Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

[StraightBoston]

Does anyone know if either of the 2003 is any good- i think there were 2 releases that year.

The Spring 1990/2003 (green label trim) was one of my top 5 bourbons at the time I first tried, though I haven't cracked open the replacement bottle to revisit.

[PaulO]

I went and picked up a bottle. It was distilled in 1997, and bottled in 2009, 97 proof. My fist impression is that it has a butterscotch, vanilla, and maple syrup type of aroma. It's not much darker in color than regular OF. The taste is like the aroma with some sweetness, and a dry note. It's good. I'm still deciding if I return to get the other bottle. With tax and all it cost $40+.

[sob0728]

My fist impression is that it has a butterscotch, vanilla, and maple syrup type of aroma.

You should drink it with your mouth instead of just punching the bottle.

[PaulO]

I could compare that it tastes similar to Wathens. To me that's a good thing.

[Enoch]

IMHO the earlier years are better than the later years. I bought a case of 2009 (my first) because it was cheap and the bottles looked nice. I still have 3 of them but they are good to take to a party. The 2010 was a little better and the 2011 a little better still but none as good as the pre-2006 bottles I have. Again JMHO.

[jfw]

Personally, 2005 is my favorite. It reminds me a great deal of the OF from the 80s (smooth caramel, vanilla). I wasn't a fan of 09 or 10. I haven't tried the 11 yet.

Joe

[Josh]

Some are better than others, but I've never had one I really disliked. The favorites of the ones I've had are 2008 and 2005. I think the 2011 was one of the better ones too. It reminds me of OF dusties I've had. Kind of an old fashioned nose to it.

[BootFNBD]

Just finished a bottle of 2008, this is my favorite, with the 2007 just behind it.