Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 12 years
Proof: 96 proof (48% ABV)
Region: Louisville, Kentucky
For years now, Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon has been among the most sought-after annual releases among bourbon whiskey enthusiasts. It has found itself in the same rarefied air as the bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Four Roses Limited Edition and other holy grails of bourbon. Does this 12-year-old, 96 proof straight bourbon whiskey live up to its status as the cream of the crop?
On the nose, the Birthday Bourbon presents aromas of orange, brown sugar, and cherry. The cherry and brown sugar continue on the palate with an underscoring note of buttery snickerdoodle cookie, and a hint of chocolate. The finish is long with notes of butterscotch, orange zest, and cinnamon.
Final thoughts
If you can find this whiskey at a fair price, don’t hesitate to pick it up. This year’s Birthday Bourbon is balanced, complex, and packed with delicious flavors. At 12 years, there’s surprisingly no sign of being overly oaked.
