Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes: Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter, Spring 2020 (and Fall 2020 teaser)

Some days the mail is just better than others.  One thing that is guaranteed to brighten my day is a chance to taste one of the most recognizable Bottled-in-Bond bourbons—Old Fitzgerald—which happens to be one of my favorite expressions.  Heaven Hill is really firing on all cylinders with its Old Fitzgerald decanter series, barrel proof Elijah Craig and Larceny, Pikesville Rye, and too many other to name here in a short review.

The Spring 2020 Old Fitzgerald has a nine-year age statement coming on the heels of a surprisingly high age statement on Fall 2019.  I remember the first nine-year from a couple years ago as being one of my favorites, so I have high hopes for this edition.  Also, just today Heaven Hill issued a press release for the Fall 2020 edition, which is a 14-year age stated Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon pulled from different rickhouses, different floors, and different production dates.  While I can’t wait for that release, Spring 2020 comes first:

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Tasting Notes

Bourbon:	Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery:	Heaven Hill, Bardstown, Kentucky (distilled in Louisville and aged in Bardstown)
Age:	9 years
ABV:	50% (100 proof)
Cost:	$89.99

Appearance:
Worn copper penny.

Nose:
Pleasant sweetness of honey, brown sugar, and candy caramel with slight peppery notes.

Taste:
Caramel with bold oak, which then mellows out into more sweetness and a little bit of cinnamon candy and dry nuttiness.  It didn’t do very well on an ice sphere, so drink this one neat.

Finish:
Great, mostly dry, finish that goes and goes with lingering spice. 

Bottom Line
This is a strong buy if you’re lucky enough to see it at retail.  Heaven Hill was already the leading distillery for Bottled-in-Bond whiskies and this Old Fitzgerald helps prove why.   Bottled-in-Bond is difficult to do right since all of the barrels must come from the same distilling season, and Old Fitzgerald is a testament to the skill involved in selecting the right barrels at the right time.  It’s a fantastically balanced bourbon and worthy of the hunt. 

Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me samples for this review,
without any strings attached. 
Thank you.