Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes: Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter, Fall 2020

When I teased the Fall 2020 Old Fitzgerald release in my review of the Spring edition, I was expecting the standard profile that, in varying degrees, defines each of the releases to date.  But then it arrived and I realized that Heaven Hill is keeping us on our toes. 

I had a little bit of the Spring 9-year release to try them side-by-side to make sure that it was as different as I was thinking.  And then in my subsequent tastings I found the same unique flavors.  While still keeping up with the strict Bottled in Bond requirements, Heaven Hill was able to pull barrels from different rickhouses, different floors, and different production dates (within the same season, of course), to feature a unique profile.  Reading between the lines, this should also mean that Heaven Hill has more of these 14-year old barrels speckled throughout its rickhouses for future releases!

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:	14 years
ABV:	50% (100 proof)
Cost:	$140.00

Appearance:
Brown with copper highlights.

Nose:
Great aromas that hit as soon as I removed the cap.  Lots of caramel, lightly toasted bread, maple syrup, a little bit of earthiness, and boiled peanuts.

Taste:
Really amazing—caramel and peanuts mixed together; not salty like a Payday bar, but along those lines.  More like praline and chicory coffee.  Buttery on the tongue and lightly oaked (less than expected for 14 years) and light fruit sweetness round it out.

Finish:
Seemingly medium finish with an initial rush of nuttiness, but then the caramel lingers and lasts as it fades.  It’s a sweet tooth’s dream. 

Bottom Line

This was a unique profile for me for a Heaven Hill Old Fitzgerald and I loved it.  It lacks the spiciness of some of the prior releases, but I didn’t miss it one bit.

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