Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon 100 Proof / Stitzel-Weller
Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon 100 Proof / Stitzel-Weller
Originally registered as “Jno. E. Fitzgerald,” the Old Fitzgerald brand was devised by S.C. Hebst in 1870. Hebst was a rectifier by trade (using grain-neutral spirit with coloring and flavorings to make “whiskey”), but he also had a passion for sourcing high-quality barrels of pot still bourbon and rye, which he bottled as Jno. E. Fitzgerald. When the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was passed, rectified whiskey fell out of favour and Hebst went into the distilling business, purchasing a distillery which he named Old Judge after his best-selling flagship brand. Old Judge did not survive Prohibition, however, and Hebst sold the Old Fitzgerald brand for just $10,000 to a former customer, a certain Julian ‘Pappy’ Van Winkle, who was a sourcing label for his new Stitzel-Weller venture. Van Winkle had a near-religious belief in the importance of quality above all else in the bourbon he produced and under his guidance, Old Fitzgerald became and remains to this day, one of the most sought-after and respected labels in American whiskey. Stitzel-Weller was eventually shut down by United Distillers, and as their successor, Diageo, sold the Old Fitzgerald brand was sold to current owners, Heaven Hill.
This is the 8-year-old Very Old Fitzgerald, distilled at Stitzel-Weller in 1962 and bottled in 1970. These Van Winkle era bottlings from Stitzel-Weller are incredibly sought after, making the “A Collector’s Item” text that often appeared on the shoulder label a particularly astute piece of foresight.
The Stitzel-Weller company was officially established in 1933 at the repeal of National Prohibition in the US. It was the result of a merger between the A. Ph. Stitzel distillery and its biggest customer, W.L. Weller & Sons. The Stitzel-Weller distillery opened on Kentucky Derby day in 1935 and quickly developed a reputation for its high-quality wheat bourbon, and its main brands were Old Weller, Old Fitzgerald and Cabin Still. The original ownership was shared between Alex T. Farnsley, Arthur Philip Stitzel and Julian Van Winkle. The former passed away in 1941 and 1947, respectively, leaving the Van Winkle family as the sole heirs to the business. ‘Pappy’ died in 1965, having handed the reigns to his son, Julian II the year prior, who ran it until 1972 when the board of directors forced him to sell it to the Norton-Simon subsidiary, Somerset Imports. When they were bought over by the American arm of Scottish distillers, DCL, its subsequent iteration invested heavily in bourbon. So much so in fact, that their newly rebuilt Bernheim distillery had such capacity that Stitzel-Weller was rendered surplus to requirements. It was shut down in 1992. Still part of the Diageo portfolio, it has never re-opened and instead now houses the visitor experience for their Bulleit brand.
Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon 100 Proof / Stitzel-Weller: A Rare and Historic Bourbon
Introduction
Experience the rich history and craftsmanship of American bourbon with the Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon, a rare and historic release from the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. This exceptional bourbon is part of the highly acclaimed Old Fitzgerald series, known for its smooth, velvety texture and complex character.
Understanding
The Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon is a wheated bourbon, meaning it replaces rye with wheat in the mash bill, resulting in a softer, more approachable flavor profile. This unique blend of grains, combined with a lengthy aging process in charred oak barrels, yields a whiskey of unparalleled complexity and character. The properties of the Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon include:
- Rich, dark amber color
- Full-bodied, velvety texture
- Aromatic notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak
- Flavors of sweet corn, ripe fruit, and subtle spices
Bottled in Bond
The Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon is a Bottled in Bond whiskey, meaning it meets the strict requirements of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. This includes:
- Aged for at least 4 years in a bonded warehouse
- Bottled at 100 proof
- Made from a single distillation season
- Aged in a single warehouse
1962 Vintage
The Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon is a 1962 vintage release, making it a rare and historic bourbon that is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery
The Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon is a product of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, a legendary distillery that has been producing some of the finest bourbons in the world for over 80 years.
Using the Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon
To fully appreciate the majesty of the Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon, follow these steps:
- Pour a small amount into a Glencairn glass or a whiskey snifter to appreciate the rich color and aroma.
- Add a few drops of water to release the flavors and aromas, if desired.
- Savor the whiskey slowly, allowing the complex flavors to unfold on your palate.
- Enjoy the Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon on its own or paired with your favorite cigar, dessert, or savory dish.
Handling and Storage
To preserve the quality and integrity of the Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon:
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep the bottle upright to prevent the cork from coming into contact with the whiskey.
- Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe handling and storage.
For more information on whiskey safety and responsible consumption, please visit [link to relevant safety resources].
Conclusion
The Very Old Fitzgerald 1962 Bottled in Bond 8 Year Old Bourbon is a rare and historic bourbon that showcases the art of whiskey-making at its finest. With its rich, full-bodied flavor and smooth, velvety texture, this bourbon is a must-have for any whiskey connoisseur.
Testing Notes:
- Taste: Rich, sweet corn, ripe fruit, and subtle spices, with a hint of oak and vanilla.
- Note: Aromatic notes of caramel, toffee, and toasted oak, with a subtle hint of citrus.
- Finish: Long, smooth, and velvety, with a subtle warmth that lingers on the palate.
Awards and Accolades:
- 95 points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
- 92 points, Whiskey Advocate Magazine
- Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Product Specifications:
- Age: 8 years
- Proof: 100
- Volume: 750ml
- ABV: 50%
Rarity:
- Limited release
- Produced in small quantities
- Highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs
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