Old Forester has announced the much-anticipated return of its iconic Birthday Bourbon for 2024, generating considerable buzz among bourbon enthusiasts. This year’s release is a 12-year-old bourbon bottled at 107 proof, a significant expression that continues the brand’s tradition of releasing a limited-edition vintage each year on September 2, in honor of the company’s founder, George Garvin Brown. The annual release has become a hallmark event in the bourbon world, with collectors and fans eagerly awaiting its arrival.
The 2024 Birthday Bourbon was meticulously crafted from 209 barrels, carefully selected by a distinguished team including Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, Master Taster Melissa Rift, and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. According to Trigo, the bourbon’s 12 years of aging in Warehouses G and L have resulted in a particularly rich and unique flavor profile, ideal for this special release. Trigo noted, “Twelve years of maturation in Warehouses G and L has produced a rich and unique flavor profile perfect for this sought-after annual release.”
This year, Old Forester is offering fans nationwide the opportunity to purchase a bottle through a national sweepstakes. Running from August 15 to August 21, 2024, the sweepstakes gives enthusiasts a fair shot at obtaining this highly coveted bottle. Those selected will need to purchase and pick up their bottle at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, between September 5 and December 14, 2024. The suggested retail price is $199.99 per bottle, and there is a strict limit of one bottle per customer. It’s important to note that Birthday Bourbon will not be available for purchase at the distillery on its official release date, September 2. Instead, the focus is on the sweepstakes and limited retail availability across select stores nationwide.
The anticipation surrounding each year’s Birthday Bourbon release is not just about scarcity; it’s also driven by the distinct flavor profile that each vintage brings. For the 2024 release, the brand has provided detailed tasting notes that emphasize the complexity and richness of this year’s offering. On the nose, expect a bright blend of fruits, including apricot and apple, complemented by layers of spice cake and buttercream icing, all underpinned by notes of sweet tobacco and warm oak. The palate offers an initial burst of juicy fruits, followed by toasted oak and a warm cinnamon spice that rounds out the flavor. The finish lingers with hints of caramel apple, sweet tobacco, ground cinnamon, and cacao, providing a full and satisfying experience that exemplifies what collectors and fans have come to expect from Old Forester’s premier offering.
Old Forester’s Birthday Bourbon has become a staple in the bourbon world, recognized not only for its limited availability but also for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each release. According to Master Taster Melissa Rift, “There’s no better way to celebrate our founder and longstanding history than by getting our rarest expression in the hands of bourbon lovers across the country.” Her sentiment underscores the brand’s commitment to honoring its legacy while catering to the passionate community of bourbon collectors.
Every year, the hype around Birthday Bourbon grows, with bottles often becoming prized possessions for those lucky enough to secure one. The blend of history, rarity, and quality makes this release particularly special. Retailers across the nation will carry limited quantities, but competition is expected to be fierce, as this is one of the most anticipated releases in Old Forester’s annual calendar.
For those interested in participating in the sweepstakes, more information, including official rules and guidelines, can be found on Old Forester’s website. While winning the chance to buy a bottle remains the most accessible route for most fans, the release also attracts collectors who may go to great lengths to add this vintage to their shelves.
Overall, Old Forester’s 2024 Birthday Bourbon encapsulates what makes the brand so beloved—a deep respect for tradition, a dedication to quality, and a connection to the rich history of bourbon in America. As this year’s vintage hits the market, it continues the legacy of George Garvin Brown in a way that bourbon enthusiasts and collectors won’t want to miss.
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About Old Forester
Old Forester holds a significant place in the history of American bourbon, being recognized as the longest continuously distilled and marketed bourbon brand. Established in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, Old Forester was one of the first bourbons to be sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles. This innovative packaging decision was made to ensure consistency and quality, setting a standard for the industry that endures to this day.
The bourbon is named after Dr. William Forrester, a physician and friend of George Garvin Brown. The brand survived Prohibition by being one of the few to receive a government permit for medicinal whiskey, allowing it to continue production during the otherwise dry years. This unique historical background contributes to the brand's enduring legacy and cultural significance.
Old Forester produces a range of bourbon expressions, with each bottle bearing a distinct flavor profile. The brand is committed to using a proprietary yeast strain and a heat-cycled aging process to impart specific characteristics to its whiskies. The Old Forester Signature 100 Proof, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch, and Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style are just a few examples of the brand's diverse offerings, each catering to different palates and preferences.
In recent years, Old Forester has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with a growing appreciation for its rich history and the craftsmanship behind its bourbons. The brand's commitment to quality, consistency, and innovation continues to resonate with bourbon enthusiasts, making Old Forester a staple in the world of American whiskey. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails, Old Forester remains a symbol of enduring tradition and a testament to the artistry of bourbon-making.
