Poll: Best Year of OFBB

[Sijan]

What year had the best release of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon?

Please vote for your favorite. Rank them if you like. (Since there were two versions of OFBB in 2003, please specify either the Spring 1990 or Fall 1900 release).

In a past poll that did not include the OFBBs from 2005-2007 (see link below), the original 2002 OFBB won handily. Will it continue its dominance, or will it be displaced by a more recent OFBB?

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=80

The poll function has been suspended, so I am doing this the old fashioned way. I'll try to post an occasional tally of the votes.

[ratcheer]

I can't really give a preference for your poll, because the only one I ever tasted was the 2002 edition. But, IMHO, it was superb, easily the equal of any other great liquor I have ever tasted.

Tim

[jburlowski]

2002 gets my vote.

[mgilbertva]

I can't really give a preference for your poll, because the only one I ever tasted was the 2002 edition. But, IMHO, it was superb, easily the equal of any other great liquor I have ever tasted.

Tim

That would seem to suggest the rest would not rate as highly, because I wouldn't say that about the BBs I've tasted. What I do like about them, however, is their experimental nature. They are unique and seem to explore some odd niche of bourbon possibilities that has been overlooked by other bourbons. For me, even if a whiskey is not the best I've had, or even best of breed/category, if it's doing something unique and different, I appreciate that.

[BourbonJoe]

2002 The absolute best IMO.

Joe :usflag:

[nor02lei]

For me it is a tigh between the 2004 and the 2005. I like the 2004 because I think it taste as a luxury version of the regular 100 proof Forester and the 2005 for its sweet vanilla character that despite lacking the wildness reminds me quite a bit of old WT 101 versions from the 70-is and 80-is. If I have to those one it have to be 2004.

Leif

[mgilbertva]

You liked the '04? When I first tasted it I disliked it - way too much pepper, which was overwhelmingly the dominant note. After being open for a few months however, it mellowed out. Leif, did you notice anything similar?

[nor02lei]

You liked the '04? When I first tasted it I disliked it - way too much pepper, which was overwhelmingly the dominant note. After being open for a few months however, it mellowed out. Leif, did you notice anything similar?

Quit a wile since I had it Mark but I can’t recall any kind of pepper “overloud”. As I do remember it it was very fruity, floral and enormously chewy. The latest it got in common with the 2002. The spice showed up mostly in the finish and I do remember it as enormously pleasant to drink in general.

Leif

[fussychicken]

Its funny how an awkward bottle shape can limit the enthusiasm and thus purchase of what appears to be a fine bourbon. Normally we would go crazy over a limited edition bourbon like this. However OFBB has always seemed to be a red-headed stepchild around here.

I'll admit that the bottle shape is what has kept me from buying it. But with all the discussion of the 2007 version so far, I might have to breakdown this time.

[Sijan]

Current tally:

2002 - 3 votes (I'm counting Tim's post as a vote)

2004 - 1 vote

[Old Lamplighter]

Never bought one of these but I did run across a bottle of the 2005 today. Asking price of $43.50 seemed a little high to me. I think my recollection is seeing OFBB in the past for $33-38. However, it sounds like it might be a fun one to try. Maybe if the price is not out of line, I'll go back and pick it up in a few days....if it is not gone.

[StraightBoston]

I'm on record as favoring the Spring 2003 (green label) over all other expressions I've tried. Something about the dark fruit in that one...

[squire]

I bought one the first year it came out and another last year. I really liked the whiskey but for my purposes have settled on the NAS 100 proof as my Forester of choice. I actually came to that decision about 35 years ago and having cycled through the other and recent expressions have come right back round to where I started.

Regards,

Squire

[Sijan]

Current Tally:

2002 - 3 votes

2003 (Spring 1990) - 1 vote

2004 - 1 vote