Old Fitzgerald 9 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon (Fall 2018)

Nose - Nice balanced vanilla caramels, hints of cherry & chocolate mint Taste - Lightly oaky vanilla caramels, lightly drying sweet mint, cinnamon heat, light bitter charred cinnamon stick Finish - Lingering light oaky caramel, light bitter mint/fruit stems, wisp of fresh cherry sweetness Score - 87/100 Final Thoughts - I just can't get over the cork pop on this decanter as it's a very satisfying "pop" that you don't get from many bottles. The bourbon itself is quite good, very nice nose that's full of gentle vanilla caramel & a wisp of cherry. This soft vanilla caramel continues to the palate although sadly the cherry & chocolate mint on the nose isn't very present until the finish where it briefly comes back before saying goodbye. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe a different release?

Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, warm vanilla, deep wood, marshmallow, butter popcorn. Palate: Creme brulee, leather, the oak notes are very pronounced, there's a light berry note that comes through on the finish, with vanilla cream, finishing in very fleeting spice. Thoughts: A beautiful bourbon, that given its impressive bottle, rich heritage, and allocation leaves a little something to be desired. The nose and palate are both great, lots of rich flavors with butter and caramel really popping. Unfortunately, the biggest letdown is the definitively short finish. It seems to linger for just a second before just falling into the abyss. It took me a couple of sips to really get a feel for this bourbon and all its characteristics. A nice bottle to have in a collection, and a treat when you get to try it.

Quick review: corn in the nasal cavity, lacquered wood. The burn is severe down the gullet. Taste of black pepper, barrel char, peanut dust. Hint of cinnamon/rye spice. There are some softer caramel and marzipan elements; circus peanuts? Carraway seed bitterness and black licorice. The finish is straight up peanut and wood char. There is some metallic astringency, but that's after you've scorched the rest of your palate. The burn lingers like eating a slice of piping hot pizza too fast. Every decimal of that 100 proof sticks to the lips; seriously, my lips are numb. I'd love to spend another few drams with this one since I'm sure I'm not doing it justice; this baby could cut through any cocktail you put it in.

Slightly musty taste in this one. Unfortunately unable to get a great read on this. I had the last pour of a 2018 bottle so I think it may have been getting dead. Definitely very smooth. Will revisit once I have a better pour. I use the rating scale below. Distiller uses a scale of 5 and I use a scale of 10, but I’m sure you’re not too drunk to do the math! 1. Disgusting - So bad I poured it out. 2. Poor - I wouldn't consume by choice. 3. Bad - Multiple flaws. 4. Below average - Not bad, but many things I'd rather have. 5. Good - Just average. 6. Very Good - Better than average. 7. Great - Well above average. 8. Excellent - In a league of its own. 9. Incredible - An all-time favorite. 10. Perfect

Nose- sweet caramel, raisins, green apples, vanilla, lemons, brown sugar Palate- vanilla cream, peanuts, lemon, brown sugar, honey, floral (lavender/wild flowers) Finish- Medium, creamy finish with lovely notes peanuts, citrus, and toasted oak This is fantastic. I’m convinced that there is no bad Old Fitz. Nice and complex nose, with the highlights being the sweet citrus and heavy brown sugar. The palate opens up with a sweet vanilla cream that leads to peanut butter and lemon citrus. The finish brings forth a creamy viscosity that seems to last a good while, but could be longer. The 13 and 15 are better, but the 9 is still amazing and something I would drink any day of the week

The nose is full of charred oak along with baking spices that can bite if you’re not careful. Vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, leather and touches of ripe fruit and peanuts follow all nicely in balanced with each other. The oak and baking spices carry over strongly to the palate for a slightly dry and chewy mouthfeel, backed up by the sweeter notes of vanilla, brown sugar and caramel while pleasant notes of peanut fill the mouth with a little smoke coming at the end. The finish is medium long spicy along with oak that lasts as the rest of the palate fades behind it.