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Old Fitzgerald 17-Year Bourbon Review & Guide (2024 Edition)

Old Fitzgerald 17-Year Bourbon Review 

Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Old Fitz has recently released their 17-Year-Old limited edition bourbon, making it a center of attraction in online forums and bars. 

Is the expression’s high demand worth the hype or just a simple one carried by its reputable brand? 

We took the time to have this Old Fitzgerald 17 Year Bourbon review to evaluate if it’s a “get or forget.” Let’s go.   

Old Fitzgerald 17-Year Bourbon In-Depth Review

Old Fitz’s 17YO bourbon is a wheated spirit– one of the Heaven Hill expressions brands.  

It’s one of the releases of the distillery in 2022, with the bottling that took place during spring after they put it into barrels in 2004. 

Due to the long years of aging, it has rich oak and caramel notes. It’s aromatic with a smooth and satisfying finish. 

Quick Facts

DistilleryHeaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery 
Classification & RegionStraight Bourbon/Kentucky, USA
Alcohol Proof100 
Mash Bill68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% barley malt
Age Statement17-Year-Old
ColorGolden Amber 
Rating4-Star Rate
Average PriceAround $185 (MSRP)

What’s Old Fitzgerald 17-Year Bourbon? 

The 2022 release of the Old Fitzgerald series is this 17YO bottled-in-bond bourbon at 100-proof. 

It was distilled and barreled somewhere within the fall of 2004, bottled and released in the spring of 2022, carrying a 17-Year age statement. 

Quick Fact: Green Label means a spring release, and Black Label means a fall release. 

This is by far the oldest Old Fitz compared to the previous releases. Also, using wheat instead of rye mash, this Old Fitzgerald bottled-in-bond is a wheated bourbon whiskey.

This bourbon expression is one of the specialties from the distillery, alongside: 

  • Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond – high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey 
  • Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Barrel Proof expressions – wheated bourbons 
  • Bernheim Barrel Proof – Kentucky straight wheat whiskey 
  • Evan Williams BiB – high-proof 

Tasting Notes

Pouring Bottle of Old Fitzgerald 17-Year Bourbon on a Glass, old fitzgerald 17 year bourbon review

Nose

On the nose, this gives dark chocolate, cherry, and butterscotch notes. Then, dried fruit and black pepper spice aromas follow with a touch of charred oak and ethanol. 

We like how the flavors continue to develop as the nose lingers.

Palate

On the palate, this bourbon is quite rich with loads of oak, butterscotch, vanilla sweetness, cherry, and toffee notes.

Since this is a wheated bourbon, the wheat notes are apparent; no rye spice at all. 

As the sip continues, notes of fire-roasted almonds and fruit come through. Then, the aroma of vanilla frosting adds a touch of cinnamon and ginger notes. 

Finish

The finish delivers a combination of charred and herbaceous oak with hints of baking spices, ground nuts, and corn.

If you want to try this, expect a long-lasting bitterness along with the sweetness. 

Why We Like It

  • This Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 17-Year-Old Straight Bourbon is simply delicious and delivers almost anything you’d expect from old bourbons. 
  • Well-rounded flavors combine well in a glass, making every “cheers” a moment to look forward to. 
  • With this whiskey’s age, it’s well worth the price and value. This Old Fitz release shows expertise from the distiller due to its impressive quality, savory tasting notes, and satisfying feel. 

Drawbacks

Close Up Shot of Old Fitzgerald 17-Year Bourbon Bottle Label
  • This bottled-in-bond straight bourbon release is getting harder to find these days. It’s one of those “limited-release” bourbons with high demand (even before its release), so you’ll need to hunt. 
  • It is packed with oak notes, a dominant flavor in this aged bourbon whiskey. If you’re into oaky notes, you’ll like this one. But if having an intense oak spice is too much for you, you’ll want to pass on this one. 

The Rating On Old Fitz 17-Year Bourbon

We rate this 17 YO Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond bourbon whiskey 4-stars. Why?

“As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio.”

— Heaven Hill, Owner

It’s a premium bourbon whiskey suitable for special occasions at a high price. The price is reasonable, considering the quality and brand reputation. 

If you have enough to spend for this drink, especially for connoisseurs, we suggest trying this straight bourbon from the Old Fitz.

For beginners, this is too much for an entry-level expression. 

To Get Or Forget?

Man Drinking Old Fitz 17-Year Bourbon

As we mentioned above, it comes at a high price tag ($185), so we highly recommend trying a glass of this drink before purchasing a whole bottle.

If you’re a consistent fan of this series, don’t skip this whiskey– it has enough proof and rich flavors, giving a smooth experience. 

Also, whiskey of this age is unusual, so there’s no reason to skip this bottle.

But, if, unfortunately, you can’t find this whiskey these days, we have alternatives for you to try, like: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do they still make Old Fitzgerald bourbon?

Yes. Fitzgerald bourbon is currently being produced under the Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery. In 1999, HH acquired the brand together with the Bernheim Distillery from Diageo [1].  

What whiskey is similar to Fitzgerald?

The whiskey similar to the Old Fitz is Larceny, also from the Heaven Hill Distillery [2]. These two expressions use the same wheat mash. 

Does Heaven Hill Sell Fitzgerald at the distillery?

We can’t know for sure if Heaven Hill sells the Old Fitz at their facility in Kentucky. But it’s safe to assume that there are available bottles within the distillery.   

How much is Fitzgerald 17 year old bourbon?

The price of Fitzgerald 17-year-old bourbon can vary depending on factors such as location, retailer pricing, and market demand. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, it’s advisable to check with local liquor stores, online retailers, or the official Old Fitzgerald website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

How much is the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond?

The cost of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond also fluctuates based on market conditions and location.

To obtain the current price, it is recommended to contact your local liquor stores, browse online retailers, or refer to the official Old Fitzgerald website for the latest pricing details.

What does bonded bourbon mean?

Bonded bourbon refers to a specific category of whiskey that adheres to the regulations outlined in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

To be labeled as bonded bourbon, the spirit must be the product of one distillation season (January to December), distilled by one distiller at one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).

This designation ensures a higher level of quality and consistency in the production process, providing consumers with a reliable and traditionally crafted bourbon.

How to date Old Fitzgerald bourbon?

Dating Old Fitzgerald bourbon involves examining the label and packaging for relevant information such as the distillation date, distiller details, and any specific batch or release identifiers. Typically, this information is displayed on the label or packaging, allowing enthusiasts to trace the origins of their bottle.

For more precise guidance, Old Fitzgerald’s official website or customer service may offer resources or assistance in deciphering the dating codes specific to their bourbon releases.

What age is best for bourbon?

The optimal age for bourbon is subjective and varies based on individual preferences. Generally, bourbons mature in oak barrels, acquiring flavors, aromas, and complexity over time. While some enthusiasts appreciate younger, more vibrant expressions with pronounced grain and spice notes, others prefer the smoothness and richness that comes with extended aging.

It’s recommended to explore different age statements and expressions to determine personal preferences, as the “best” age for bourbon is ultimately a matter of taste.

Additionally, factors such as the distillery, mash bill, and production methods contribute to the diverse array of bourbon styles available in the market.

How many years must bourbon be aged?

Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years to meet the legal requirements set by the U.S. Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.

However, many premium and high-quality bourbons choose to age for longer periods, typically ranging from four to twelve years, to enhance flavor complexity and smoothness.

How hard is it to find Old Fitzgerald bourbon?

The availability of Old Fitzgerald bourbon can vary depending on factors such as location, market demand, and the limited nature of certain releases. Some expressions may be more challenging to find due to their rarity and collectibility, while others may be more readily available at select liquor stores or online retailers.

Enthusiasts often face varying degrees of difficulty in obtaining specific Old Fitzgerald releases, making it advisable to check with multiple sources and stay informed about upcoming releases.

Why is Bottled in Bond better?

Bottled in Bond is considered better by many bourbon enthusiasts because it signifies a higher standard of quality and authenticity. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 introduced regulations to ensure transparency and consistency in the production of distilled spirits.

Bonded bourbon must meet stringent criteria, including being the product of one distillation season, distilled at one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.

These requirements guarantee a certain level of craftsmanship and integrity in the production process, contributing to a more reliable and traditionally crafted bourbon.

Why is it called Bottled in Bond?

The term “Bottled in Bond” originates from the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing concerns about adulteration and misrepresentation in the whiskey industry.

The act mandated that spirits meeting its criteria, including being distilled and bottled at one distillery in one season, had to be labeled as “Bottled in Bond.”

This designation served as a guarantee of authenticity, assuring consumers of the whiskey’s quality and adherence to specific production standards.

Why is Jack Daniels not a bourbon?

Jack Daniel’s is not classified as a bourbon primarily due to differences in the production process. While both bourbon and Jack Daniel’s are American whiskeys, Jack Daniel’s undergoes an additional step known as the Lincoln County Process, where the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging in barrels.

This extra filtration step disqualifies it from meeting the strict definition of bourbon, which prohibits any additives or alterations after distillation.

Consequently, Jack Daniel’s is categorized as Tennessee whiskey rather than bourbon, emphasizing its unique production techniques and distinct flavor profile.

Wrapping Up for Old Fitzgerald 17 Year Bourbon Review

One thing’s for sure, this expression is a must-have.

Old-aged expressions aren’t often introduced by distilleries, and if that happens, it’s only a limited release, so always grab the chance. 

Old Fitz is worth the hype and price point. The alcohol content didn’t disappoint, the flavors are savory, and the finish is good.

Overall, you can expect a great drinking experience.  

References: 

  1. Heaven Hill Just Dropped Its Oldest Old Fitzgerald Bourbon to Date
  2. Heaven Hill Just Dropped Its Oldest Old Fitzgerald
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