2012 Expression of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Set to Hit Shelves as 11th Release

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2012 expression of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has been released in honor of George Garvin Brown, the founder of Louisville-based Brown-Forman and Old Forester, America's First Bottled Bourbon™. Every year in September, Old Forester releases an expression of its highly-acclaimed bourbon to commemorate Brown's birthday and this year marks the 11^th limited-edition release.

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"This year's vintage release of Old Forester is crafted from an 82 barrel batch, selected from a single day of production. That day's mash bill had 2% extra malt added to the fermenter resulting in the creation of a more nutty spirit," said Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller. "Once barreled the bourbon was ricked on the fourth floor in warehouses H and I where it experienced a balanced maturation environment. There the angels' share resulted in low barrel yields and therefore intense barrel flavor concentration."

Handcrafted by Master Distiller Chris Morris, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is vintage-dated – offering a one-of-a-kind character and flavor profile that will never be replicated. Its unique decanter style glass bottle is a throwback to the late 1800's when Old Forester was first produced. Old Forester is the only bourbon still in existence today that was produced before, during and after Prohibition by its original distiller.  No other bourbon brand sold in the U.S. today can make that claim. 

"The 2012 Birthday Bourbon expression is full of ripe fruit character with oak sweetness, warming spices and almond nuttiness," said Morris. "A rich aroma and a long, warm finish make this yet another must-have release."

Since its introduction in 2002, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has received unprecedented acclaim and has collected honors from USA Today, Malt Advocate, Whisky Magazine, Spirit Journal, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Wine Enthusiast, and Sante.  A favorite among critics, Old Forester Birthday Bourbons have taken home gold from numerous tasting competitions including "BEST BOURBON, Double Gold Medal" in the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well as "Gold" medals in the 2005, 2006 & 2007 competition. The 2007 expression was also named American Whiskey of the Year at Malt Advocate WhiskyFest New York.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, a Brown-Forman product, has a suggested retail price of $49.99 and is sold at most liquor stores. The 2012 edition of Birthday Bourbon is bottled at 97 proof. 

For more information on Old Forester and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, visit the Old Forester website at www.oldforester.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldforester.

About Old Forester Bourbon

George Garvin Brown was the founder of Old Forester Bourbon Whisky and Brown-Forman Corporation. Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BF-B), Louisville, Kentucky, is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Woodford Reserve, and Korbel California Champagnes.

Love life. Sip responsibly.

Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky, 48.5% Alc. by Volume, Brown-Forman Distillery Company, Louisville, KY ©2012

SOURCE Old Forester