Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2009

The 2010 vintage of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has received many accolades, as has several previous vintages of this bourbon. Not so with the 2009 vintage. I didn't know this when I purchased the 2009 vintage on a trip to the US. That was my first mistake.

My second mistake was actually opening and tasting it on my birthday, a month ago. I suppose everyone should form their own opinion of a whiskey, but perhaps one's birthday is not the right occasion for a gamble such as this.

According to the little pamphlet that comes with it, “The uniquely vintage dates Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has received unprecedented acclaim since its introduction in 2002. This 2009 release of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has quite a reputation to measure up to—and we are confident that it does.” Apparently, the authors of this pamphlet either never tasted the 2009 release, or they’re ageusic.

There is a richness to the nose, with vanilla cola, dates, and brown sugar. Varnish becomes increasingly prominent, but never enough to signal what’s to come.

The palate, too, is initially pleasant. It begins sweetly, with a bit of vanilla. Quickly thereafter, however, varnish grabs a firm and violent hold of the tastebuds, dominating the tortuous, infernal finish. It is remarkably harsh, and there is also something reminiscent of diapers. It is plainly terrible, and truly the worst whiskey I’ve ever imbibed.