Old Forester announced the release of its most anticipated annual whiskey: 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. 

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. 

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.

“For our 25^th 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 in a news release. 

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.  

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.  

“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. For more information on how to enter the sweepstakes and official rules and  regulations, please visit the website. 

Read more: Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2024 Ranked

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.”