Notes: Old Fitzgerald is an older brand by bourbon standards. Old Fitzgerald was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1999 to add to their stable of already very solid to great brands. Heaven Hill itself dates back to 1932 and the repeal of Prohibition.

Some of their many other brands and line extension include Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, and Parker’s Heritage Collection.

This is a Bottled In Bond bottling of bourbon that is eleven years old (making it one of the older releases of this series, the previous one was 8 years old) and is the eighth release in the series. This Old Fitzgerald is the second release of an eleven-year-old – the last being from 2018. Old Fitzgerald uses wheat in the mash bill to reduce the spiciness that a heavy rye version of bourbon can have.
This version was made in the spring of 2010 and bottled in the spring of 20121. Pulled from multiple barrels from rickhouse EE.
Allocated and already probably hunted to extinction except for the outer provinces.

Appearance: Honey yellow with some red notes to it, On swirling it leaves a nice oily ( if not overly thick ) coat on the glass. Legs form slowly and thinner than some. Clear, honeyed appearance overall.

First Impression: A bit spirity out of the gate on the first pour then settles down a bit. Corn, followed by the unmistakable high notes of wheat and barley malt chiming in last. Somewhat dry and toasty compared to the last ( younger) release.

Taste: Corn, wheat, barley, followed up with an oak char and tobacco dryness.  A medium body with a more austere and dry entry than previous releases. It coats the tongue delivers a sweet grain malt with a  spiciness. The whiskey then retreats to leave a pleasant glow and slightly long finish.

Drinks: Makes for a great Manhattan, whiskey sour, and other classics.Drier and more spare than some other bourbons so some adjustments on other mixers might be in order.

Bottle: Did not receive production bottle so cannot comment.

Other: Goes well with a lighter cigar, say a corona or smaller Ashton.

Final Thoughts: A delicate but spicy expression of a bourbon with some pleasant edges to it. Plenty of spice and pepper for those who like that along with a ( subtle) dose of barrel char.

Website: HeavenHilldistillery.com This is a direct link to the Old Fitzgerald pages. If you back up you can see all their brands – which are quite a few!

Both this link and the other pages have a plethora of information and photos. Well laid out and fast loading. Heaven Hill has one of the easier-to-navigate and visually pleasing websites in the industry.