Julian bought the property, rechristening it Commonwealth Distillery. For nearly two decades, Julian tirelessly bottled and launched innumerable brands and, in 1997, he released Old Commonwealth 10 Year, as a 107-proof wheat bourbon. It’s believed to be sourced from the Stitzel-Weller distillery. Only a few hundred cases of Old Commonwealth 10 were made, and the scant bottles left today command thousands at auction. The last bottling of Old Commonwealth by Julian was in 2002.

Our Fall 2024 release of Old Commonwealth 10 Year shares a few similarities to the original, including the age statement, the iconic label 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. 

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 cherry Starburst.