester 2020 Birthday Bourbon

A little background

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is an annual release from Old Forester celebrating its founder, George Garvin Brown. Birthday Bourbon is released every year on September 2nd in honor of George Garvin Brown’s birthday. The 2020 release of Birthday Bourbon is bottled at 98 proof, is made up of 95 barrels, aged 10 years, and barreled on June 5, 2010. This bourbon has an MSRP of $130.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Copper

Nose

Cherry, saline, cinnamon, oak, and a playdough quality. More subtle scents of caramel, orange marmalade, and Grand Marnier. Very easy to nose!

Palate

The palate is intense upfront, full of cinnamon, cherry, Grand Marnier, caramel, and pancake syrup (the fake kind, not pure maple syrup). The mouthfeel on this bourbon is fantastic.

Finish

The finish is very long and complex with flavors of fudge, dusty cinnamon, and baking spice.

In closing

The 2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is nothing short of exceptional. The nose is quite amazing and jumps out of the glass with little effort. There is a great balance of heat on this bourbon, however, it does drink hotter than 98 proof in my opinion. This is a classic bourbon and a fantastic way to honor the birthday of George Garvin Brown.