Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 - All the Fun Details
Ahhh, September 2nd. In this particular case, don't "wake me up when September ends." In fact, wake me up when September 1st ends. Because that is the special date for the annual Old Forester Birthday Bourbon release! But let's be honest, if you're gonna fork over $1000 for a bottle, you'd like to know what makes these 12-year-old bourbons so special. And that is the purpose of this article.
As with most luxury spirits, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon never starts at that price. In fact the recommended MSRP is a mere $199.99! In order to purchase your bottle of the 2024 release, you'll not only have to drive to the distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, but you'll have to register in a national sweepstakes to even get the opportunity to purchase, one, yes ONE bottle only. No wonder these resell for $1000 plus!
The Story of the Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a limited-edition release from Old Forester, a historic bourbon brand founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. First introduced in 2002, Birthday Bourbon was created to commemorate Brown's birthday, September 2, and has since become an annual tradition. Each year's batch is unique, featuring bourbon distilled on a single day and aged for 12 years, offering distinct flavor profiles with every release.
The production of Birthday Bourbon is highly limited, with approximately 14,400 bottles available each year. Its exclusivity, combined with its rich heritage and premium taste, has made it highly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike.
Interesting Facts About Old Forester's Annual Release
Here are some interesting facts about the annual release of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon:
1. Single-Day Distillation: Each year's Birthday Bourbon is made from bourbon distilled on a single day, giving each release a unique flavor profile depending on the conditions of that particular day.
2. Aged for 12 Years: The bourbon is aged for exactly 12 years, a signature element of every release, which contributes to its deep, complex flavors.
3. Different Flavor Profiles: Each release has distinct tasting notes based on the warehouse location, aging conditions, and distillation day. While some years are noted for bold spiciness, others may have more vanilla, caramel, or dark fruit tones.
4. Award-Winning Bourbon: Birthday Bourbon has garnered numerous awards over the years, with many releases winning accolades in bourbon and whiskey competitions for their craftsmanship and flavor.
5. Collector's Item: The scarcity of bottles and the variation in flavors from year to year make it a prized collectible. Many bottles appreciate in value after release.
6. Distinctive Packaging: Birthday Bourbon is known for its elegant and distinctively shaped bottle, designed to stand out among other bourbon releases and evoke a sense of celebration.
7. Higher Proof Variations: In recent years, some Birthday Bourbon releases have had higher alcohol content, ranging from 90 to over 100 proof, adding to the depth of its flavor experience.
The 2024 Release
Introducing the highly anticipated 2024 edition of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon – a rare and collectible release, aged 12 years and bottled at 107 proof. Selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, Master Taster Melissa Rift, and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo, this exclusive bourbon comes from just 209 barrels, making it one of the most coveted bottles of the year.
Matured in Old Forester’s Warehouses G and L, this edition boasts a bright nose of apricot and apple, enhanced by spice cake and buttercream icing. On the palate, juicy fruits blend seamlessly with toasted oak and warm cinnamon spice, while the finish lingers with notes of caramel apple, sweet tobacco, and cacao.
Past Releases
Being a highly sought-after annual release, very few bottles remain. But here at Sip Whiskey, we have a bottle or two from past releases! Here are the bottles currently in stock. If you see the year you've always dreamed of purchasing, you'll have to act now as many are currently sold out and the ones in stock have one or two bottles remaining:
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Maybe your birthday won't exactly have a bourbon made in your name, but you sure as hell can enjoy someone else's!