Below is a detailed article on Old Fitzgerald Bottled‑In‑Bond 15‑Year‑Old Bourbon, incorporating both authoritative information and responses to commonly asked questions (via “People Also Ask” style). If you prefer a shorter version or a version focused more on tasting and pairing, just let me know.
Introduction & History
Old Fitzgerald is a storied name in the American bourbon world. The brand traces its roots to the 19th century, originally registered in 1884 by S.C. Herbst. Wikipedia+2Craft City+2 Over time it passed through several hands, including Pappy Van Winkle during Prohibition. Wikipedia+2Craft City+2 In 1999, Heaven Hill acquired the brand and has since produced its modern incarnations, including the “Bottled‑In‑Bond” decanter series. Wikipedia+3Craft City+3Bourbon Culture+3
The modern Old Fitzgerald Bottled‑In‑Bond series is released twice annually (spring and fall) in ornate decanter bottles inspired by a 1950s diamond‑shape Old Fitzgerald bottle. Total Bourbon+4Craft City+4Whiskey Apostle+4 Each release carries a specific age statement; the 15‑year version is one of the more highly anticipated ones. Craft City+5Bourbon Culture+5Distiller – The Liquor Expert+5
“Bottled‑In‑Bond” is a legal designation under U.S. law meaning that the spirit was distilled in one season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof (50 % ABV). Total Bourbon+4Whiskey Apostle+4Craft City+4
The 15‑year release is part of this decanter series. The particular release commonly cited is the Fall 2019 edition, distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2019 after 15 years of aging. Total Bourbon+5Distiller – The Liquor Expert+5The Old Barrel House+5
Specifications & Production Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age statement | 15 years (Fall 2019 release, distilled in 2004) Whiskey Apostle+3Distiller – The Liquor Expert+3Craft City+3 |
| Proof / ABV | 100 proof (50 % ABV) Distiller – The Liquor Expert+2Whiskey Apostle+2 |
| Mash bill | Wheated bourbon (corn + wheat + malted barley) Whiskey Apostle+3Bourbon Paddy+3Craft City+3 |
| Barrel type | New charred American white oak barrels Total Bourbon+3Distiller – The Liquor Expert+3The Old Barrel House+3 |
| Bottle / packaging | Ornate decanter inspired by 1950s diamond‑shape Old Fitzgerald; vintage styling with angled key design, state seal, etc. Whiskey Apostle+3Craft City+3Bourbon Culture+3 |
| Region / Distillery | Produced under Heaven Hill (Bernheim Distillery / Louisville, Kentucky) Distiller – The Liquor Expert+4Wikipedia+4Craft City+4 |
| Rarity / series | Part of a limited release decanter series; only a handful of age statements released over time Total Bourbon+3Bourbon Culture+3Craft City+3 |
Tasting Profile
Below is a synthesis of expert tasting notes and comparative impressions from multiple sources.
Nose / Aroma
-
Dark stone fruits, jammy cherry, toffee, toasted oak, and baking spices Distiller – The Liquor Expert+5Bourbon Paddy+5Bourbon Culture+5
-
Additional notes: caramel candy, florals, vanilla, old oak, and a spicy edge for a wheated bourbon Whiskey Apostle+3Nestor Liquor+3Craft City+3
-
Some reviewers detect nuances like toasted coconut or peanut butter hints (less common) Bourbon Culture
Palate / Taste
-
Rich and layered: maple syrup, dark chocolate, black cherry, oak tannins, baking spices, peppery oak influence Whiskey Apostle+3Bourbon Paddy+3Bourbon Culture+3
-
Sweetness and spice interplay: caramel, vanilla, honey, “cake frosting” aspects in the midpalate Bourbon Culture+3Distiller – The Liquor Expert+3Bourbon Paddy+3
-
Some dryness / oak influence creeping in mid to finish, which helps keep balance Whiskey Apostle+3Nestor Liquor+3Bourbon Paddy+3
Finish
-
Long and warming, with lingering oak, chocolate, burnt caramel, cloves, and residual tannic dryness Distiller – The Liquor Expert+3Bourbon Paddy+3Whiskey Apostle+3
-
The oak influence is evident on the finish, which some find pleasantly robust, while others might find it pushing toward dryness Nestor Liquor+1
Overall, reviewers often call this a very complex, well‑balanced bourbon that successfully combines the sweetness and softness of a wheated mash bill with the structural backbone of long aging in oak. Bourbon Paddy+2Bourbon Culture+2
One reviewer even suggests that at 15 years, this bourbon may have already reached its “peak”—pushing longer might risk the wood dominating the spirit. Bourbon Paddy
Price, Availability & Collectibility
The 15‑year version is a limited release and highly sought after in bourbon circles.
-
One listing prices it at $929.99 (for 750 ml) in a rare bourbon shop. Rare Bourbon Shop
-
Another listing (Total Bourbon) offers it at $929.99 as well. Total Bourbon
-
In the UK, Royal Mile Whiskies sells the Fall 2019 release (50 %, 75 cl) for £415 (before VAT). royalmilewhiskies.com
-
Whiskybase shows the average rating and that some bottles are tracked online, and prices can get steep in collector channels. Whiskybase
-
Because of its decanter packaging, limited releases, and strong fan interest, the bottle also has high shelf and collectible appeal. Distiller – The Liquor Expert+3Bourbon Culture+3Craft City+3
In bourbon enthusiast forums, spotting a bottle is often considered a rare “score.” For example, one user on r/dcwhisky mentioned:
“What a find!! … thought it was a thoroughly enjoyable dram … I’d buy extras if I could.” Reddit
So, in summary: expensive, scarce, collectible.
Commonly Asked Questions (and Answers)
Below are questions people often ask when they search for “Old Fitzgerald Bottled‑In‑Bond 15 Year” or related topics, along with concise answers.
1. Is Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Bottled‑In‑Bond a good bourbon?
Yes — by most expert and enthusiast accounts, it’s considered excellent, especially for its complexity, balance, and the way age, wood, and sweetness interact. Some say it might already be “maxed out” in aging — meaning further aging could push the wood character too far. Total Bourbon+4Bourbon Paddy+4Bourbon Culture+4
2. What is the mash bill (grain recipe) for Old Fitzgerald 15 Year?
It is a wheated bourbon — that is, a mash of corn, wheat, and malted barley. One review gives a breakdown: approx. 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Bourbon Paddy+1
3. What does “Bottled‑In‑Bond” mean?
Under U.S. law (Bottled‑in‑Bond Act of 1897), it requires:
-
Distillation in one season / by one distiller
-
Aging at least 4 years in a federally bonded warehouse
-
Bottled at exactly 100 proof (50 % ABV)
-
Proper labeling to indicate the season of distillation and bottling
Thus, the 15‑year Old Fitzgerald meets those requirements. Bourbon Culture+3Whiskey Apostle+3Craft City+3
4. When was it distilled and bottled?
The Fall 2019 15‑year edition was distilled in Fall (Autumn) 2004 and bottled in Fall 2019. Bourbon Culture+4Distiller – The Liquor Expert+4The Old Barrel House+4
5. What is the proof / ABV?
It is bottled at 100 proof, i.e. 50% ABV. Bourbon Culture+4Distiller – The Liquor Expert+4The Old Barrel House+4
6. How does it compare to other Old Fitzgerald or wheated bourbons?
-
Among the Old Fitzgerald decanter series, the 15‑year is one of the more mature and “high” releases, often seen as a benchmark for the line. The Right Spirit+4Bourbon Culture+4Craft City+4
-
Compared to other wheated bourbons (e.g. from the Van Winkle / Weller lines), it offers a distinctive character with more oak influence due to its age, but still retains the smoother wheat whole. Bourbon Culture+2Bourbon Paddy+2
-
Some reviewers suggest that, past certain ages, wheated bourbons can lose their characteristic softness if the oak becomes too dominant — and the 15‑year is in that zone where balance is key. Bourbon Paddy+2Bourbon Culture+2
7. What kind of experience / flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a luxurious, layered pour. You’ll find:
-
Deep fruit (cherry, dark stone fruits), caramel, chocolate, oak spices
-
A mix of sweetness (vanilla, honey, cake) and more serious oak/structure
-
A long finish with dry oak, cloves, char, and lingering caramel or cocoa notes
-
Some dryness or tannin creeping in toward the end, depending on how aggressive the wood extraction was in that particular barrel set
But every bottle can show nuance, and parts of the profile will depend on barrel selection in that release.
8. Is it worth collecting / investing in?
For serious bourbon collectors, yes. The limited nature, elegant packaging, and strong fan demand make it a prized bottle. But as with any collectible whiskey, its value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand.
Conclusion
The Old Fitzgerald Bottled‑In‑Bond 15 Year (especially the Fall 2019 edition) stands as a crowning release in the Old Fitzgerald decanter series. It brings together:
-
The elegance and softness of a wheated mash bill
-
The structural depth from 15 years of barrel aging
-
The legal rigor and consistency of the “Bottled‑In‑Bond” designation
-
A distinctive, collectible decanter presentation
In tasting, it offers a tapestry of aromas and flavors — from dark fruit, caramel, and chocolate to oak, spice, and subtle dryness. It is generally regarded by connoisseurs as a distinguished bourbon, though one that skirts the line where wood influence becomes more pronounced.
If you are a collector, it is a must‑have. If you are a drinker, it is a pour to savor. In either case, it commands respect, both for its craftsmanship and its rarity.
If you like, I can also give suggestions for food pairings, serving tips, or how it compares directly to other 15‑year or premium wheated bourbons. Would you like me to add those?

Bulleit Bourbon
Blanton's Straight From The Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Brugal 1888 Ron Gran Reserva Familiar Rum
Freeland Spirits Bourbon Whiskey 


Reviews
There are no reviews yet.