Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2026
97 proof | 11 years old | 750mL — Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2026 is the distillery's annual flagship release, drawn this year from 212 barrels aged 11 years on the third floor of Warehouse B in Shively, the oldest warehouse at the Old Forester distillery campus.
Every September, Old Forester honors its founder, George Garvin Brown — born September 2, 1846 — with a one-of-a-kind bourbon that can never be made again. The 2026 expression breaks new ground: it's crafted with a sweet-mash fermentation, meaning no setback from a previous distillation was used. That choice gives this year's vintage a distinctively bright, honeyed character. As always, distribution is extremely limited — bottles are released through the distillery sweepstakes and a small allocation to select retailers. Del Mesa Liquor is proud to be one of them.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Baking spice and zesty ginger open into vanilla bean, honey, malted graham cracker, and a hint of cherry.
- Palate: Warm honey and buttery caramel layered with bold tobacco, herbal notes, and bright cherry.
- Finish: Toasted oak and graham cracker with lingering herbal mint.
Why Buy It
- An 11-year-old, 97-proof vintage bourbon — bottled once and never repeated.
- First Birthday Bourbon made with sweet-mash fermentation, a genuine one-year-only profile.
- Sourced from 212 barrels on Warehouse B's third floor, Brown-Forman's oldest aging warehouse.
- A cornerstone bottle for rare and top-shelf whiskey collectors.
- Extremely limited allocation — once it's gone, it's gone.
How to Enjoy
Sip neat in a Glencairn at room temperature to experience the full arc from honeyed spice to herbal mint. A few drops of water will open the cherry and vanilla bean notes. Reserve this bottle for special pours — it earns them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2026?
The 2026 release is bottled at 97 proof (48.5% ABV), after 11 years of aging in new charred oak.
How limited is the Birthday Bourbon release?
It's one of the most allocated bottles in American whiskey — sold through the distillery sweepstakes plus a very small retail allocation. Our stock is limited to what we receive; three bottles is the full allotment.
What makes the 2026 vintage different from past years?
This year's expression was made with sweet-mash fermentation — no setback from a prior distillation — giving it a distinct honeyed brightness compared to previous Birthday Bourbon vintages.