John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve

The former Stitzel-Weller casks are evident in this. It strongly resembles Pappy 20, but the finish isn't as enduring, and citrus notes are replaced by a faint metallic, copper taste. The typical vanilla undertone found in ORVW and Pappy is less pronounced, allowing a damp wood character to surface. The aroma isn't remarkable, but it accurately signals the experience: smooth, with minimal burn, subtle cherry and other fruit notes, and the blend of vanilla, wood, and copper previously mentioned. It's certainly worth trying, and I'd consider buying a 750mL bottle if it were $900, but for a 375mL flask, it's a bit expensive for what essentially tastes like a Pappy van Winkle variation.

The powerful nose is dominated by charred oak, with undertones of ripe fruit, vanilla, molasses, and a distinct funk characteristic of Stitzel-Weller distillate. It's captivating. It gains a bit of spice but begs to be consumed. The palate is dry and viscous, coating the mouth with charred oak and that funk, along with notes of leather, black pepper, and a distinct richness that's hard to define. It's that simple. Remarkably simple yet deep in oak and spice. Fruity and floral notes are subtle at the edges of the mouth, but the oak and funk are the defining features. The finish is long, oaky, and funky. Absolutely amazing. When words fail, you know it's good.

This is truly exceptional. Only 3000 bottles produced, a 20-year-old bourbon. The story goes that John E. Fitzgerald, an excise man with distillery access, sampled from the best casks; this is an enhanced version of "Larceny bourbon." 45% alcohol by volume, chestnut colored. Nose: AMAZING AND FASCINATING. Gum. Candy. Cotton candy. Solvent. Milka chocolate. PHENOMENAL. Palate: Unmatched. A sherry and spice explosion. Wonderful. However... Finish: Non-existent. Not a trace of aftertaste:( Overall, I believe this is a fantastic dram, but the lack of an aftertaste cost it dearly. I appreciate the narrative and the 375ml bottle size, but ratings must be honest: 80 out of 100. It certainly drinks like it's worth more.

Damn, this is excellent. It's smooth and sweet. Fortunate to have found it when I did.

Sweet and smooth. From Doc Crow's in Louisville, KY.