2017 Birthday Bourbon from Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

2017 Birthday Bourbon Details

ABV 48%
Proof 96
Age 12 years
Filtration No chill filtration
Type Straight Bourbon
Locality Kentucky, USA
Mash Bill 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% barley
MSRP $79.99

About

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2017 was released on September 2, 2017, as part of an annual process from Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The release of this year’s Birthday Bourbon comes from the 120 barrels of bourbon stored in several warehouses and floors that were distilled on May 27, 2005. This particular batch includes 27 barrels that matured on the 5th floor of the K warehouse as well as 93 barrels from the 4th floor of the G warehouse. Some of these barrels matured together in sunlight, due to being placed along an external wall in the heated cycle warehouses the brand continues to use.

The Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2017 is unique in that, during the transfer process, a drop in proof occurred. When the bourbon was being moved from the holding tank to the bottling line, some of the alcohol vapors were lost. As a result, the bottles range in proof from 96 to 95.4. The 95.4 proof expression was sold, originally, in Florida and Georgia. The 96 proof expression went to all remaining states. Kentucky saw both proof expressions.
With an oak spice and charred black pepper taste, which offers a subtle core of chocolate custard and kola nut, this is a fantastic blend of flavor. It has a bright, golden honey aroma and has a spicy mouthfeel that has floral undertones and cocoa powder revealed with each sip.

Fun Facts About Whiskey
The Birthday Bourbon 2017 is the 17th release of the famed bourbon, which is an annual limited-edition release of a 12-year old vintage bourbon. Each year, the company releases a hand-picked product on September 2nd. That date represents the founder, George Garvin Brown’s birthday.