As a bourbon enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by Old Fitzgerald 15-Year, a wheated bourbon known for its rich and complex profile. Aged 15 years and bottled-in-bond, this particular expression has garnered quite a bit of attention among whiskey lovers. With its long aging process and distinct flavor notes, I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this unique bourbon.
Upon pouring the Old Fitzgerald 15 Year into my glass, I immediately noticed its rich amber color, entwined with slow-moving tears clinging to the glass. The aroma greeted me with a captivating combination of caramel, citrus, cinnamon, and nutmeg, reminiscent of a sumptuous dessert on a rustic wooden platter. It’s advisable to let this bourbon breathe for about 20-30 minutes to fully appreciate its dark, rich, and complex experience.
As I tasted this exquisite bourbon, the perfect balance of oak, dark caramel, vanilla, and fruit notes mingled delightfully on my palate. Hints of spice, possibly allspice, added depth to the flavor. While it may not be as well-known as its counterpart, Buffalo Trace, Old Fitzgerald 15 Year has proven to be a remarkable whiskey with a lot to offer.
Table of Contents
Old Fitzgerald 15-Year Overview
Product History
Old Fitzgerald 15-year is a fantastic bourbon from the Heaven Hill distillery. As a fan of wheated bourbon, I must say it carries a fascinating history. Old Fitzgerald and its Bottled in Bond counterparts have their roots in the long-standing tradition of Kentucky bourbons, with a history that dates back to 1870. The brand was originally distilled by the renowned John E. Fitzgerald at the (then) Old Fitzgerald Distillery and later was acquired by Pappy Van Winkle. Eventually, Heaven Hill took over the production, and the bourbon is now distilled at their Bernheim Distillery.
Price Range
The Old Fitzgerald 15-Year Bottled in Bond bourbon typically has a price range of around $125 to $150, with a recommended retail price (MSRP) of $150. Given its age statement and the fascinating history behind this bourbon, I can understand why the price may be relatively higher compared to others. That said, it’s essential to consider both its taste and uniqueness before making a decision.
Tasting Notes
As a fan of bourbon, I always like to explore the flavor profile of any bourbon I try. Old Fitzgerald 15 Year offers delightful notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy rye, honey, and vanilla sponge cake. The complexity of a well-aged wheated bourbon is well-reflected in the flavors of heavy notes like toffee, molasses, and brown butter.
Bottled in Bond
One of the aspects that makes Old Fitzgerald 15 Year special is that it is bottled in bond. The term “bottled in bond” is a certification under U.S. law to ensure that the bourbon meets specific quality standards. In order to be certified as bottled-in-bond, the bourbon must be:
- Produced by a single distillery in one distilling season
- Aged for a minimum of four years
- Bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof)
As a bourbon enthusiast, knowing that Old Fitzgerald 15 Year is bottled in bond gives me a sense of assurance about the quality of the bourbon and its adherence to traditional production methods.
In conclusion, Old Fitzgerald 15 Year is an excellent bourbon that carries a great history and a unique flavor profile. Its Bottled in Bond certification and age statement further elevate it, making it an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for fans of wheated bourbon like myself.
photo source: whiskeyconsensus.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon nosing the Old Fitzgerald 15-Year Bourbon, I was pleasantly surprised by the rich red fruits, sweet vanilla, and aged oak that filled my senses. The aroma of dark fruit, such as figs and cherries, was quite enticing, along with a hint of sweet oak that created an infectious scent that I couldn’t resist.
Flavor
My first sip of this bourbon revealed a palate that was just as delightful as the aroma. The cherry notes from the aroma became more pronounced, accompanied by delicious hints of strawberry jam and French vanilla ice cream. The complexity was further enhanced by the wheat and malted barley, creating a smooth and velvety texture in my mouth. I could also taste undertones of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which added some depth to the profile, while keeping things balanced and refined.
Finish
The finish of Old Fitzgerald 15-Year Bourbon is a wonderful experience. The lingering taste of brown sugar and honey gives way to more robust flavors like tobacco, leather, and barrel char. I also enjoyed the subtle notes of citrus and nuts that danced on my palate, providing a bit of zestiness in the aftertaste. The oak spice really shined through in the finish, giving it a warm and comforting feel that lasted well beyond my last sip.
Rating
With its complexity, high-quality ingredients, and perfectly aged profile, I found the Old Fitzgerald 15-Year Bourbon to be a real gem. The balance between sweetness and spice, fruity notes and oak character, truly made for an outstanding drinking experience. Here’s how I would rate it:
- Aroma: 9/10
- Flavor: 9/10
- Finish: 9/10
- Overall: 27/30
I highly recommend this limited edition whiskey for anyone who is looking for an exceptional bourbon to enjoy. The experience of sipping it from a nice glass, savoring each aspect from start to finish, is something every whiskey enthusiast should have the chance to appreciate.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
As a fan of the Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, I found that it pairs well with the following mixers:
- Ginger ale: Compliments the rich, warming flavors of the bourbon and adds a touch of fizziness.
- Club soda: Helps tame the 100 proof strength while preserving the bourbon’s flavor profile.
- Lemonade: Adds a refreshing citrus twist, balancing out the heavy, oaky flavors.
Cocktail Suggestions
When it comes to crafting cocktails with this Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Bourbon, I recommend trying these classics:
photo source: Shutterstock.com
To make Old Fashioned: Combine the bourbon with a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water. Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.
photo source: Shutterstock.com
To make Whiskey Sour: Mix the bourbon with simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
photo source: Shutterstock.com
To make Manhattan: Combine the bourbon with sweet vermouth and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Food Pairings
In my experience, Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Bourbon pairs well with rich, flavorful dishes that can stand up to its bold flavors. Here are a few suggestions:
- Dark chocolate: The bitterness of the chocolate helps to accentuate the bourbon’s sweetness and complex flavors.
- Grilled steak: The char and sear flavors from the grilling process match nicely with the oak and charred notes in the bourbon.
- Smoked cheeses: Strong, smokey cheeses like Gouda or cheddar pair well with the rich, oaky flavors of the bourbon.
Conclusion
In my experience tasting Old Fitzgerald 15-year-old bourbon, I found the nose to be filled with dark fruit and cherries, creating an enticing aroma. Swirling it in the glass, I noticed a middle amber look, and the scent reminded me of fig newtons with caramel and citrus drizzle, dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg.
When finally tasting this bourbon, I was impressed by the balance of sweetness and spice that complemented each other. The oily mouthfeel carried notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and cherry, making the experience rich and enjoyable. The finish was long, pleasant, and complex, leaving a memorable impression.
One aspect that stood out to me was the fine balance this bourbon achieved. The barrel’s influence, at 15 years old, could be felt without overpowering the other flavors. Additionally, the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond label ensures that this bourbon upholds high quality standards in the ever-growing whiskey market.
In conclusion, I consider Old Fitzgerald 15-year-old bourbon to be a one-of-a-kind experience, and I encourage bourbon enthusiasts to add it to their wish list for future tastings. Cheers!
