BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Heaven Hill Distillery
• MASH BILL: 68% Corn | 20% Wheat | 12% Malted Barley
• AGE: 10 Years
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 100
• MSRP: $140
• BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com

DREW’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Wheated bourbon fans. Those impressed as much by the packaging as they are by the bourbon inside.

WORTH THE PRICE: These younger Old Fitz decanters were well-priced initially, but the admission price has increased over the last couple of years as demand has increased. Heaven Hill released another 10-year-old Old Fitz last spring at the same MSRP as this bottle, so things have at least seemed to level off of late. That said, $140 feels steep for this particular bourbon.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. Heaven Hill fans will want to try this one to see how the series has progressed, but this particular release is better left to the collectors and those needing a fancy gift. There are other Old Fitzes that are more worthy of the home bar.

OVERALL: This latest Old Fitz will find some fans, but it doesn’t live up to the standout releases that have recently preceded it. The 25th Anniversary was next-level good (review coming soon), and even the 10-year-old from last spring was exceptional (my bottle went fast!). Compared to that bottle, this latest tweener from Heaven Hill doesn’t match up.

The aroma is initially a bit gritty and grain-forward, with lots of roasted cereal and creamed corn upfront. With time to unwind, silkier notes of butterscotch, vanilla pudding, and peanut butter arrive, but there’s still not a ton of depth. The palate is similarly distracted early on with quite a bit of sharp oak and barrel char. More enticing flavors eventually emerge, but they are somewhat muted underneath an overly generous spice. Even Heaven Hill describes things as “subtle” in their tasting notes. With patience and some breathing room, notes of well-cooked toffee and RedHots emerge alongside apple sauce liberally doused in freshly grated cinnamon. The finish is warm and peppery, simmering with oak, clove, and menthol.

Past Old Fitzes have set the bar high, and this just didn’t quite clear it. It’s still a good bourbon, but it does require a splash of water and some time to relax and pull itself together. Will things return to form with the fall release? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I’d recommend tasting this one at someone else’s bar.

BRAND NOTES

The Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright copper color, with a nose of butterscotch and toasted oak along with dried roses and floral notes. The taste is subtle on the palate with honey sweetness and notes of aromatic herbs and green tea. Its finish is rich and herbal with notes of cardamon and nutmeg followed by hints of white pepper and oak char at the end.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.