2023 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 10 Year Review

A little background

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond is one of the few bottles that can be instantly identified on the shelf. This iconic decanter is inspired from the original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter. This bourbon was first registered in 1884 and was eventually sold to Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle during Prohibition. Pappy moved production of this bourbon to his distillery making Old Fitz the first great Wheated Bourbon. Heaven Hill Purchased the brand in 1999 and moved production to their Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The Old Fitzgerald decanter series is released once in the fall and once in the spring each year. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 20% wheat, and 5% malted barley. The bourbon is 100 proof and has a varying age statement based on the release date.

The Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey carries a 10-year age statement and has an MSRP of $140 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Bold and rich. Caramel, vanilla, peaches, cherry, citrus, cola, and Aunt Jemima pancakes syrup.

Palate

Cola, chocolate, artificial pancake syrup, cherry, cinnamon, caramel, sweet raisins, peach, and baking spice.

Finish

Lemon, cola, citrus, peaches, cinnamon, toasted caramel, and a lingering lemon sweet tea.

In closing

The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond Decanter Series was created as a nod to the history and tradition of Kentucky bourbon. Old Fitzgerald 10-year-old bourbon has a bold and rich nose filled with sweet bourbon notes. The buttery mouthfeel is accompanied by notes of cola, chocolate, pancake syrup, and baking spices. The finish is long pleasant and complex with lingering notes of cola, toasted caramel, and sweet tea. This bourbon is one of a kind and should be at the top of your wish list. 

The Bourbon tasted for this review was provided by Heaven Hill Distillery with no strings attached.