The first expression from Old Commonwealth Distillery is Old Commonwealth 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a highly-limited release of 144 bottles of exquisite cask strength liquid.
Old Commonwealth was a brand originally started by Old Fitzgerald Distillery back in the 1960s, though it was never bottled under that moniker. Instead, it was used by then-master distiller Pappy Van Winkle within various ceramic decanters. It wasn’t until 1997 that Old Commonwealth was first bottled, by Pappy’s grandson, Julian Van Winkle, on our storied grounds. Julian’s Old Commonwealth was a 10-year-old, 107 proof wheated bourbon, similar to what was going into Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, but sourced from different locations within warehouses, leading to a different flavor profile.
Our Fall 2024 release of Old Commonwealth 10 Year shares a few similarities to the original, including the age statement, the iconic label (with Julian’s blessing) and the light green glass bottle traditionally used for fine cognac. However, our evolution of the brand saw us departing from the traditional wheat-based mashbill towards one that has a low amount of rye, but still drinks as sweetly. Sourcing a limited allotment of special barrels from a renowned Kentucky heritage distiller, we found that the liquid shines brightest at cask strength—131.83 proof—so we left it there.
Tasting Notes
The Old Commonwealth 10 Year Fall 2024 release is a decadent and bold stone fruit stunner. The liquid has a stunning deep amber hue and a striking nose, with ample notes of cherry syrup, ripe plums, a touch of honey, marzipan, and dark chocolate. Let the dram sit for a few minutes to discover the nose softening, revealing notes of buttery graham cracker crust note and more robust aromas of tart cherry.
On the palate, the medium-weight and lightly oily bourbon coats your mouth nicely. The sip starts with cherry pie and ripe plums, and there’s an older dusty feel to the liquid as it crescendos, reminiscent of hard candies you’d find in a bowl on your grandmother’s coffee table. Towards the end of your sip, some dark chocolate and oak arrive. A fast pop of roast peanuts arrives right before the finish. It’s equally fruity, juicy, and bold.
The finish is extensively long and fruity, with lingering notes of macerated peaches, tobacco, and leather, right before it fades off. It’s not a drying finish, either. The lasting note is exclusively cherry Starburst.