Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Whiskey (2020 Release)

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (2020 Release): A Commemorative Kentucky Classic

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we have a profound appreciation for spirits that mark a occasion. We seek out bottles that are more than just a drink; they are an annual event, a collector’s milestone, and a testament to a distillery’s enduring legacy. In the landscape of American Kentucky whiskey, one release each year generates unparalleled excitement and reverence: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. The 2020 Release stands as a particularly significant and celebrated expression in this legendary series, a rare bourbon that honors both history and flavor.

This isn’t just another bourbon whiskey; it is a liquid tribute. Each year, this small batch bourbon is released to commemorate the September 2nd birthday of Old Forester’s founder, George Garvin Brown. For enthusiasts and collectors, securing a bottle is a yearly ritual, and the 2020 edition remains a standout, often cited as one of the best Old Forester bourbon releases of the modern era.

A Legacy in Every Bottle: The Old Forester Story

To understand the significance of Birthday Bourbon, one must first appreciate the monumental legacy of the Old Forester brand itself. Old Forester is the first bottled straight bourbon in America, pioneered by George Garvin Brown in 1870. His vision was to guarantee a consistent, high-quality whiskey sold only in sealed bottles to ensure purity—a revolutionary concept at the time.

This commitment to quality has never wavered across five generations. The Old Forester Birthday series, launched in 2002, is the ultimate expression of this heritage. It is a limited, annual release where the master distiller hand-selects a small number of barrels that represent the peak of the distillery’s character for that year. When you purchase an Old Forester whiskey bourbon from this series, you are not just buying a spirit; you are owning a piece of a continuous, 150-year-old American story.

Specs & Production: What’s Inside the 2020 Birthday Bourbon?

• Proof / ABV: 98 proof (49% ABV)

• Age: 10 years (barreled June 5, 2010)

• Number of Barrels: 95 barrels were selected for this batch

• Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley (same as Old Forester’s core formula)

• Distribution & Rarity: As always with Birthday Bourbon, distribution is extremely limited. The full allotment reflects just one day’s production at Old Forester.

Because of its limited nature, Birthday Bourbon 2020 quickly became a collectible. Many bottles now trade significantly above retail in secondary markets. For example, one retailer lists it at $1,049.99.

The 2020 Masterpiece: A Closer Look at the Vintage

The Old-Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 is a quintessential Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that showcases the art of selective blending. This particular release was crafted from 117 barrels that were carefully chosen from a single day of production—March 27, 2013. These barrels were then aged on the third floor of Warehouse I, a location known for producing a rich and robust profile.

The 2020 expression is a twelve-year-old bourbon, a substantial age statement that highlights the depth and maturity Old Forester is capable of achieving. This careful curation of specific barrels and aging locations is what makes this small batch bourbon so special. It’s not just a random selection; it’s a deliberate creation aimed at achieving a specific, memorable flavor profile, making a strong case for it being the best barrell bourbon batch of its release year.

Tasting Notes: A Complex and Celebratory Profile

The Old Forester-Birthday Bourbon 2020 was met with critical acclaim upon its release, and for good reason. Its tasting profile is a beautiful evolution of the classic Old Forester character, deepened by its twelve years of maturation.

• On the Nose: The aroma is wonderfully complex and inviting. It opens with a decadent bouquet of dark chocolate, caramel, and rich toffee. This is followed by the comforting scent of seasoned oak and a distinctive nuttiness, reminiscent of walnuts and pecans. Underlying notes of orange zest and dark cherry add a layer of fruity brightness, while a hint of baking spice lingers in the background.

• On the Palate: The first sip is a full-bodied and velvety experience. The mouthfeel is rich and coating, delivering on the promises of the nose. Flavors of creamy milk chocolate, marzipan, and honeyed pastry lead the way. The oak is present but perfectly integrated, offering structure without excessive tannins. A cascade of dried fruit—fig and raisin—melds with a gentle spice of cinnamon and clove, creating a balanced and sophisticated sip that is the hallmark of a world-class straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey.

• The Finish: The finish is long, warm, and remarkably smooth. It lingers with a gentle warmth and fading notes of oak, dark chocolate, and a final, satisfying hint of peppery spice. It’s a dignified and contemplative finish that perfectly caps off the celebration.

Overall, many reviews consider this 2020 release a strong entry in the Birthday Bourbon series — rich, expressive, and thoughtful, though opinions vary depending on expectations.

A few critiques from some reviewers mention that it lacks the robust backbone or complexity they expected — calling it more delicate than prior releases. One review even judged it “short, vaporous and drying” and “not worth the price” for some palates.

However, many others applaud its aroma and finish, describing it as “worth the hype” and “classic bourbon.”

Birthday Bourbon in the World of Premium Bourbons

For those curious about bourbon vs whiskey, Old Forester Birthday is a pristine example of the former. It meets all the legal criteria for a straight bourbon whiskey while offering a distinct experience from other premium bourbon whiskey brands.

• Annual Release vs. Standard Offerings: Unlike a brand’s core range or even a single barrel bourbon, the Birthday Bourbon is a unique, one-time-only blend that captures a specific moment in the distillery’s life.

• The Old Forester DNA: While distinct, the 2020 release carries the classic, rich, and balanced DNA that makes Old forester bourbon whiskey​
   so beloved, but with an added layer of age-driven complexity.

Why the 2020 Release is a Coveted Collector’s Item

The Birthday Bourbon Old Forester series is a cornerstone of any serious American whiskey collection. The 2020 edition, in particular, is highly sought after for several key reasons:

1. Critical Acclaim: It received stellar scores from major whiskey publications, cementing its reputation as an exceptional vintage.

2. Substantial Age Statement: A 12-year age statement is significant and desirable in today’s market.

3. Limited Availability: As with all Birthday Bourbons, the 2020 release was produced in a finite quantity, making it a true rare bourbon.

4. Historical Significance: It represents a specific and celebrated vintage from one of America’s most historic distilleries.

Finding Old Forester Birthday Bourbon for sale is a challenge that signifies a successful hunt, making it a prized and appreciating asset.

How to Acquire This Celebratory Bourbon

The quest to find this bourbon for sale near me is notoriously difficult. Its status as an ultra-allocated, annual release means it is seldom available on shelves and is subject to intense demand from collectors worldwide.

This is the core mission of Rare Finds Liquor Store. We are your best place to buy bourbon online, with a dedicated network that allows us to source the most legendary and elusive spirits, including the revered Old-Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 Release. Our secure platform ensures that when you decide to buy bourbon whiskey online, you can do so with the confidence that you are receiving an authentic, perfectly stored bottle.

The Final Verdict: A Toast to Excellence

Old-Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 Release is more than a spirit; it is a celebration. It is a complex, rich, and beautifully balanced straight bourbon whiskey that pays homage to its historic roots while delivering a profoundly satisfying modern tasting experience. It is the perfect acquisition for the collector seeking a milestone bottle, for the enthusiast looking to taste one of the best Old Forester bourbon expressions ever created, and for anyone who wants to raise a glass to 150 years of American whiskey history.

It is, without a doubt, a birthday worth celebrating.

Claim Your Piece of Bourbon History.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own a celebrated vintage from one of America’s most iconic distilleries. Explore our curated collection at Rare Finds Liquor Store, where we connect you with the legends of the spirits world.

Visit our website to browse our selection of bourbon for sale online and inquire about securing your bottle of the legendary Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2020 Release. Contact us for current availability on this and other unparalleled expressions.