Known as one of the most beautiful bottles in the liquor industry, this diamond decanter is quite sought after by many every year. Unlike many limited releases, the age and cost of this bourbon change from release to release. It was rumored that 2022 would be the last time Heaven Hill would release this series, however, there were two releases, spring and fall, in 2023 and it is expected this will be the case for 2024 and beyond. Today’s review comes from the Heaven Hill Distillery and is the Fall 2023 release of Old Fitzgerald 8 Years Aged.

Bottle Information

From the Heaven Hill Distillery website: Each spring and fall, a new edition to the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond series is released. Inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter, the packaging and series honor both the history of the Old Fitzgerald brand and the historic Bottled-in-Bond designation. The Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree, as the brand was first registered in 1884 and was eventually sold to “Pappy” Van Winkle during Prohibition. In 1999, Heaven Hill bought the brand and began distilling it at Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, KY. 

• Distiller: Heaven Hill Distillery
• Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 20% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley
• Proof: 100
• Age: 8
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $110
• 2024 National Average: $399
• Official Website

Typically both releases of this bottle can be found in NoCo if you are willing to pay secondary or higher prices. I will admit, that I did pay over MSRP for this bottle, not secondary costs, but this release did bring me a hefty price tag of $189. Overall, this was your classic Heaven Hill wheat bourbon with notes of Brown sugar, vanilla, and oak, yet I found a bit too much ethanol on the nose and a lasting wheat funk I could not pin down. Honestly, my hopes were so high as the Fall 2021 bottle I previously owned was so amazing; unfortunately, this release left a lot to be desired. By no means is this bourbon terrible, but I do not believe this particular release is not worth the price nor the hype. Nonetheless, I have no regrets about purchasing this bottle, and I would purchase another release at this price as the decanter will be saved and become a forever part of my collection. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Sweet Fruit, Oak, Wheat, and a Floral Essence Mixed with a Tad of Ethonal
• Palate: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Baking Spice, Cinnamon, Cherry, and Oak
• Finish: Medium Leading to Back Palate Heat and Notes of a Sweet Wheat Funk and Oak
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (Honestly, my hopes were so high as the 2021 bottle I previously owned was so amazing… unfortunately, this release left a lot to be desired)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™