Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 13 Year Old Kentucky

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 13 Year Old

Bottled in a ornate decanter inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter, the series reflects the traditions of both the Old Fitzgerald history tied to John E. Fitzgerald, and the historic Bottled-in-Bond designation. The Old Fitzgerald line was well known for its distilling pedigree, as the brand was first registered in 1884 by S.C Herbst, and was eventually sold to Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle during prohibition.

Not too sure whether the content of these decanters used to change much, or if Mr. Van Winkle used to seek consistency throughout the years, let’s see… Colour: gold/orangey. These colours usually suggest the use of caramel colouring, but I’m not sure that was legal at the time for bourbon. Nose: we’ve got our answer, this is very different. Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 13 Year Old Kentucky

It’s got much more asperities, less roundness, less coconut for sure, and rather more straight oak. Pencil shavings vs coconut, that’s the game here, but I couldn’t tell you which one I prefer. Yet. Mouth: exactly the same feeling, this is oakier, bigger, more modern perhaps. Or maybe was the decanter even more airtight.

Touches of varnish and vanilla, then lavender drops, sour wood, liquorice and cloves. Finish: medium length. Very spicy, even herbal. Cumin and cloves in the aftertaste. Comments: I think I liked the Venetian a little better altogether, it was more elegant and more charming, if not more subtle.