Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 Announced
Old Forester has released its 2025 Birthday Bourbon, a 12-year-old, 92 proof expression created with an unusual (for Birthday Bourbon) sweet mash process. Available via an online sweepstakes August 18–21, winners may purchase the limited-edition bottle for $199.99 at the Louisville distillery.
Press Release
Old Forester’s Beloved Birthday Bourbon is back for 2025, and is 12 years old, 92 proof and made from a sweet mash
National sweepstakes returns, offering chance to purchase a bottle
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Release Announcement
LOUISVILLE, KY, August 18, 2025 – Old Forester is honored to release its most anticipated annual whisky: Birthday Bourbon. This year’s expression is 12 years old and 92 proof and the bottle offers a unique twist that sets it apart from previous years.
Sweet Mash Process
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.
This anomaly resulted in a silky and sweet flavor profile that shines at 92 proof.
Barrel Selection & Aging
These rare barrels from one day’s production (April 5, 2013) were selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.
It was drawn from 210 barrels aged in Warehouse K, Floors 1 and 5.
Assistant Master Distiller Comment on Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025
“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,” Trigo said.
Release Details & Sweepstakes
Old Forester celebrates the birthday of its founder, George Garvin Brown, with this limited-edition, vintage-dated bottle released each September 2.
(Please note: Birthday Bourbon will NOT be sold at the distillery on September 2.)
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be available through an online sweepstakes running on OldForester.com August 18 through August 21, 2025. (sweepstakes direct link)
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 September 4, 2025 and December 20, 2025 (see official rules for all terms and conditions). Each bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99. Limit one per customer and credit card only.
Master Taster Comment
“There’s no better way to honor our founder than by sharing this rare and remarkable expression with bourbon lovers nationwide,” Master Taster Melissa Rift said.
The 2025 Birthday Bourbon will also be available in limited quantities at select retailers nationwide.
Tasting Notes
- Color – Honeycomb
- Aroma – Notes of herbal tea and cardamom complimented by hints of raw oak as well as tropical fruits and green apple
- Taste – Silky notes of oak and vanilla, balanced with sweet citrus and clove spice
- Finish – candied apple and burnt sugar with leather and chai spice
More Information
For more information on how to enter the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 sweepstakes and official rules and regulations, please visit the website.
About Old Forester Bourbon
About Old Forester Bourbon:
Old Forester is Brown-Forman’s founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, “There is nothing better in the market.”
Will you be searching for a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025? Next, read about other recent whiskeys from this distillery: Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye – Press Release, Old Forester 117 Series Extra Old Bourbon Returns – Press Release, Old Forester 1924 Bourbon Returns for 2025
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About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
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