Old Forester Releases New Birthday Bourbon

Old Forester once again honors its founder George Garvin Brown's birthday with the annual release of its Birthday Bourbon.This year’s expression is 12 years old and 92 proof. In a rare departure from tradition, this year’s batch was created without the use of “setback” during fermentation — a standard practice that ensures consistency. Instead, a “sweet mash” process was used, relying solely on freshly-propagated yeast.These rare barrels from one day’s production (April 5, 2013) were selected by Old Forester Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo. It was drawn from 210 barrels aged in Warehouse K, Floors 1 and 5.“For our 25th Birthday Bourbon release, the absence of setback allowed the yeast to express its full character, creating a flavor profile that’s both delicate and complex,” Old Forester Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo said.Old Forester celebrates the birthday of its founder, George Garvin Brown, with this limited-edition, vintage-dated bottle released each September 2. Birthday Bourbon was available through an online sweepstakes running on OldForester.com August 18 through August 21, 2025.“There’s no better way to honor our founder than by sharing this rare and remarkable expression with bourbon lovers nationwide,” Old Forester Master Taster Melissa Rift said.Anyone winning the opportunity to purchase a bottle through the sweepstakes must purchase and pick it up at the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville between Thursday (Sept. 4) and December 20.Each bottle of The 2025 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon retailed for $199.99.