Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review.
There are few bottles in the whiskey world as immediately recognizable and Old Fitzgerald is high on that list. That iconic decanter shape has long made the Heaven Hill release a collector’s trophy, often tucked away behind glass or proudly displayed on a bar cart. But 2025 brings something different: a shelf-stable version of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, with the promise of wider availability and a more approachable price point. Ironically, just as I found this 7-year version, I was also pulled for Priority Access at Total Wine and snagged a 9-year decanter release, making this the perfect time to finally dive into the Old Fitz lineup for the very first time.
What’s interesting about this release is that it represents a shift for Old Fitzgerald, moving from high-demand, allocated decanters to something that may eventually become a true shelf option. Depending on where you find it, the bottle may or may not come with the velvety bag, but the promise remains the same: Heaven Hill intends for this to be more attainable, even if early availability remains tight.
Age Statement: 7 years (Bottled in Bond).
ABV: 50%.
Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley
Area of Distillation: Bardstown, Kentucky.
Appearance: Golden hue.
On the nose:
The nose opens with a rush of sweet grain and orchard fruit, bright, juicy, and immediately inviting. Cinnamon stick and gentle baking spice weave through a subtle dusty corn note, lending a classic profile without feeling young or underdeveloped. Layers of spiced orange, brown butter, floral sweetness, and soft char create a fragrant complexity. The wheat shines with an herbal softness, and the 50% ABV lifts everything without overpowering it.
Taste:
The palate brings a wave of fruit-forward sweetness: candied fruits, cherry, dark grape, and dried orchard notes. Cinnamon stick continues from the nose, blending with a soft herbal wheat note and gentle oak. The mouthfeel has a pleasant oiliness that coats without clinging too heavily, medium-bodied, balanced, and steady. As the sip progresses, light leather, floral oak, and a faint barrel-aged honey character emerge, bringing both depth and subtle sweetness. It’s classic, balanced, and exceptionally drinkable for a standard release.
Finish:
The finish remains consistent with the palate: fruit-driven, gently spiced, softly oaked, and pleasantly sweet. Not overly long, but extremely well balanced, allowing all the primary notes, fruit, cinnamon, honey, and wheat spice, to fade in harmony.
Final Thoughts:
Heaven Hill has delivered a surprisingly strong entry in what could become a widely available Old Fitzgerald experience. With a disclosed mash bill, a true Bottled-in-Bond pedigree, a respected age statement, and a solid price point, this release hits the sweet spot of quality and accessibility. My only surprise is how balanced and complex this whiskey turned out to be, far more nuanced than one might expect for a product intended to become a shelf staple. This is a pour worth keeping around once it becomes widely available and I'd recommend not a huge overpay for these on the secondary market.
Rating: -A (Amazing).
Cost: $52.99 for 750ml.
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