Old Forester making a major change for how to buy its popular Birthday Bourbon
George Garvin Brown’s birthday is coming up, but you might be the lucky bourbon drinker this year.
For the first time ever, Old Forester will give fans nationwide a chance to win the right to purchase a bottle of the coveted Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, released annually on Sept. 2, to commemorate the founder’s birthday.
The lottery does mean one big change that impacts Kentucky bourbon lovers: No Birthday Bourbon will be sold at the gift shop in the Old Forester Distillery at 119 W. Main St. in Louisville on Sept. 2.
So don’t plan on lining up in downtown Louisville, the company says: No bottles will be available for purchase at the Whiskey Row gift shop on Main Street.
This will be the 22nd limited edition of the much-sought small batch expression, which has a unique flavor profile that differs from year to year.
“Birthday Bourbon holds a special place among Old Forester’s limited-releases, celebrating the legacy of the Brown family,” said master distiller Chris Morris, in a statement. “We’re excited to open up the opportunity for bourbon lovers all over the country to get their hands on this beloved bourbon.”
How to enter Old Forester Birthday Bourbon sweepstakes
To enter the bourbon sweepstakes, go online to oldforester.com Aug. 24 through Aug. 31. Winners will be notified by email on our about Sept. 2 and can buy their bottle at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville Sept. 8-Dec. 23 for $169.99. One entry per person; must be 21 or older.
This year’s Birthday Bourbon, according to the tasting notes, was barreled in 2011 and is 96 proof with a nose of caramelized orange peel and cherry fruit, vanilla bean and graham cracker, and a palate of subtle fruit, sweet roasted coffee, dark chocolate and cocoa.
Where else can you get it?
Thousands of other bottles of Birthday Bourbon are being shipped to retailers nationwide this week, according to Brown-Forman, maker of Old Forester. The suggested retail price is $150, but the limited release usually sells for more. Brown-Forman isn’t releasing total numbers this year but most retailers who receive the Birthday Bourbon only get one or two bottles.
This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 1:31 PM.
