Old Fitzgerald 1849 10-Year-Old Bourbon (1970 Stitzel-Weller) | Rare Vintage Kentucky Bourbon

Introduction

The Old Fitzgerald 1849 10-Year-Old Bourbon (Bottled in 1970) is one of the finest surviving examples of mid-century Kentucky whiskey — a bourbon born in the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery era and revered for its smoothness, craftsmanship, and historical significance. weller antique 107

This rare 750ml bottle embodies everything that made Stitzel-Weller whiskey a national treasure: a rich wheated mash bill, long barrel aging, and the signature depth and softness that only true Old Fitzgerald bourbon can deliver.

For collectors and connoisseurs alike, the 1970 Old Fitzgerald 10-Year represents a genuine piece of bourbon history — a perfectly preserved relic from the golden age of American whiskey production.

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The Legacy of Old Fitzgerald and Stitzel-Weller

To understand why this bottle is so significant, it’s essential to explore the storied history of Old Fitzgerald and its connection to the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, often hailed as the birthplace of modern wheated bourbon.

Old Fitzgerald originated in the late 1800s, first sold exclusively to rail lines and private clubs. It became known for its superior smoothness and high-quality craftsmanship, earning a reputation among gentlemen and whiskey drinkers of refinement.

When Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. acquired the brand during Prohibition, he brought production to his Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky, after Repeal in 1935. From that moment on, Old Fitzgerald became the flagship bourbon of Stitzel-Weller, produced using the distillery’s signature wheated mash bill — replacing rye with soft red winter wheat for a smoother, sweeter, and more elegant profile.

Throughout the 1940s to 1970s, Old Fitzgerald was bottled in various age statements — 6, 8, 10, and even 12 years — with the 10-Year expression regarded as one of the finest.

The 1970 bottling captures the true character of that golden age, distilled and matured under Stitzel-Weller’s meticulous supervision during the peak of their craftsmanship.

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Old Fitzgerald 1849 10-Year-Old Bourbon (1970) – Key Details

• Distillery: Stitzel-Weller, Shively, Kentucky

• Brand: Old Fitzgerald 1849

• Age Statement: 10 Years

• Bottled: 1970

• Proof: 100 (50% ABV)

• Mash Bill: Corn, Wheat, Malted Barley (No Rye)

• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Bottle Size: 750ml

The “1849” in its name pays homage to the year Old Fitzgerald was first established — a nod to its enduring legacy and quality craftsmanship spanning over a century.

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Tasting Notes

Appearance:

A deep, copper-amber hue with bright golden edges, reflecting both its decade of aging and the careful hand-bottling practices typical of Stitzel-Weller’s production in the 1970s.

Nose:

The aroma opens with an irresistible blend of caramelized sugar, vanilla cream, and butterscotch. Layers of aged oak, pipe tobacco, and soft spice emerge, balanced by delicate notes of dried fruit and leather. The wheated mash bill adds a subtle sweetness that tempers the oak’s intensity, creating perfect harmony.

Palate:

Full-bodied, velvety, and exceptionally balanced. The initial flavor reveals warm toffee, brown sugar, and honey-glazed nuts, followed by hints of cinnamon, clove, and rich oak. Mid-palate, waves of butterscotch, nougat, and vanilla intertwine beautifully with the toasted wood tones.

Every sip feels soft yet powerful — a hallmark of Stitzel-Weller whiskey, with a creamy texture that lingers elegantly.

Finish:

Long, dry, and warming. Notes of dark chocolate, charred oak, and a faint trace of pepper round out the experience. The aftertaste leaves a lingering sweetness of caramel and a gentle reminder of its wheated DNA.

Overall Impression:
A flawless example of vintage bourbon craftsmanship — perfectly matured, balanced, and unmistakably Stitzel-Weller.

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Why the 1970 Old Fitzgerald 10-Year Is So Coveted

1. True Stitzel-Weller Heritage:
   Distilled and bottled during Stitzel-Weller’s operational prime, before the brand changed hands and production methods evolved.

2. Wheated Mash Bill Mastery:
   Replacing rye with wheat results in a uniquely smooth and rounded flavor that modern bourbon enthusiasts continue to revere.

3. Aged to Perfection:
   Ten years in charred oak barrels gives this bourbon a rare maturity and complexity without over-oaking — a hallmark of Stitzel-Weller’s skill.

4. Vintage Provenance:
   Bottled in 1970, this expression predates modern mass production and automation, representing true small-batch authenticity.

5. Collector Rarity:
   Bottles from this era are exceedingly scarce, especially in excellent condition, and have become centerpieces for serious bourbon collectors worldwide.

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Historical Significance

The Old Fitzgerald 1849 10-Year (1970) embodies the spirit of a bygone era when bourbon making was an art form rather than an industry.

In the 1970s, bourbon faced declining domestic demand, leading many distilleries to reduce quality or close entirely. Yet, Stitzel-Weller continued to produce whiskey with uncompromising standards — aged longer, crafted slower, and bottled with pride.

This dedication to excellence helped preserve the reputation of Old Fitzgerald as one of America’s finest wheated bourbons. Today, surviving bottles from this period are not only delicious but also serve as liquid time capsules — a window into the craftsmanship and care of Kentucky’s golden age of distilling.

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Collectibility & Market Value

Among vintage bourbons, the 1970 Old Fitzgerald 1849 10-Year is a crown jewel for collectors. Its verified Stitzel-Weller origin and 10-year age statement make it both historically important and highly valuable.

• Estimated Market Value (2025): $2,500 – $4,000+ USD

• Rarity: High — few bottles remain intact from this bottling year

• Collectible Appeal: Authentic Stitzel-Weller pedigree; pre-Diageo-era bourbon

• Investment Potential: Increasing yearly due to limited supply and high demand for vintage wheated bourbons

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Serving & Enjoyment

While most collectors keep this bottle sealed, those fortunate enough to taste it will experience the essence of classic Kentucky whiskey.

Best Way to Serve:

• Neat: Showcases the whiskey’s natural texture and depth.

• With a Drop of Water: Opens up notes of honey, oak, and spice.

• Glassware: Glencairn or classic Old Fashioned glass to capture aroma and warmth.

Recommended Pairings:

• Dark chocolate truffles or pecan pralines

• Fine cigars with nutty or creamy undertones

• Soft cheeses or buttery desserts

Every pour is a tribute to the distillers who built the foundation of America’s bourbon tradition.

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For collectors, it represents a tangible connection to bourbon’s golden era. For enthusiasts, it delivers a flavor journey unlike any modern expression — soft, rich, and unmistakably Stitzel-Weller.

Simply put, this bottle isn’t just whiskey — it’s history in a glass.