Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

[Hop]

Talked with a manager in a store in SC yesterday who said he had talked with the distributor for SC and that they had or were to receive a total of 306 bottles for the state. The distributor was unhappy about the low allocation and was considering refusing it /shipping it back.

Again this is what he had heard so I'm not presenting it as fact just passing it along. We both talked about how ridiculous that would be as it would just tick off the shops in the state and lower or negate the allocations next year...

[final442]

Just picked up a bottle in CT. The store had a whole case.

[bigmzungu]

I got a bottle in northern KY today. Haven't tried it yet.

[amg]

One of the bigger chains here sold out their entire allocation over email in just a couple hours. I didn't get any, and now I'm doubting I'll even see it on a shelf this year.

[biskuit]

Been sitting with a sample of this for a week now - not up to '13 standards for me. While I think it's solid stuff - "harmony" and "balance" are just not there - it feels harsh for the proof and a bit too dusty for the age.

http://www.thirstysouth.com/2014/10/11/old-forester-birthday-bourbon-2014-review-and-tasting-notes/

[chrisg]

I missed it by a day in N Kentucky yesterday.

[Scotch Neat]

Snagged a few today in NY

[jfw]

Been sitting with a sample of this for a week now - not up to '13 standards for me. While I think it's solid stuff - "harmony" and "balance" are just not there - it feels harsh for the proof and a bit too dusty for the age.

/

I agree. I tried it at WhiskyFest in SF and it's definitely not like the '13 or some of his older brothers ('05 is my personal favorite). It is very harsh and unbalanced.

[bicktrav]

I agree. I tried it at WhiskyFest in SF and it's definitely not like the '13 or some of his older brothers ('05 is my personal favorite). It is very harsh and unbalanced.

Well, that's a shame. Have one put aside for me. Wish it was better received. Still, looking forward to trying.

[TunnelTiger]

Any Georgia sitings yet?

[BigRich]

Not that I've heard/seen

[tanstaafl2]

Not that I've heard/seen

Nor have I. I keep hearing Nov. 1st but it is hard to know what to believe.

[jasmorg1075]

Nor have I. I keep hearing Nov. 1st but it is hard to know what to believe.

I was told next Thursday for my area.

[bourbonfoot]

Nothing in VA still, and no word of upcoming either. We had this last year by end of Sept, beginning of Oct I think.

[bmajazz]

Just picked up several in CA. I think these are flying off the shelves. If it's good I will keep all of mine

[smokinjoe]

Just picked up several in CA. I think these are flying off the shelves. If it's good I will keep all of mine

If it's not...?

........

[bmajazz]

If it's not...?

........

You ask the tough questions Joe... I have plenty of whiskey friends here in L.A. so I think they will find good homes if needed. I imagine I will be keeping them though!

[bmajazz]

Been sitting with a sample of this for a week now - not up to '13 standards for me. While I think it's solid stuff - "harmony" and "balance" are just not there - it feels harsh for the proof and a bit too dusty for the age.

Edited October 24, 2014 by bmajazz

[garbanzobean]

Just got offered an old forester birthday bourbon from a local store. I said yes, but will be passing it off to a friend who really wants this year's release.

[TunnelTiger]

Nor have I. I keep hearing Nov. 1st but it is hard to know what to believe.

One my dealers told me yesterday she is getting two bottles next Wed, I'm allocated one, so I'm guessing my Atl brothers should be on the look-out starting Monday.

[BigRich]

One my dealers told me yesterday she is getting two bottles next Wed, I'm allocated one, so I'm guessing my Atl brothers should be on the look-out starting Monday.

Thank you for the heads up.

[HD 335]

Looks like these are hitting CA now. Thought pricing was going to be $50 or more but was pleased to see it at $44.

[bicktrav]

Snagged mine tonight for $49. Will be cracking it tomorrow.

[bicktrav]

Just had a glass. The nose is astounding. Thick as can be and just a butterscotch bomb. The palate is woodier than I would have thought given the nose, but still very good. Nice mouthfeel, good sweetness after the initial oak kick fades. All in all, I really love this one. But no question the nose is the highlight.

[Jiggity]

I picked up 2 OFBB 2014 yesterday and my friend felt the need to liberate me of one...you are welcome Chris.

This is my first OFBB. A couple neat things I noticed about this bottle:

1. the top is made of all cork...kind of neat.

2. I like the sound the whiskey makes when poured out of the bottle. There is a distinctive gurgle sound that I look for when a bottle of Grand Marnier is tipped for the first time. The OFBB makes the same sound when tipped, and not JUST the first pour like the Grand Marnier...I dig that. I presume the gurgle will be lost after some number of pours

The nose on this bottle is phenomenal. I could sit with a pour of this for a long time and just enjoy sniffing it. On the pallette, I get lots of sweet notes and a moderately spicy finish.

I'll definitely pick up another if I come across it at $44.

Here was my line up last night: