Old Forester 2025 Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester is celebrating its 25th Birthday Bourbon release with a bold twist—the 2025 edition is the first in the series to be crafted using the sweet mash process. This historic shift gives whiskey lovers a chance to experience a more delicate yet complex flavour profile, while also honouring the distillery’s founder, George Garvin Brown. With just 210 barrels released, it’s a limited edition that will excite collectors and Bourbon fans alike.
Old Forester 2025 Birthday Bourbon
The 2025 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon stands out as the first in the collection to skip the sour mash method in favour of sweet mash, allowing yeast to showcase its full character. Distilled on April 5, 2013, the whiskey has been aged for 12 years in Warehouse K, resting on floors one and five. Bottled at 46% ABV, this limited run comes from just 210 barrels.
Whiskey fans can enter an online sweepstakes between 18–21 August for a chance to purchase a bottle directly from the Old Forester Distillery in Louisville. Winners must claim their bottle between 4 September and 20 December. Priced at US$200, the 750ml bottle will also be released in limited numbers at select retailers across the US.
- Full Name: Old Forester 2025 Birthday Bourbon
- Brand: Old Forester (Brown-Forman)
- Category: Bourbon Whiskey
- Country/Region: United States / Kentucky
- Distillery: Old Forester Distillery, Louisville
- Age: 12 Years
- Style: Limited Edition Bourbon (Sweet Mash)
- ABV: 46%
- Release Date: August 2025 (via sweepstakes)
- Price: US$200 per 750ml bottle
- Availability: Old Forester Distillery + limited US retailers
Tasting Notes
Old Forester describes this year’s edition as one of the most unique Birthday Bourbons to date.
- Appearance: Rich amber with golden hues.
- Nose: Herbal tea, cardamom spice, subtle oak, and crisp green apple.
- Palate: Smooth and silky with layers of vanilla, sweet citrus, and warming clove.
- Finish: Balanced, lingering sweetness with light spice and gentle oak.
Key Highlights
This year’s Birthday Bourbon marks a milestone in Old Forester’s history, giving fans a whiskey that redefines tradition.
- First-ever Birthday Bourbon crafted with sweet mash.
- Limited to 210 barrels, adding to its rarity.
- Aged for 12 years in Warehouse K for depth and balance.
- Special release honouring founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday.
- Ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or for collectors seeking a one-of-a-kind release.
Final Overview
Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo describes this year’s Bourbon as a spirit where yeast “expresses its full character.” Master Taster Melissa Rift adds, “There’s no better way to honour our founder than by sharing this rare and remarkable expression with Bourbon lovers nationwide.” With its sweet mash innovation, the 2025 Birthday Bourbon will likely become one of the most sought-after bottles in the series.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the 2025 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon special?
It’s the first Birthday Bourbon to use the sweet mash process, creating a more delicate yet complex flavour profile.
Q2. How can I buy a bottle?
Through an online sweepstakes (18–21 August) or in limited quantities at select US retailers. Winners must pick up their bottles from the distillery in Louisville.
Q3. How much does it cost?
The 2025 release is priced at US$200 for a 750ml bottle.
