Review #99 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 10yr: Bourbon

Score: 9.2 / 10

Distillery: The Brown Foreman Distillery

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon

If you're new, or have been around for a while, this is a whiskey that you have heard about. Easily hands down one of the most well known allocated whiskeys around. Each year since 2010 this has been released with an average barrel count of 90-100 barrels each year to celebrate the brands birthday.

At first I was disappointed by this pour because it lacked that "punch you in the mouth" explosion of flavors due to its lower proof (98). However, after enjoying this pour for quite some time it is extremely robust and offers potent unique flavors usually reserved for barrel proof whiskies all at a lower proof. If you are not a fan of licorice or anise then the finish might not be for you. I found that a subtle but persistent anise stayed with me all night

If you would like to hear about the other whiskeys in the core lineup or hear our live tasting of Birthday Bourbon, tune into the Po It Up whiskey podcast's "Birthday" episode here.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Mocha, cacao, spiced citrus - orange and cinnamon. A sugary sweetness combined oaky caramel and light hints of banana. Lightly floral and chocolatey.

Palate: Leathery mouthfeel. The whiskey easily slides around the palate. Burnt caramel, vanilla and banana shine on the palate. A very light tinge of cinnamon and black pepper simmer on the back end as astringent orange with light smoke round out the tasting.

Finish: Lightly tannic and lasting. Dark chocolate mixes with a faint licorice and dried oak. Anise lingers (indefinitely) once all the more potent flavors fade.

Score: 9.2

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Availability? Very Rare. Unless you have good connections, this is going to be found in lotteries or rare whiskey events only. So if this is on someone's Christmas list.... good luck! You're going to need it!