About the product
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 Release is a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon crafted to commemorate the brand's heritage. Bottled at 98 proof, this 750 ml expression showcases the distillery's signature high-rye mashbill with notes of caramel, oak, and subtle spice. A collector's piece for bourbon enthusiasts seeking rare, vintage releases with depth and character.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Tasting Notes
- Nose: A sophisticated and nuanced balance. It opens with magnolia and white floral notes, followed by buttery leather, cocoa powder, and a heavy base of brown sugar and vanilla frosting.
- Palate: Rich and tropical—often described as "Bananas Foster" in a glass. You'll find caramel and brittle toffee that blooms into ripe banana, mango, and coconut flakes, with a nutty undercurrent of macadamia nut.
- Finish: Long and delicately drying. It leaves a lingering trail of baking spices (cinnamon and clove) with a subtle, sophisticated hint of anise on the very back end.
Food Pairings
- Savory: Fatty Cured Meats. A 24-month aged Kentucky ham or buttery Prosciutto cuts through the 98-proof heat while the saltiness highlights the bourbon's caramel sweetness.
- Cheese: Aged Smoked Gouda. The smoky, creamy profile of the cheese harmonizes with the leather and oak notes of the 10-year-old spirit.
- Sweet: Banana Cream Pie or Crème Brûlée. Since the 2020 release is famous for its "banana and burnt sugar" profile, pairing it with these desserts creates a seamless flavor bridge.
- The "Birthday" Pairing: Dark Chocolate Truffles. The bitterness of high-quality cocoa pulls out the deeper leather and spice notes, making for a decadent after-dinner experience.
About the brand
Founded in 1870, Old Forester was the first bourbon ever sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles to ensure quality and prevent adulteration. It is the only bourbon brand with a 150-year history that has been continuously sold by the same founding family before, during, and after Prohibition (when it was sold for "medicinal purposes").
