Old Forester Birthday Bourbon vs Old Forester Statesman

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:04 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Old Forester Birthday Bourbon vs Old Forester Statesman in this head-to-head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon vs Old Forester Statesman: Comparison

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: Celebrates with aromas of cherry, leather, and caramel, leading to a palate of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, finishing with caramel and oak spice. Best enjoyed with a dash of water.

Old Forester Statesman: Offers a nose of cinnamon and cherry, a palate rich in honey, caramel, and black pepper, and a medium finish of cherry and cinnamon. Perfect for sipping on the rocks or with water.

Verdict: Both Old Forester Birthday Bourbon and Old Forester Statesman present distinct yet delightful bourbon experiences. Birthday Bourbon, with its limited edition allure and depth of flavor, appeals to those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a unique addition to their collection. Statesman, balancing sweet and spicy notes with cinematic charm, provides a versatile and accessible choice for bourbon enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: A Pleasant Sip with Caveats

Nose: Cherry, leather, caramel
Palate: Brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, oak
Finish: Caramel, vanilla, oak spice
Alcohol content: 104 proof (52% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Old Forester 1897

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon arrives each year like a special occasion treat, celebrating the founder’s birthday with a limited-edition release. Let’s delve into its taste profile, key facts, and some points to consider:

The Aroma:

Playful cherry candy? Check, followed by rich leather and caramel.
Hint of warmth? Present but fleeting.

On the Palate:

Texture might feel light to some? The focus here is on flavors.
Brown sugar and cinnamon roll dance? Delightfully sweet and comforting.
Balanced oak emerges? Adding depth and structure.
Subtle varnish note joins the party later? Not for everyone, but adds complexity for some.

The Finish:

Medium to long? Yes, lingering with rich caramel, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice.

Is it good?

Depends on your expectations! Birthday Bourbon offers a pleasant and easy-drinking experience, reminiscent of sweet baked goods and classic bourbon notes.

Keep in mind:

Not incredibly complex: May not excite seasoned bourbon enthusiasts seeking bold depth.
Limited availability: Requires planning and potential effort to acquire.
Higher price point: Compared to bourbons with similar age statements.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon facts:

Aged 12 years.
72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill.
Small batch, with only 119 barrels used.
Limited annual release for George Garvin Brown’s birthday.
Part of the Old Forester brand, founded in 1870.

Ultimately, the decision is yours! If you enjoy limited-edition releases, appreciate sweeter bourbon profiles, and don’t mind the chase, Birthday Bourbon might be worth exploring. However, if readily available, similarly aged bourbons pique your interest more, you might find alternatives that satisfy your cravings just as well.

Old Forester Statesman: Sweet & Spicy with Hollywood Charm

Nose: Cinnamon, cherry, oak, brown sugar
Palate: Honey, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper
Finish: Medium, cherry, oak, cinnamon
Alcohol content: 95 proof (42.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, rocks
Similar to: Wild Turkey Longbranch

Craving a bourbon that’s smooth yet bold? Old Forester Statesman might be your match. Let’s explore its flavor profile, history, and some key facts:

The Aroma:

Warm embrace of cinnamon? Check.
Cherries dancing with brown sugar? Absolutely.
Subtle oaky whispers? Present, hinting at depth.

On the Palate:

Sweetness takes center stage? Honey and caramel lead the way.
Spicy kick? Cinnamon and pepper add complexity.
Balanced finish? Cherry, oak, and lingering cinnamon warm your senses.

Is it good?

Definitely! Statesman offers a pleasant sipping experience with traditional bourbon flavors, balanced sweetness, and a warming finish. Adding a drop of water can further smooth things out.

Things to consider:

Slightly higher price compared to bourbons with similar age statements and proof.
Released in 2017 as a marketing tie-in to the film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.”

Old Forester Statesman facts: