Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2026 is the latest edition of the annual release honoring the September 2 birthday of founder George Garvin Brown. This year's bourbon was distilled in 2015 and aged 11 years. It comes from 212 barrels pulled from the third floor of Warehouse B, the oldest warehouse at the Old Forester distillery in Shively, Kentucky. Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo chose the barrels, and the bourbon is bottled at 97 proof (48.5% ABV) in a 700 mL decanter.

The whiskey went into barrel at an unusually low 124.4 proof, which gives this vintage a distinctly sweet, fruity profile. The nose brings zesty ginger and classic baking spice over vanilla bean, honey, and malted graham cracker, with a hint of cherry. On the palate, warm honey and buttery caramel meet bold tobacco, herbal notes, and bright cherry. The finish is toasted oak with graham cracker and lingering herbal mint.

Released in limited quantities each fall, Birthday Bourbon is one of the most collected annual releases in American whiskey. It makes a standout gift for a milestone or a centerpiece for a serious bourbon shelf.