Old Forester Birthday Bourbon - 2016 Release

12 years. Released September 2nd, 2016. A small-batch selection from master distiller Chris Morris honoring the birthday of Old Forester founder George Garvin Brown.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is released once a year on the birthday of founder George Garvin Brown, and has been one of Kentucky's most anticipated annual bourbon releases since its introduction. Each edition is a unique small-batch selection of 12-year-old barrels hand-chosen by the master distiller — no two vintages are the same proof or barrel composition, making every release a one-off expression of that specific year's aging.

As one of the older remaining Birthday Bourbon vintages, the 2016 is increasingly hard to source outside of specialty retailers. For collectors building a vertical of the series, it represents one of the more challenging years to acquire.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with rich mahogany tones.
• Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, dried fruit, and warm baking spice.
• Palate: Rich and full — toffee, dark cherry, cinnamon, and a well-integrated barrel char backbone.
• Finish: Long and warming — vanilla and oak spice fading into a clean, dry close.

Specs

• Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Co., Louisville, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 12 years
• Size: 750ml
• Release: 2016 Annual Birthday Bourbon

Browse the full Old Forester collection or explore all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon series? Released annually on September 2nd, each Birthday Bourbon is a unique small-batch selection of 12-year-old barrels chosen by the master distiller. Each vintage differs in proof and barrel selection — the 2016 will never be reproduced.
• Why is Old Forester significant in bourbon history? Founded in 1870, Old Forester was the first bourbon ever sold exclusively in sealed bottles. It is the oldest continuously produced bourbon brand in America, making Birthday Bourbon a release with genuine historical grounding.
• How rare is the 2016 vintage? Older Birthday Bourbon vintages become progressively harder to find as stock depletes. The 2016 is now several years out of primary retail distribution, making remaining bottles genuinely scarce.
• Should I open it or hold it? Unlike wine, bourbon does not continue to develop once bottled. Holding it preserves the vintage documentation and collectible value. Opening it gives you the actual experience. Both are valid — the bottle will not improve or decline in the sealed state.