Fall 2024 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 11 Year Wheated Bourbon Review

“Bourbon does for me what the piece of cake did for Proust.”

 – Walker Percy

The iconic Old Fitz decanter is one that is both visually appealing and revered by whiskey drinkers across the globe. With swooping, dimpled shoulders, a prominent glass topper, and a faux tax strip, there's no denying this bottle has some inherent class. One might argue that the bottle shape alone is distinct enough that it could be recognized even without a label.

Rob Cameron illustration on the Cover of Arts & Spirits

That's just what whiskey enthusiast Rob Cameron, the man behind the pen and the Instagram account @meeting.minutes, did, and it earned him a cover feature on Arts & Spirits Magazine. What bottle was prominently displayed front and center? You guessed it, Old Fitzgerald. The name has an aura to it—and quite a bit of history to boot. John E. Fitzgerald himself, the namesake of this timeless brand, apparently built his own craft distillery in the 1870s by the Kentucky River, according to some lore. Regardless of the origin story, the reputation of the Fitzgerald name would be carved into the limestone foundation of Kentucky whiskey forever, a strong reason why Heaven Hill continues to carry the name today. Wondering if the fall 2024 Old Fitzgerald bottling is worthy of being just as revered? Let's get into a pour to find out.

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Company on Label: Old Fitzgerald Distillery (Heaven Hill)

Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

Mash Bill Percentages: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley

Proof: 100°

Age: 11 years

MSRP: $155

Further identification: This is the Fall 2024 release of the Old Fitzgerald decanter series

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Nose: Upon first lifting the glass to my nose, I find the instant classic medley of Heaven Hill whiskey: a distinct blend of light strawberry and cherry fruit wafts into the nose before the deeper complexities of vanilla, black pepper, and toffee give the comforting eye contact and nod of a longtime friend welcoming you in from across the room. On further inhales, there's a slightly metallic characteristic to the present level oak scents. Underneath these aromas are underlying hints of peanut brittle and dry clay. On deep inhales I find myself on the first floor of a rick house with a floor open to the damp earth below. Scents of fresh green pepper, modern newspaper, and allspice can be dug up with some effort.

Coming back from a few sips smooths things out on the nose, leaving a smile-worthy soft creaminess built up from the same vanilla and toffee tones that led the way, now more consistent, robust, and clear. Soft caramel chews turn up late in the glass before allowing the inherent underlying oak to carry through on the cool inhaled air. The empty glass smells of raspberry walnut muffins, warm out of the oven and drizzled with honey.

Palate: On first taste I find a balanced, fruit-forward bourbon shimmering with strawberry Starburst candy and cherry Garcia ice cream. Another sip yields further depth of raspberry tart, Coca-Cola, and graham cracker. This is nice in the mouth despite not having that thick of a viscosity that doesn't seem to want to coat the mouth very well. It's inherently sweet without being what I would call sugary. The simple word that keeps coming back to mind is "nice," as I find little to worry about in this glencairn. It's the comfort of sitting with people you're allowed to be quiet with. Sipping late in the glass shows off a functionally complete whiskey that has a distinct beginning, middle, and end. My last sip offers oodles of raspberry: frambuesa soda, chocolate-covered raspberries, and a bakery crisp loaded with fresh candied raspberries dance on the tongue before the finish turns less clear, fading into muddled fruit in a glass.

TL;DR: Easy sipping whiskey full of fruit flavors, a nice return to normal form for Old Fitz

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Rating: 4/5

(Really good. I want one of these on my shelf.)

This is a well-blended batch with not a jagged sharp edge to be found anywhere. I'm thoroughly satisfied that this isn't another spicy or nutty batch of Old Fitzgerald; this feels like the flavor profile I want the Old Fitz line to target. While it doesn't ultimately knock my socks off, it's surely a good bourbon, and with a decanter-style bottle as beautiful as this, probably one that longtime enthusiasts are going to want to have on their shelf. The only complaint I'd lodge would be against the rather short and thin finish, but I'm sure most can overlook that nitpick on this silky sipper.

Buy Old Fitzgerald Bourbon

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WRITTEN BY: NICK ANDERSON

With nearly a decade of sipping experience, Nick Anderson brings a well-calibrated palate to his profound passion for the whiskey industry. Beginning in Irish whiskey before expanding into bourbon, rye, and beyond, he has long been taking the ephemeral observation of unspoken enjoyment and translating it into meaningful words. He is the owner and primary long-winded whiskey writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com, and he hopes you find resonance in the patient conveyance of an honest whiskey review.

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