Old Fitzgerald Question

[HighInTheMtns]

The "forward and backward P" is actually the Anchor Glass Container logo (it's an anchor, you're looking at it upside down although I can certainly see the two Ps if I turn it over.)

I'm fairly sure that the dot matrix code on those bottles came from Anchor Glass. Various brands from various distillers have codes in that format, and no distiller has that code on all their bottles. All the brands that have that code are bottled in Anchor Glass bottles. Likely it corresponds to the date of bottle manufacture; so for your examples, the 1.75 bottles were manufactured on the 66th day of 2007 (March 7) and the 750s were manufactured on the 35th day of 2000 (February 4.) They would obviously have been filled sometime after that. You said the 750s have 00 stamped in the bottom among other numbers; the 1.75s will have 07 in its place.

So it's probably a good guess that your 750s are 2000 or 2001 bottlings, and your 1.75s are 2007 or 2008, but you can't tell for sure based on the dot matrix code.

Edited October 15, 2012 by HighInTheMtns

[bgageus]

What I can tell you at least about the handles, is that through the late 80's and early 90's stitzel weller used squattier bottles with actual handles on the back side to help pour. The squattier have about a 5 in diameter, while the newer ones its about 4.5 inches. I have some JW Dant bottled at dsp-16 (which I think was only done in early 90's) and some tax stripped Old Fitz handles in the same bottle. Let me see if I can drag up a picture of what I can guess would be one of the final SW handle shapes used.

[Bmac]

The 1.75s actually have handles They are behind the bottle in the photo.

So what I take from comments thus far is that the 750s are probably not as bad as the 1.75s. What I can also say, which is an arguement that has been thrown around here a lot, it tasted good (at least the 750s do). So I have no arguements thus far. Now if the handles are bunk then that would be an ugly disappointment.

[HighInTheMtns]

I can't speak first hand but I've been told that Old Fitz was pretty good up until 2001. Maybe just open one of the handles and see what you think of the newer product?

[White Dog]

Bmac, you simply have current Prime bottles. Distilled at DSP-KY-1. No more, no less. Enjoy.

[Bmac]

Bmac, you simply have current Prime bottles. Distilled at DSP-KY-1. No more, no less. Enjoy.

Define "current?" These bottles have been sitting in a warehouse for years. At the very least five years. I know 3 years for certain as the government had all bottles in foreclosure when the liquor store had gone under. They had an auction and it took a year and some change before they were delivered. The handles are more current than the 750s. Also, I doubt real current stuff would have had protein separation so soon.

However, it's probably "current" mashbill.

[cowdery]

"Current" as in made by Heaven Hill at Bernheim. The only difference between them and something being bottled today might be the distillery expansion, which shouldn't affect the flavor any. Old Fitz bottled yesterday and Old Fitz bottled six or seven or even ten years ago should be essentially the same.

[ThomasH]

Your bottles aren't any older than 1992 as they have tamper resistant caps which came out in 1992!

Thomas

[Bmac]

I would really love to send some samples just to see if the flavor profile is bottom shelf? Can anyone PM me and send me some sample bottles?

I had a buddy today taste the JPS 18 and the the OF. He said the OF tasted the same as JPS 18 just watered down.

So I am not alone that it tastes much better than it's reputation

[bgageus]

These are the pictures of the squattier handle that I promised of bottles dated 1990, and a fifth for good measure.

Edited October 17, 2012 by bgageus

[White Dog]

I would really love to send some samples just to see if the flavor profile is bottom shelf? Can anyone PM me and send me some sample bottles?

I had a buddy today taste the JPS 18 and the the OF. He said the OF tasted the same as JPS 18 just watered down.

So I am not alone that it tastes much better than it's reputation

[MyOldKyDram]

Just drink it and enjoy it. If you're liking it then what else matters?

[Brisko]

What they said. If you like it, what's the problem? It's HH, God love 'em, but they can be variable, both good and bad. Be happy that you bought some good whiskey. Drink it in good health!

[Bmac]

Are you being serious? Why not buy a bottle of Prime from a grocery store and compare to your "older" bottles?

I was being serious. Why not?

[Bmac]

Just drink it and enjoy it. If you're liking it then what else matters?

I am drinking and enjoying. I suppose I am one of those people who's enjoyment multiplies when others around him enjoy it as well. One could even go as far and say "I like sharing." Egads.....I know.

[MauiSon]

Well, share some to Hawaii then. :cool:

[Bmac]

Well, share some to Hawaii then. :cool:

Send me some empty sample bottles, and you've got a deal

[Alphanumeric]

Figured I'd revive this thread rather than start a new one on virtually the same subject.

Found a few of these the other day and posted it in the dusty thread. skmnjoe asked about the bottom but the front bottle had a poorly formed bottom and I could only make out a couple numbers. Decided to check a different bottle this evening and it looks like it's from '94.

Did you ever open your handle, Bmac? Is this stuff worth buying and drinking?

Edited January 18, 2014 by Alphanumeric

[Paddy]

I'd buy it! In the early 90's that was my go to for Christmas gifts. Used to buy it by the case from my brother in law and it was the best bang for your buck wheater on the market at that time.

[luther.r]

Any SW is certainly worth picking up. The low proof on Prime makes it a pretty simple and sweet drink. I've done some nice vatting with it and the SB blend though, to add some SW profile into the mix.

[T Comp]

Any SW is certainly worth picking up. The low proof on Prime makes it a pretty simple and sweet drink. I've done some nice vatting with it and the SB blend though, to add some SW profile into the mix.