The twenty second version of Outdated Forester’s basic Birthday Bourbon is upon us. This yr marked a shift in the way in which Birthday Bourbon is bought. Quite than being bought on the distillery, it was provided by way of a lottery that was held over the past week of August. I additionally needed to hunt excessive and low to determine precisely what was inside this yr’s launch. All I may discern — and never straight from OldFo — was that it was an 11 yr outdated bourbon (although Birthday Bourbon is often bottled at 12 years outdated). For those who snagged one on the lottery, properly, now you realize what you’re ingesting.
I obtained a small pattern to style. Some ideas observe.
First off, this version feels flatter and extra doughy than many Birthday Bourbon releases, its nostril a really quiet 48% abv. Nutty notes are quick, however present extra walnut than peanut, with plenty of nougat and brown butter beneath. On the similar time, the whiskey isn’t actually candy. Savory, fragrant overtones of wooden pulp and contemporary bread aren’t off-putting, however they by no means actually draw you in the way in which you anticipate a well-toned barrel choice like Birthday Bourbon to do.
The palate diverges minimally. It’s gentle and understated, heavy on its cereal and barrel char spine, although notes of cinnamon and floor ginger change into extra evident with time in glass. A peppery high quality emerges with additional time, although there’s an extended look ahead to its arrival, the end retreating to a personality of undercooked gingerbread — virtually fruitcake-like. A pinch of sawdust late within the recreation additional distracts the drinker.
I’ve now reviewed greater than a dozen Birthday Bourbon releases courting again to 2009. Whereas it’s by no means been my absolute favourite fall whiskey launch, there have been some pretty, brilliant spots within the combine — and to make sure, 2022’s launch is completely drinkable because it stands. That mentioned, 2022 is perhaps my least favourite thus far, alongside the equally muddy 2017 providing. It’s not one thing I’d advocate you shell out $1000+ for on the secondary market, that’s for positive.
96 proof.
B / $150 / oldforester.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Outdated Forester Birthday Bourbon 2022 Version
$130
About Publish Writer
