Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in Bond: A Full Review
For many whiskey lovers, part of the fun is the hunt for a special bottle. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond series, with its stunning decanter and biannual release schedule, is a prime target for collectors and enthusiasts. It’s a release that generates excitement every spring and fall, but that limited availability can make it tricky to find at a fair price. This article is your guide to successfully tracking down this sought-after spirit. We’ll break down everything you need to know about the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in Bond, from its rich flavor profile to its place in the Heaven Hill portfolio. More importantly, we’ll share practical tips on its release cycle and where to look so you can add this gem to your collection.
Key Takeaways
- Its Wheated Recipe Delivers a Softer, Sweeter Sip: Unlike spicier rye-based bourbons, Old Fitzgerald uses wheat for a remarkably smooth profile with notes of caramel and vanilla. The "Bottled-in-Bond" seal also acts as your guarantee of its age, proof, and single-distillery origin.
- Expect a Rich and Approachable Flavor Journey: From the inviting aroma of sweet fruit and oak to the dessert-like palate of honey and cinnamon, this bourbon is complex yet easy to enjoy. Its satisfying, medium-length finish makes it perfect for sipping neat.
- A Smart Buy for Both Sipping and Collecting: With its storied history, beautiful decanter, and Heaven Hill pedigree, Old Fitzgerald offers the feel of a high-end collectible. If you can find it near its retail price, it’s an excellent value that looks as good on your bar as it tastes in the glass.
The Story Behind Old Fitzgerald
When you pour a glass of Old Fitzgerald, you’re not just enjoying a bourbon; you’re tasting a piece of American whiskey history. This isn't a spirit that appeared overnight. Its story is rich and layered, involving some of the most legendary names in the industry and a commitment to quality that has stood the test of time. Understanding its past helps you appreciate every sip just a little bit more. From its early days as a private club favorite to its current status as a sought-after collector's item, Old Fitzgerald has always represented a higher standard in bourbon.
From Its Origins to Heaven Hill
The Old Fitzgerald brand has a long and storied past, first registered way back in 1884. It was originally created for rail and steamship lines and was eventually sold to the one and only Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle during Prohibition. Under his guidance, it became the first great wheated bourbon, cementing its place in whiskey lore. In 1999, the brand found its current home with Heaven Hill Distillery, which continues to honor its legacy. They carefully craft each batch, ensuring the spirit's historic character shines through while maintaining the exceptional quality the name is known for.
What Does "Bottled in Bond" Really Mean?
You’ll see "Bottled-in-Bond" on every bottle of Old Fitzgerald, and it’s more than just a fancy label. It’s a guarantee of quality backed by the U.S. government. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was one of the country's first consumer protection laws, ensuring authenticity in American whiskey. To earn this designation, a spirit must be the product of a single distillery from one distilling season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. It’s a mark of transparency and craftsmanship that tells you you’re getting the real deal.
A Look Inside the Bernheim Distillery
Today, Old Fitzgerald is produced at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, the home of Heaven Hill's distilling operations. Heaven Hill is a master of the Bottled-in-Bond category, producing more bonded whiskeys than any other American distillery. This expertise is poured into every bottle of Old Fitzgerald. The distillers at Bernheim respect the brand's deep roots and distilling pedigree, using time-honored techniques to produce the smooth, wheated bourbon that enthusiasts seek out. This commitment makes each release a noteworthy event for collectors and anyone looking for truly exceptional spirits.
What Makes This Bourbon Special?
So, what sets Old Fitzgerald apart in a sea of incredible bourbons? It’s a combination of its unique recipe, impressive age, and the strict quality standards it follows. These elements create a bourbon that’s both exceptionally smooth and full of character. Let’s get into what makes this bottle a true standout.
The Wheated Bourbon Difference
Most bourbons use rye as the secondary grain after corn, which gives them a characteristic spicy kick. Old Fitzgerald, however, is a "wheated" bourbon, using wheat instead for a noticeably different flavor profile. The specific recipe, or mashbill, is about 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. This high wheat content softens the spirit, replacing rye spice with gentler, sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla. This makes it an incredibly smooth and approachable whiskey, perfect for sipping neat. It’s this soft, rounded character that has made wheated bourbons a favorite among enthusiasts.
Why the Age Statement Matters
In bourbon, age is more than just a number—it’s a promise of depth. This Old Fitzgerald release carries a 7-year age statement, which is significant. To be labeled "Bottled-in-Bond," a whiskey must be aged for at least four years, so at seven years, this bourbon has spent nearly twice the required time maturing in charred oak barrels. Those extra years allow the spirit to draw out richer flavors from the wood, developing layers of complexity that younger whiskeys can't match. You can expect deeper notes of oak, dark fruit, and honey to emerge, creating a more robust tasting experience.
How It's Made: The Production Process
The "Bottled-in-Bond" term on the label is a seal of quality dating back to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. It’s a legal designation with strict rules: the bourbon was produced by one distillery during a single season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. This process guarantees authenticity and consistency, ensuring you’re drinking a pure expression of the distiller’s craft. For many collectors, this designation makes it one of the more rare and hard to find bottles, representing a gold standard in American whiskey.
A Guided Tasting Experience
Alright, let's get to the best part: pouring a glass and seeing what this bourbon is all about. A proper tasting involves more than just taking a sip; it’s about using all your senses. Here’s a guided walk-through of what you can expect from the Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in Bond, from the first scent to the final, lingering flavor.
On the Nose: Aroma
The moment you bring the glass close, you’re met with a rich and inviting aroma. It’s complex but not overwhelming, leading with a beautiful medley of sweet fruit—think juicy apricot, ripe peach, and a hint of orange zest. Swirl the glass, and you’ll find deeper layers of warm cinnamon, toasted oak, and a touch of well-worn leather. It’s the kind of scent that promises a classic, well-crafted whiskey experience, setting a high bar for the first sip. This initial impression is both comforting and intriguing.
On the Palate: Flavor Profile
The first sip delivers on the promise of the aroma, coating your palate with a sweet, dessert-like character. Flavors of honey graham crackers and snickerdoodle cookies come forward, followed by a wave of cinnamon spice, vanilla, and dried fruit. The mouthfeel is wonderfully rich and thick, a signature of a quality wheated bourbon. As it sits on your tongue, you’ll notice brown sugar and baking spices mingling with a gentle oakiness. It’s incredibly smooth, making it one of the more approachable spirits in its category.
The Lingering Finish
The experience doesn’t end abruptly. Old Fitzgerald 7 Year has a pleasant, medium-length finish that lets the flavors gracefully fade. The sweetness transitions into notes of raisin and a final touch of cinnamon spice. That initial oakiness returns, this time with a sophisticated hint of worn leather that adds depth. It concludes with a slightly dry sensation, balanced by a whisper of honey that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s a satisfying ending that solidifies its place as a truly rare find.
How to Best Serve It
While this bourbon is fantastic served neat or with a single large ice cube, it also has the character to stand up in a cocktail. For a classic, an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour made with this bottle would be exceptional. The bourbon’s inherent sweetness means you can go a little lighter on the sugar. Exploring different preparations is part of the fun, but you can also find excellent ready-to-drink cocktails if you prefer convenience. The distillery also suggests trying it in "The Fitz Spritz."
How Does Old Fitzgerald Compare?
When you’re exploring a new bourbon, it helps to know where it stands in the wider world of whiskey. Is it similar to something you already love? Does it offer something completely new? Understanding how Old Fitzgerald 7 Year stacks up against its peers can help you decide if it’s the right bottle for your home bar. Let’s look at how it compares to other popular bourbons, its role within the legendary Heaven Hill Distillery, and whether it delivers on its price tag.
vs. Larceny and Other Wheated Bourbons
If you’ve ever tried Larceny Bourbon, you’re already familiar with the foundation of Old Fitzgerald. They share the same recipe, but Old Fitzgerald 7 Year is aged longer and bottled at a slightly higher proof, giving it more depth and character. The key difference between Old Fitzgerald and many other bourbons on the shelf is its use of wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain. This "wheated" mash bill results in a softer, smoother, and often sweeter profile. When compared to a rye-based bourbon like Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled in Bond, which has a similar age and price, Old Fitzgerald offers a distinctly different tasting experience, trading rye’s spice for wheat’s gentle sweetness. This makes it a fantastic example of the unique qualities found in wheated bourbons.
Its Place in the Heaven Hill Collection
Old Fitzgerald holds a special place in the Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio. Heaven Hill is renowned for producing more Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys than any other American distiller, and this bottle is a proud part of that tradition. The brand itself has a storied past, dating back to 1884 and once owned by the iconic Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle. Heaven Hill acquired the brand in 1999, preserving its legacy while producing it at their Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. This rich history connects every sip to a long line of American whiskey craftsmanship, making it a cornerstone of Heaven Hill’s impressive collection of spirits.
Is It Worth the Price?
So, what’s the final verdict on value? If you can find Old Fitzgerald 7 Year near its suggested retail price, it’s widely considered a great buy. The decanter-style bottle is beautiful and feels premium, making it a standout on any shelf. While the flavor profile is often described as very good rather than mind-blowing, it absolutely delivers the quality you’d expect for its price. It’s a solid, enjoyable wheated bourbon that makes a worthy addition to any collection without breaking the bank. For its balance of history, quality, and accessible price, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for impressive gifts under $100.
How to Find Your Bottle
Getting your hands on a bottle of Old Fitzgerald can feel like a treasure hunt, but knowing where and when to look makes all the difference. This bourbon is part of a highly anticipated series, which means it’s not something you’ll find gathering dust on a shelf. With a little bit of strategy, you can add this beautiful decanter to your home bar. Let’s walk through how you can track down this sought-after wheated bourbon.
Understanding the Release Schedule
One of the best things about the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond series is its predictability. Heaven Hill releases a new edition twice a year: one in the spring (typically between January and June) and another in the fall (between July and December). This biannual schedule gives you a clear window to start your search. Keep an eye out during these periods, as that’s when bottles will begin appearing in stores and online. Setting a reminder for these release seasons can give you a head start over other enthusiasts who might be looking for the same bottle.
Where to Purchase
The suggested retail price for Old Fitzgerald 7 Year is around $60, which is a fantastic value for a bourbon of this quality. However, because it’s a limited release, prices can vary wildly. You might see it listed online or in certain stores for as much as $300 or more. It pays to be a patient and savvy shopper. We recommend checking with trusted retailers first. You can always browse our collection of rare & hard to find spirits, as we work hard to source unique bottles at fair prices for our customers.
Tips for Storing and Collecting
If you’re buying Old Fitzgerald to add to your collection, you’ve made a great choice. The "Bottled-in-Bond" designation is a seal of quality, guaranteeing it was distilled in a single season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. Heaven Hill is a master of this style, so it’s a worthy addition to any home bar. To protect your investment, store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature swings. This will ensure the whiskey inside remains just as the distillers intended for years to come.
Perfect Pairings and Pours
Once you have a bottle of Old Fitzgerald 7 Year, the real fun begins. This bourbon is incredibly versatile, shining on its own or as the foundation of a fantastic drink. Whether you’re mixing a classic cocktail, sitting down to a great meal, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, here are some of my favorite ways to make the most of every pour.
Classic Cocktail Recipes
While many people prefer to sip a bourbon like this neat, its rich, wheated profile makes it an excellent base for classic cocktails. The key is to choose recipes that complement its character rather than mask it. You can’t go wrong with a timeless Old Fashioned, where the bourbon’s notes of caramel and spice are simply accented by sugar, bitters, and an orange twist. For something a bit more spirit-forward, a Manhattan made with Old Fitzgerald is smooth and sophisticated. And if you prefer a brighter, citrusy drink, a Whiskey Sour allows the bourbon’s sweet, mellow qualities to balance the fresh lemon juice perfectly.
A Guide to Food Pairings
Pairing bourbon with food can turn a great meal into a memorable one. The sweet and spicy notes of Old Fitzgerald 7 Year make it a wonderful companion for rich, savory dishes. Think smoky grilled steaks or tangy barbecue ribs, where the bourbon’s caramel sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat. It also stands up beautifully to bold flavors, so try it with a platter of aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or a creamy blue cheese. For dessert, the pairing is simple: dark chocolate. The bourbon’s nutty, oaky finish is a perfect match for the bittersweet notes in a flourless chocolate cake or simple brownie.
The Right Glassware and Temperature
To fully appreciate the nuances of this bourbon, how you serve it matters. For a focused tasting experience, a Glencairn glass is your best friend. Its shape is specifically designed to concentrate the aromas, giving you a better sense of the bourbon’s complex nose. If you’re just relaxing with a pour, a standard rocks glass works perfectly. I recommend enjoying Old Fitzgerald at room temperature to experience its full flavor profile. If you prefer it chilled, use a single large ice cube. This will cool the spirit with minimal dilution, ensuring your last sip is nearly as good as the first. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how to taste bourbon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a "wheated" bourbon and a regular one? Think of it like a recipe. Most bourbons use corn as the main ingredient, followed by rye, which adds a spicy, peppery character. A wheated bourbon, like Old Fitzgerald, swaps out that rye for wheat. This simple change creates a noticeably softer, smoother, and often sweeter flavor profile, bringing forward notes of caramel, vanilla, and baked bread instead of spice.
Is Old Fitzgerald really related to Pappy Van Winkle? Yes, it has a direct historical connection. The legendary Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle himself bought the Old Fitzgerald brand during Prohibition and was instrumental in building its reputation as one of the finest wheated bourbons on the market. While Heaven Hill Distillery has been its proud owner since 1999, that prestigious history is a core part of the bourbon's identity.
Why is this bourbon so hard to find? Old Fitzgerald's scarcity comes down to two main factors: it's a limited release and it's highly sought after. Heaven Hill only releases a new edition twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Because of its incredible quality, deep history, and beautiful presentation, bourbon enthusiasts and collectors are always eager to get a bottle, so it disappears from shelves very quickly.
I've tried Larceny. Is Old Fitzgerald just a more expensive version? While they are both wheated bourbons from Heaven Hill and share the same foundational recipe, they are distinct spirits. Think of Larceny as the excellent, everyday introduction to wheated bourbon. Old Fitzgerald is a more premium and specific expression. It is always age-stated, Bottled-in-Bond, and released as part of a special series, resulting in a more complex, mature, and nuanced tasting experience.
What does "Bottled-in-Bond" actually guarantee? It’s essentially a government-backed seal of quality and transparency. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 ensures that the spirit you're drinking is the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season. It also guarantees that it has been aged for at least four years in a federally supervised warehouse and is bottled at exactly 100 proof. It’s a mark of authenticity that tells you nothing has been added or altered.