Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2017

As I've stated in my previous reviews of Old Forester Birthday 2015 and 2016, I just sampled these three bourbons in a tasting. My initial anticipation and subsequent disappointment couldn't have been more opposite. Unfortunately, the latest Birthday release doesn't measure up to the quality of the 2015 or 2016 editions. There's just something about this line that doesn't agree with me. Where are the incredible flavors that are so prominent in the no-age-statement Old Forester 1920, possibly my favorite standard release bourbon? It's possible that Brown-Forman's spirits don't benefit from aging into the early teens, as Old Forester 1920, likely a blend of 4-8-year-old components, is exceptional. The 2017 actually presents a step backward on the nose, with aromas similar to the 2015 but with a slightly artificial mix of caramel and glue that's bothering my senses. The palate is another wave of oak and another frustrating search for sweetness. If anything, the bitter notes of resin, tobacco, and shoe polish intensify through another dry finish. I saw this bottle at my local store for $130 and am very thankful I didn't purchase it. I recently bought two Four Roses Private Selections for less than that in Indianapolis, which highlights how poor the value of Birthday Bourbon has become in today's market.

I tasted this alongside the 2019 version after dinner, in what I dubbed the "Battle of the Birthday Bourbons." While the 2019 offered cherry and vanilla on the nose with a spicy, warm finish, the 2017 was quite different. The nose presented caramel and the classic Old Forester green banana note, which took some effort to discern but was there. The palate featured vanilla caramels and a graham cracker crust – I really enjoyed that aspect; it felt very traditional. The finish turned a bit bitter with some oakiness and was short, not my preference for a premium, limited annual release. Although certain elements of its taste were excellent, it fell short in others. I actually preferred the 1920 over the 2017 Birthday Bourbon. My suspicion is that the lower proof diminished some of its richness. Overall: The 2019 was my favorite over the 2017. The 2017 lacked character, whereas the 2019 was intriguing and more layered. In my opinion, the 2017 is just a lighter iteration of Old Forester.

Nose- notes of caramelized bananas, dark chocolate, vanilla, buttery shortbread, with a slight rye spice Palate- an initial surge of floral spice, milk chocolate, almond paste, macadamia nuts, banana bread, and vanilla Finish- A long, drying, and creamy finish with hints of macadamia nuts, cocoa powder, bananas, and sweet vanilla bean Incredible! So distinctive. An outstanding bourbon. The nose is well-balanced, featuring a significant amount of the characteristic banana note associated with Brown-Forman, alongside vanilla and dark chocolate, and shortbread cookies. The palate is where this truly shines, however, with an unmistakable presence of macadamia nuts and almond croissants that carries through to the finish. Wonderful vanilla and floral notes are intertwined, with just a touch of spice. The finish is lengthy, appropriately drying, and full of those unique macadamia nut and almond flavors. Superb.

I'm so glad I got to try four distinct versions of Birthday Bourbon. I can detect the classic Brown Forman flavor here, though less banana is present. It's less sweet than the other three I sampled. While it's amazing, this one ranked fourth for me. Still, truly special.

Perhaps it will improve with a third tasting. So far, the first two times, it's been more hot than flavorful. I appreciate a bold bourbon like Booker's, Stagg, or Weller, which are my usual choices. I had hoped to enjoy this one, but it hasn't delivered the rewards of the others yet. It lacks nuance, offering nothing beyond heat.

The aroma is packed with fruit and flowers, alongside prominent alcohol notes. The palate echoes the floral character, offering initial sweetness followed by a pleasant alcohol warmth in the finish. Given its scarcity and cost, this is not a dram I would actively seek out again.