Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2012?

[bontrager]

Came across a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2012 on the shelf yesterday, and wondered if it is worth going back for...?

[Yeti]

Prices can be all over the place. I got one for $45 and have been nursing it for months, but do enjoy it.

[bontrager]

Prices can be all over the place. I got one for $45 and have been nursing it for months, but do enjoy it.

[Kyjd75]

I really enjoy OFBB 2012. Under $50 sounds like a reasonable price.

[Smithford]

Some great tasting notes on the 2nd and 3rd page of this thread.

[ER07]

I did a review of it a little earlier in the year. Hope this helps http://americanwhiskeyreviews.com/2013/04/18/review-012-2012-old-forester-birthday-bourbon/

[squire]

$50 is pushing it in my book, our area is not noted for excellent prices but BB around here is close to $40.

[suntour]

I was going to start a thread about this bourbon.

I've gotten really into OF signature lately, which has rekindled a latent love for Woodford. I can't wait for this year's BB as just half a year ago I could have gotten the last four or five years of BB for a good price...when I thought I didn't like OF. Anyway, from googling it seems that this gets released in September of every year. I wonder if the climate of bourbon mania we're in means it'll sell out immediately / get allocated. I hope not.

[suntour]

OK, looks like I could get a bottle of the 2012 for like $35. If I can I'll come back in and post my thoughts.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

Buy it all at that price. 2012 was a good year.

Old forester Bday is already on allotment in ky. It is gone by Xmas here. It lingers in other areas.

If they can keep it under $50 at retail, it is a good buy. But I have a feeling it won't be much longer. Brown Foreman has the most regular price increases in the game.

[squire]

That's the one thing I dislike about Brown-Forman, guess the demand for JD has spoiled them.

[BigBoldBully]

Personally, I like the 2012 OFBB. I have 4 years of BB open right now and although each seems to have its own personality and favorite status depends entirely on mood, imo the 2012 is the most distinctive. The '09 strikes me as the most resinous, '10 the friendliest and most easygoing, '11 the most conflicted with wood and fruit fighting for dominance, and '12 the most vibrant and different flavorwise (possibly owing to the higher barley %), with bold citrus, coconut, and wood shavings. I bought it pretty frequently at $30 until it ran out.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

That's the one thing I dislike about Brown-Forman, guess the demand for JD has spoiled them.

And a giant wood ford reserve expansion to pay for. Those JD ads are expensive too.

[MrAtomic]

Buy it all at that price. 2012 was a good year.

Brown Foreman has the most regular price increases in the game.

I typically buy at least one bottle of OFBB every year, but in my area the 2012 was priced at $50-55. That's a very steep increase over earlier years and it really cheesed me off. So I skipped it. In the past I've looked forward to OFBB as a unique release -- some have been spectacular, others much less so, but they're always interesting -- and one that I was happy to buy instead of more limited releases like Stagg. But at $50-55, I'm out.

Was this a local phenomenon, or did others notice the 2012 priced much more dearly than earlier years?

[zillah]

Love the stuff. I buy at least one BB at $50. I find it drops in price when the next release comes out and not many people pick it up in my state. I will definitely be picking up extra 2012s. It is fantastic.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

I typically buy at least one bottle of OFBB every year, but in my area the 2012 was priced at $50-55. That's a very steep increase over earlier years and it really cheesed me off. So I skipped it. In the past I've looked forward to OFBB as a unique release -- some have been spectacular, others much less so, but they're always interesting -- and one that I was happy to buy instead of more limited releases like Stagg. But at $50-55, I'm out.

Was this a local phenomenon, or did others notice the 2012 priced much more dearly than earlier years?

Good luck with that strategy. I'm guessing but expect OFBB13 at 15-20 % more than last. If you pass on btac going forward, never mind...

[theglobalguy]

With demand outstripping supply in most states, they'd be fools not to pass another increase.

A local store here had a vertical available of past few years. I liked both the 12 and the 10. I expect to pass this year if price is up. Just too many good values left to justify chasing exclusivity (or the perception of).

[squire]

Yes, spiraling costs are the price of purchased status.

[MrAtomic]

Good luck with that strategy. I'm guessing but expect OFBB13 at 15-20 % more than last. If you pass on btac going forward, never mind...

I don't understand your comment. In reference to which "strategy" are you wishing me good luck? All I wrote was that I used to appreciate OFBB as a lower-cost, lower-stress alternative to other annual releases, but that I stopped buying OFBB when it hit $50+. At this point, I've checked out of chasing most of the annual releases, but if I had to choose between a $55 OFBB or an $80 BTAC, I'd spend the extra dough on the unfiltered, barrel strength option. When OFBB cost $30-40, as it did in my area until this year, I often did the opposite, because OFBB was half the price, readily available, and offered a unique profile every year (as opposed to BTAC, which is pretty consistent).

It's great to hear that people seem to be enjoying the 2012 version. When an OFBB hits you right, it can be terrific. The 2003 and 2005-08 versions were particular favorites of mine. I really didn't did last year's bottling.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

Sorry it was a bit snarky. I apologize.

What I meant was to expect significant increases in nearly all limited release bourbons going forward. $50 will be the low end for limited releases.

[WAINWRIGHT]

I have never personally been a big OFBB,but the '12 seemed to strike me right for once.I thought this releases had a lot going on this being the first I have purchased since the '09 release which I found to be one of the worst bourbons I've had to date with an over bearing cedar note I just could't shake.I actually enjoyed this one enough to maybe even pick up another and for me that is saying a lot as I am far from being a BF fanboy.

[MrAtomic]

Sorry it was a bit snarky. I apologize.

What I meant was to expect significant increases in nearly all limited release bourbons going forward. $50 will be the low end for limited releases.

No problem at all. And unfortunately, I'm quite sure you're right. In a few years, we'll probably be nostalgic for $50 OFBB.

[Jazzhead]

Delicious, delicious stuff. I'm listening to Larry Coryell live from the Village Gate and nursing with exquisite care this oaky, mellow treat. I've had a bottle of this stuff open for about a year now, but hadn't really gotten into it until the sun started to set this evening. It was worth the wait - after going through a bottle of Angel's Envy over the past month, it's hip to get back to this old school stuff. Just like Coryell's guitar - no compromise, no bullspit, just leather and wood and a sipper's delight.

[WhiskyRI]

I just picked up a bottle of OFBB 2013 for $38 - not on sale. So let's raise a glass to the failure of the expected price increase. Haven't cracked it open yet.

[Richnimrod]

I just picked up a bottle of OFBB 2013 for $38 - not on sale. So let's raise a glass to the failure of the expected price increase. Haven't cracked it open yet.

WoW! That's gotta be a mis-priced bottle. ... I'd say; if they have more at that price, I'd grab a few. ....Unless it's a big drop in pleasure for you from the '12 edition. Personally I love the '12. Most in this thread are in agreement; but I've encountered more than a few folks who abhor it ...Or won't pay the increase from '11 ( about $5 in my area... up to $45). I look forward to each release of BB. Not all of 'em have hit me square; but most are distinctive and worth the cost. '11 was a bit sub-par IMHO.