Very Special Old Fitzgerald Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 12 Years Old
45% ABV
$40
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: Anise, light cigar paper, subtle sweetness.
Palate: Light, wood smoke with some spice, but balanced nicely with a cereal honey note.
Finish: Medium, but uninspiring.
Comments: I actually like the nose on the BIB better than this, but the palate here is more complex. The age shows better there, where on the nose for me I think the wood hides some of the sweeter notes (while not being what I would call a real “oaky” nose). Overall, I think this is a small step up, but priced like it should be a giant leap forward.
Rating: Probably Pass
What Richard Says:
Nose: Licorice, crisp apples drizzled with wildflower honey, and vanilla custard.
Palate: This is a really odd palate. When you first sip it’s like the whiskey reaches out, grabs your tongue, and pulls you in. But quickly that aggressiveness passes and you are left with a light, almost bland bourbon reminiscent of Honeycomb cereal and old wet toothpicks.
Finish: Bland, dry, and woody.
Comments: The distribution for this has been scaled way back. Now you can only buy it in a handful of states, of which Georgia is not one. I grabbed my bottle at the visitor’s center in Bardstown. I was kind of geeky excited to find and buy it but I’ve been pretty disappointed with it. If there was ever a bourbon in the 12 and under age range that typified being over oaked this might just be it. Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon doesn’t seem to take as well to long time in the wood as Buffalo Trace. If you are interested in Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon I recommend you skip the four Old Fitz versions and go for the terribly drinkable Larceny.
Rating: Average