Old Fitzgerald 10 Year Bourbon Review & Tasting: A Rare Allocated Bourbon Spotlight

Oct 1

Introduction: The Allure of Allocated Bourbon

Few bottles generate as much buzz in the bourbon community as Old Fitzgerald 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond. Part of the legendary Old Fitzgerald decanter series, this release carries a 10-year age statement, a 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond designation, and all the mystique of an allocated bourbon. For collectors and casual drinkers alike, the chase is real — and in this week’s Tortured Bourbon episode, we finally pour it, taste it, and ask the big question: is Old Fitzgerald 10 Year worth the hype?

The History of Old Fitzgerald

The Old Fitzgerald brand dates back to the late 1800s and is steeped in bourbon lore. Once associated with Pappy Van Winkle’s wheated mash bill at Stitzel-Weller, the brand eventually became part of the Heaven Hill portfolio. Today, Heaven Hill uses the Bernheim Distillery to craft Old Fitzgerald and its ornate decanter series — limited, seasonal, and always highly sought after by bourbon collectors.

The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 ensures that Old Fitzgerald 10 Year meets strict quality guidelines: distilled in a single season, aged at least four years in a bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. Add in a decade of barrel aging, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a high-profile allocated bourbon.

What’s in the Bottle?

Name: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, 10 Year
Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bernheim, Louisville, KY)
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age: 10 years
Mash Bill: Wheated bourbon (corn, wheat, malted barley)
MSRP: ~$140
Release: Spring 2024 Decanter Series (allocated bourbon)

Bourbon Tasting Notes

Appearance

A burnished copper color in the glass hints at its decade of maturation.

Nose

Butterscotch, vanilla, and toasted oak open the experience. Floral tones of dried roses and herbal tea mingle with brown sugar and subtle spice.

Palate

The sip begins sweet, with caramel and brown sugar, then transitions into cinnamon, pepper, and oak char. Some tasters find light fruit — orange peel and dark red berries — while others note a nutty edge.

Finish

Medium in length, the finish leans on oak, white pepper, and peanut skin, leaving behind a balanced but subtle aftertaste.

This is not a “knock-you-over” bourbon tasting. Instead, Old Fitzgerald 10 Year rewards patient sipping with nuance and layered complexity.

The Hunt for Allocated Bourbon

Old Fitzgerald 10 Year embodies the thrill — and frustration — of chasing allocated bourbon. At MSRP, it’s a reasonable $140, but most enthusiasts encounter it at inflated secondary prices. That tension sparks debates across the bourbon community: should rare bourbon be opened and enjoyed, or saved and displayed as a collector’s trophy?

In our episode, we lean into both sides of the argument. The decanter is beautiful enough for display, but the bourbon inside deserves to be shared.

How It Compares

When stacked against other allocated bourbons like Weller, Eagle Rare, or Russell’s Reserve, Old Fitzgerald 10 Year doesn’t chase intensity. Instead, it offers a refined, contemplative pour. If you’re used to barrel-proof monsters, this will feel delicate. If you love balance, sweetness, and heritage, it may feel just right.

Final Verdict

Old Fitzgerald 10 Year isn’t about brute strength — it’s about elegance, history, and scarcity. As a bourbon review, it’s one of the most enjoyable tastings we’ve filmed this year. As an allocated bourbon, it symbolizes the ongoing love affair between whiskey fans and the bottles they chase.

If you find it at retail, grab it without hesitation. If you only encounter it on secondary, weigh carefully whether the hunt is worth it. Either way, Old Fitzgerald 10 Year is a bottle that reminds us why we chase, why we taste, and why bourbon is more than just a drink — it’s a story.