Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

[PaulO]

I have only tried the regular O.F. 100 proof, and 86 proof. Recently I noticed a few bottles of Birthday Bourbon in a small store. I think they were from the 1990s, but I can't remember exactley which year. I recall that the realeases are all different, and opinions were all over the place. I think the price was just a bit over $30. What do you guys think?

[sailor22]

Buy it, drink some, note the year and post some tasting notes.

[T Comp]

Buy it, drink some, note the year and post some tasting notes.

Yep and you can do some searching, as prior comments will be closer to when they were released...here is the first post from 2002 on the first release in 2002 http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1237&highlight=2002+birthday+bourbon

And as always, regardless of what others think your mileage may vary.

[mosugoji64]

I have a bottle.of 2010 that I just haven't been able to get into. It's like an equalizer with the bass and treble cranked and everything else turned down. There's a strong sweetness on one end and a spicy kick on the other with little between to balance, so they clash. Others have enjoyed this one, though, and I understand that they're all different so give it a shot.

[cbus]

I had a bottle of 2011. I don't know, it just didn't really stand out to me. Not bad at all, just not really remarkable. Maybe I'll revisit it later to see if my mind has changed.

[trumpstylz]

If its the 2002 or 2007 then get it (disitlled in 95 or 94). IF its before 07 you should probably still get it. If its after 08 or 09, its just okay, but for only 30$...

My buddy got the 2010 which was distilled in 97 (he thought the 97 was the really good year when in actuality it was the 2007) and he had a hard time drinking it. He ended up taking it to new years and watched everyone mix it with coke.

[trumpstylz]

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

[sailor22]

Both are good as I recall - YMMV

[Hershmeister]

I had a bottle of 2011. I don't know, it just didn't really stand out to me. Not bad at all, just not really remarkable. Maybe I'll revisit it later to see if my mind has changed.

[SMOWK]

I've never been impressed with OFBB. I have had bottles from 2009-2011. For some reason I haven't gotten to any of the 3 I bought from 2008...

[StraightBoston]

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

[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. :grin:

[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.