Old Fitzgerald Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond
50% ABV
$15
Website
What the Distillery Says:
An historic brand, which dates back over 120 years, Old Fitzgerald Bourbon enjoys a nationally recognized reputation as an award winning whiskey with a tradition of extra-aging.
Made with a “whisper of wheat” instead of the more traditional rye grain, Old Fitzgerald offers a unique and well-loved taste profile. Today, Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam have preserved the traditional formula and techniques, while adding the benefits of seven generations of Bourbon distilling expertise.
What Gary Says:
Nose: Quite nice – vanilla, toffee, anise, toasted marshmallow, rice pudding, hint of coconut – all with a backdrop of musty rickhouse.
Palate: Sweet corn, tapioca, vanilla; smooth.
Finish: Medium in length, with a hint (and I mean a hint) of spice at the end.
Comments: Bottled-In-Bond typically means it is 4 years old (although it certainly could be older), but comes across as right around that to me. A step up from Old Fitz Prime and Old Fitz 1849, while not much of a step up in price (in fact, may be the same or less than 1849). I appreciate the extra proof, and the nose for me is a big improvement over the others.
Rating: Stands Out
What Richard Says:
Nose: Slightly musty at first but it opens into toffee crisps, vanilla, and a little barrel char.
Palate: A richer mouth feel than the Prime. The extra proof makes it more assertive and direct. Corn pudding, vanilla wafers, and a black pepper bite sprinkled in with the wood notes.
Finish: Barrel char and a sprinkle of white pepper around the edges.
Comments: For $15 this is a damn fine bourbon. It drinks more like a rye bourbon than a normal wheater. This would make a nice sipper or mixer. With somewhat limited availability you might want to consider grabbing if one when you see it if it isn’t normally available in your area.
Rating: Stands Out