Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Old Bottled In Bond Bourbon Review (Fall 2024): A Classic With a Twist
The fall edition is a return to form for Old Fitz worthy of its MSRP and probably a reasonable markup, too.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Heaven Hill Distillery
- MASH BILL: 68% Corn | 20% Wheat | 12% Malted Barley
- AGE: 11 years
- YEAR: 2024
- PROOF: 100
- MSRP: $155
- BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com
DREW'S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Any wheated bourbon lover. Old Fitz fans who maybe didn't love the spring release (like me). This bottle should win them back.
WORTH THE PRICE: I think I've figured out the current pricing formula on Old Fitz based on 2023 and 2024 pricing. Each year of age over 8 adds an additional $15 in MSRP. That said, I think the last 11-year-old Old Fitz (in 2021) was priced at a very reasonable $85, a whopping $70 less than this latest release. Of course, all of that is pretty academic since a lot of retailers will put exorbitant markups on this bottle (and have for a while now). It is the prettiest bottle in bourbon and almost always a standout, but I'm not sure I'd pay over MSRP.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar and bottle. This latest Old Fitz is a step up from the spring edition. It's definitely worthy of a special occasion pour at your favorite watering hole, and if the price is right, a spot on the home bar.
OVERALL: If you couldn't tell already, I like this latest edition of Old Fitzgerald quite a bit more than the spring release. I doubt the extra year in the barrel has much to do with that because this one doesn't come across as more mature or more oak-forward by comparison, just more complete and complex.
The aroma offers up classic notes of cornbread, honey, and peanut butter that are noticeably less raw than the spring edition with a through line of vanilla taffy and warm roasted nuts. Undertones of brandied cherry and strawberry pie build with time in the glass, adding a unique fruity depth and nuance that I don't often experience with Old Fitz.
The palate delivers baked apple and butterscotch pudding up front, accented by notes of new leather and clove chewing gum. Baking spice and a bit of chili flake are well-integrated, balancing the rich, honeyed sweetness while adding a simmering warmth that extends across the midpalate into a generous finish of dark chocolate and seasoned oak.
The fall edition is a return to form for Old Fitz worthy of its MSRP and probably a reasonable markup, too. Excluding the Anniversary release, we haven't seen anything older than 11 years from the brand since 2022. Will 2025 be a year for extra-aged Old Fitz? We'll have to wait and see.
BRAND NOTES
The Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright copper color, with a nose of leather, vanilla, subtle cinnamon and nutmeg. The taste leads with crème brûlée sweetness with a bright, ginger note followed by notes of old leather and toasted oak. Its finish is warm and dry with hints of pepper and char.
"Heaven Hill Distillery's Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a masterclass in tradition and craftsmanship,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “At 11 years old, this release celebrates a first-class legacy within the Bottled-in-Bond category. As the 14th release in this prestigious series, it reaffirms Old Fitzgerald’s place at the pinnacle of American whiskey, honoring both its storied past and the continued excellence that Heaven Hill brings to every bottle."
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.