The 2013 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a 12-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 98 proof. Its barrels came from the seventh floor of Warehouse I, high up in the building, and the oak shows in the glass.
About This Bourbon
The 2013 edition spent 12 years in new charred oak on the seventh floor of Warehouse I before bottling at 98 proof. All of its barrels were chosen from that single location, so the release reflects one part of one warehouse rather than a spread of sites. The result is a Birthday Bourbon with plenty of wood and spice, set against the brand's usual dried fruit.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Dried cherry, orange peel and toasted oak over vanilla and light florals.
- Palate: Brown sugar, cinnamon and caramelised banana, then leather and firm wood.
- Finish: Warm and lasting, with baking spice, toffee and a little dark chocolate.
Serving & Food
Room temperature and neat suits it best, in a Glencairn or small snifter; water is optional at 98 proof. Pair with roast pork belly, pecan pie or a cheeseboard of aged Comté.
How to Enjoy
Birthday Bourbon verticals, and anyone marking a 2013 anniversary.
Product Details
Producer: Old Forester
Country: USA
Region: Kentucky
Expression: Birthday Bourbon
Release: 2013
Style: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
Age: 12 years
ABV: 98 proof / 49% ABV
Warehouse: Warehouse I, 7th floor
Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Volume: 750mL
About the Distillery
Birthday Bourbon began in 2002 as a yearly salute to George Garvin Brown, Old Forester's founder, who was born on 2 September 1846. It goes on sale around his birthday each September, and every edition is vintage-dated with its own age, proof and barrel selection.
For most of the series the choice of barrels fell to Master Distiller Chris Morris and his tasting panel. They taste through stock distilled on a single day and pick the lots that stand apart, so no two editions taste alike. Twelve years has been the usual age, and most editions have been bottled between 94 and 101 proof.