Experience a genuine taste of bourbon history with the Old Fitzgerald Prime 1980. This 86-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a pre-Stitzel-Weller sale gem, offers a classic wheated profile with unparalleled depth and character. Savor the intricate dance of aged oak, dried fruit, and warming spices that define this vintage marvel.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A captivating and complex nose immediately transports you back in time. Initial notes of aged oak and mellow leather intermingle with a subtle sweetness of dried apricot and fig. A delicate hint of vanilla bean and toasted almond emerges, underpinned by a faint whisper of pipe tobacco and a touch of nutmeg spice. There's an underlying mustiness, indicative of long cellar aging, yet it remains vibrant and inviting.

Palate: The palate opens surprisingly soft and round for an 86 proof, gradually building in intensity. The classic Old Fitzgerald wheated profile shines through with a delightful creaminess. Sweet caramel and butterscotch notes lead, followed by a gentle warming spice of cinnamon and clove. Dark fruit, akin to dried cherries and plums, lingers mid-palate, complemented by a persistent, elegant oak presence that is dry but not astringent. A faint nuttiness and a hint of corn sweetness round out the experience.

Finish: The finish is remarkably long and satisfying. It gracefully fades with lingering notes of sweet oak and a return of the baking spices. A pleasant dryness gently cleanses the palate, leaving behind a warm, subtle sweetness and a ghost of leather and tobacco. There's a subtle, almost dusty old book quality that adds to its vintage charm, without being unpleasant.

About the Distillery

The Old Fitzgerald Distillery, with roots tracing back to 1870, has a rich and storied history in American bourbon. Known for its distinct wheated mash bill, Old Fitzgerald was originally distilled by John E. Fitzgerald and later became a flagship brand for the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. This 1980 release represents a snapshot from an era before many modern bourbon practices, offering a taste of history from a distillery revered for its quality.