Very Special Old Fitgerald - worth it?

[funknik]

Hey all, I followed some threads about this brand, but hoped you guys might be able to shed some more light.

I'm on a bit of a mission to try as many bourbons as possible and am almost through all available in Maine. As someone who is not much of a fan of the wheaters (I don't really like MM that much, etc.), I was wondering if VSOF is worth the $33 purchase. After much searching I finally found a bottle, but then upon seeing the price, I copped out.

I do tend to really like the extra aged bottlings (EC12 is one of my all-time favs) and I like WLW SR 7yr (which is easy to like at $13 a bottle) and I really like Dickel No.12 for a wheat based TN Whiskey.

I guess my question is: is there something about this bottle that will grab my attention and/or elevate my opinion of wheaters in general? Any help, as always, is appreciated.

[Special Reserve]

I've paid that and a little more for the Bourbon Heritage Collection version of the VSOF. I'd repeat that process if I had another opportunity.

Will

[shoshani]

and I really like Dickel No.12 for a wheat based TN Whiskey.

'Tain't no such thing. Both TN distilleries (Daniel and Dickel) use the standard corn/rye/barley mashbill.

UD did sell wheated KY bourbon under the "Cascade RX" label (Dickel was once sold as Cascade), but that was to get rid of surplus stocks they'd been stuck with after overproducing for Rebel Yell, a brand that did not have the growth potential the marketeers were predicting. This was a good decade ago; I doubt there is anything left on the market.

[funknik]

'Tain't no such thing. Both TN distilleries (Daniel and Dickel) use the standard corn/rye/barley mashbill.

UD did sell wheated KY bourbon under the "Cascade RX" label (Dickel was once sold as Cascade), but that was to get rid of surplus stocks they'd been stuck with after overproducing for Rebel Yell, a brand that did not have the growth potential the marketeers were predicting. This was a good decade ago; I doubt there is anything left on the market.

Okay, good to know. Well, certainly to my taste, Dickel seems to have not to have a very high percentage of rye. I've noticed a trend around here that people only seems to want to pick out mistakes and inconsistencies of others rather than offer advice of answer questions.

[kickert]

Okay, good to know. Well, certainly to my taste, Dickel seems to have not to have a very high percentage of rye. I've noticed a trend around here that people only seems to want to pick out mistakes and inconsistencies of others rather than offer advice of answer questions.

[funknik]

If you say something incorrect, they are going to notice, and help you understand.

[ACDetroit]

funknik? Do you know if the bottle is from the BHC (Bourbon Heritage Collection)? Do you know how to tell the difference? There is another thread on this bottle going currently and the person starting it has some great pictures of the bottles from the BHC and the boxes they came in. You might check that out.

Here you go

As for the Whiskey you speak of it's very good and ata fair price. If you are on a mission to try as many bourbons as you can I think $33 bucks is a small price to pay but that's my opinion.

Good luck on you journey!

Tony

[JamesW]

I concur with Tony. The VSOF is one of my favorites (had some last night actually) and I currently have one open and 2 bunkered. I paid about $35 for mine. They are tough to find in my parts and I jump on them when I find one. Go get it! It's one of the unique flavor profiles out there.

[scratchline]

VSOF is certainly a good whiskey and, as you can see from the posts above, many people think an outstanding one. I would definitely recommend you try it and see what you think. IMO, however, there is one true standout among the old Heritage Collection bottlings, and that is Weller Centennial. It is usually priced in the same range as the VSOF and, whether a Louisville or Frankfort bottle, to my palate it is a much better whiskey. Many would recommend the much cheaper Weller 12 yr, but there again I think the Centennial is worth the extra money.

-Mike

[funknik]

Do you know if the bottle is from the BHC (Bourbon Heritage Collection)? Do you know how to tell the difference?

Tony

[funknik]

VSOF is certainly a good whiskey and, as you can see from the posts above, many people think an outstanding one. I would definitely recommend you try it and see what you think. IMO, however, there is one true standout among the old Heritage Collection bottlings, and that is Weller Centennial. It is usually priced in the same range as the VSOF and, whether a Louisville or Frankfort bottle, to my palate it is a much better whiskey. Many would recommend the much cheaper Weller 12 yr, but there again I think the Centennial is worth the extra money.

-Mike

[JamesW]

Weller Centennial is listed as available in Maine @ $29, but I think I read on here that it's not in production anymore? Is this correct? Anyway, upon contacting the Maine Bev Co. last week, they said there not any recent orders for this bottle, so if I find one, it may be just dumb luck. Or rather, perseverance.

[Special Reserve]

If they are in a box that's a good sign. Also look for the BHC or HC on the seal. Additionally, if in a box take it out of the box to ensure that the bourbon is good and not half evaporated and turbid.

[luv2hunt]

Very Special Old Fitzgerald - worth it? . . . . no. . . and I have and old bottle and my answer is still no!

[funknik]

Very Special Old Fitzgerald - worth it? . . . . no. . . and I have and old bottle and my answer is still no!

Well, despite your warnings, I picked one of these up for my newly launched bunker. It is from the BHC and I intend to save it for a rainy day. My original plan was to buy two and stash one, but then I ran into a pair of Rare Breed '96s and I had to buy them up. So, although I've only had bottles to drink up until now, it seems I've started a stash. Afraid I've exhausted my bourbon budget for the rest of the year (don't tell my wife ), but it's worth it. Check out the Rare Breed thread for photo (I'm so proud).

[cowdery]

If you're just trying to get some things you haven't had, $33 is a fair price for a Very Special Old Fitz, but if you want a good wheater at a good price, get some Weller Special Reserve or 12-year-old.

If you're going to spend $33 for VSOF, spend a little more and get a Van Winkle.

The two Tennessee whiskeys not only don't contain wheat, they barely contain any rye either, much less than the average rye-recipe bourbon, on the order of about 8%.

[funknik]

If you're just trying to get some things you haven't had, $33 is a fair price for a Very Special Old Fitz, but if you want a good wheater at a good price, get some Weller Special Reserve or 12-year-old.

If you're going to spend $33 for VSOF, spend a little more and get a Van Winkle.

The two Tennessee whiskeys not only don't contain wheat, they barely contain any rye either, much less than the average rye-recipe bourbon, on the order of about 8%.

I just finished off a bottle of Weller S Reserve 7 yr last night -- very tasty, I'm definitely acquiring a taste for it. Sadly, Van Winkle isn't available anywhere near where I live....the New England selection seems to be pretty thin.

As for the lack of rye in Dickel, this is what promted me to assume (dirty word) incorrectly that wheat was the secondary grain. Thanks for the info.

[funknik]

I cracked my bottle of this tonight and have decided that it is, indeed, worth it. I'll go pick up another bottle for the bunker while supplies last. I like the character that 12 years lends and the smooth sweetness of the wheat. This is a big winner.

[funknik]

VERY worth it.....if for nothing else than it's a ghost. I picked up all three bottles from the store I've been watching...I believe I've cleaned out all of the dust bottles in Portland now....have to start scouring in the smaller towns.