Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon 7 Year Review & Tasting Notes
Since its inception in 2018, Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald Decanter Series has established itself as a distinguished and highly coveted collection within the American whiskey sector. This latest announcement marks the 155th Anniversary of the trademark honoring John E. Fitzgerald, the brand's namesake. In recent years, Heaven Hill has garnered significant acclaim for its Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond Decanter Series. This exceptional line of wheated bourbons features expressions ranging from eight to 19 years of age, with new releases introduced biannually. While flavor profiles vary notably among different batches, this collection consistently receives high praise for its exceptional quality and distinctive bottle design.
In an initiative to enhance consumer accessibility, Heaven Hill has introduced a new seven-year-old Old Fitzgerald, officially designated as a "new signature expression" and integrated into the permanent portfolio.
This latest offering preserves the hallmark traits of modern Old Fitzgerald bourbons, crafted from a precise mash bill comprising 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. In contrast to the limited-edition Decanter Series, this expression is poised for regular availability and widespread national distribution. Its launch coincides with the unveiling a new brand website that will encompass the entirety of the Old Fitzgerald range. With a suggested retail price of approximately $60, this offering represents the most accessible selection within the current Old Fitzgerald portfolio.
Heaven Hill stands at the forefront of the Bottled in Bond category, boasting the most extensive inventory and the broadest labels in this segment. This vast capacity enables the distillery to produce distinct flavor profiles and age characteristics, resulting in a portfolio that features exceptional and noteworthy bottlings.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon 7 Year Tasting Notes
Appearance: Amber with a slight red to gold tint. Proof: 100 Age: 7 Years Price: $60.00
Nose: The aromatic profile commences with a gentle sweetness, evolving into a vibrant spiciness characterized by notes of orange oil, praline, brown sugar, cherry, plum, and butterscotch. This initial fragrance rapidly transitions to reveal an intricate array of baking spices, prominently featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of white pepper, showcasing a complex and well-rounded olfactory experience.
Palate: The initial tasting experience is characterized by a harmonious blend of sweetness and substantial viscosity. This opulent mouthfeel gives rise to a gentle warmth, harmoniously integrated with refined flavors of silky vanilla, cinnamon, dark caramel, and a luxurious honey syrup that elegantly envelops the palate. The sophisticated texture enables a thorough exploration of the entire tongue. Progressing into the mid-palate, a complex array of baking spices emerges, highlighted by pronounced cinnamon, a touch of clove, and hints of dried fruit. This combination evokes the sophisticated essence of toasted raisin bread, enhanced with walnut fragments and honey butter.
Finish: The finish is moderately long, showcasing a persistent presence of lightly charred oak, leather, tobacco leaf, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, and white pepper. This complexity offers a richness that endures as nuances of dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and honey sweetness gradually transition to the oak notes in the finish. As the fruitiness and residual honey gradually recede, the finish reveals a meticulous balance of lightly charred oak, rich leather, cinnamon, and clove, culminating in a nuanced and compelling conclusion. The interplay between the warm baking spices, the charred oak, and the elegant flavors of honey, caramel, and dried fruit enhances its overall profile, making it an exceptionally pleasurable sipping experience.
Summary & Final Thoughts: This new addition to the Old Fitzgerald portfolio was crafted with a mash bill comprising 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. It has been aged seven years in Level 3 charred new American oak barrels, ensuring optimal maturation. Under the bottled-in-bond standard, it is presented at an impressive 100-proof. This expression exemplifies its quintessential characteristics for aficionados of wheated bottled-in-bond bourbons, delivering a fruity and bready profile, with subtle hints of spice.
This wheated Bourbon features an enchanting nose and a moderately complex palate, allowing connoisseurs ample opportunity for contemplation when savored neat. The presence of sweeter fruit and caramel notes adds a layer of complexity, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
The bottle design strikes a perfect balance between the luxury of a premium release and the aesthetic appeal of a beautifully crafted decanter. Its shape sets it apart from conventional Bourbon bottles in the industry, making it distinctive and visually engaging. This carefully designed bottle embodies the rich heritage of Old Fitzgerald and the esteemed Heaven Hill distillery. Each seasonal batch of Old Fitzgerald features its distillation year and season prominently displayed on the neck, with a Green Label designating the Spring Distilling Season and a Gold Label representing the Fall Distilling Season. This elegant bottle stands as a striking centerpiece for any bar. I highly endorse the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond 7 Year, and it is highly recommended for those able to procure it at a competitive price. Given its status as a new product, it is essential to note that pricing may vary significantly across different retailers.
At Bourbon Awareness, you can learn more about America's native spirit. Bourbon Awareness and Whiskey University's sole mission is to educate the public about the history and virtues of Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and other various whiskeys.
See our website at bourbonaware.com and whiskeyuniv.com/nj-central-new-jersey-area. You can contact us at harrycasazza@bourbonaware.com