Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2017
Intro: From the Old Forester website:
The 2017 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon was drawn from 12 year old barrels from different warehouses and floors. A total of 120 barrels; 93 barrels matured together on the 4th floor of G warehouse, yielding an extremely spice forward expression. The remaining 27 barrels matured together on the 5th floor of K warehouse contributing a rounding sweetness to the blend. Several barrels from both lots basked in the sun, highlighting the effects of maturation along an external wall. Barreled on May 27, 2005 – Old Forester 2017 Birthday Bourbon is offered at 96 and 95.4 Proof.
Review:
The nose isn't knocking me down with alcohol vapors but the aroma is best described as just a straight alcohol smell...it's not gross, but it just doesn't have the typical characteristics I pick up on most bourbons. The spice is hidden behind the alcohol smell...I can pick them out, but it is just, well, different. Different isn't always bad....and this is a 12 year bourbon from a mainstay distillery, so I won't let it dissuade my high hopes.
The initial sip was very mellow....almost didn't feel like bourbon passing between my lips. It took this bourbon a few seconds to sit on my tongue before the flavor joined the party. And am I glad it did! The flavor and spice level are a terrific pair....ebony and ivory, peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots, Tina and Ike Turner....oh wait, I feel like I may have missed the target on that last one! Anyhow, the point being, this is a damn tasty bourbon with a very smooth spice level...from lips to tongue, throat, and stomach. In fact, once you have the first sip, the typical bourbon notes start to show through on the nose and not so much alcohol aroma. WHAT IS THIS WITCHCRAFT!? It's the magic only a mature bourbon from a wizard-like distillery can produce.
Is it worth the $?
The little guys run just under 80 doll hairs....not an easy decision, but this is worth paying a couple times to keep it in your inventory and drink sparingly.