Old Forester 2022 Birthday Bourbon arrives, carrying 11 years of maturation at 48% ABV, aged 11 years, 750ml, MSRP $149. Priced at $149.99 A light honey tone, approaching golden brown but remaining translucent, we assessed it with care.
Nose
A light honey tone, approaching golden brown but remaining translucent. Few to no legs in sight.
Palate
Perfume-y to the point of light muskiness meets you first in a heady manner. This mellows into a light brown sugar, with notes of clove and almond along the way. Thin in texture at first, but gains some chewiness over the course of a sip. A light cola flavor leads into deep vanilla as the boldest flavors. Mid-palate brings a banana flavor, less like fresh fruit and more like the artificial flavoring in bubblegum (in a good way!). The finish brings in hints of latex and a touch of bitter broccoli.
Finish
Elegant and true to the character of the Birthday Bourbon line. Its been several years since Ive been able to directly compare the expressions of different years, but if memory serves, the 2022 edition holds up. Sadly I didnt enter the sweepstakes in time this year, but Ill certainly be keeping an eye out for it next year.
Verdict
Old Forester 2022 Birthday Bourbon is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation — though at $149.99 A light honey tone, approaching golden brown but remaining translucent, one expects nothing less.
