Old Fitzgerald 14 Year Old Bottled In Bond Bourbon Review (Fall 2020)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

The current batch of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond series, a limited edition brand of wheated bourbon released twice per year, is a 14 year old. Much is being made of this being the first time Old Fitz BiB has been a 14 year old, but the oldest yet came out a year ago (the Fall 2019 Old Fitz Bonded). It also isn’t quite true that this is the first 14 year old for the brand; a previous installment was 14 years old, but not nationally released (it was limited as a distillery- and Kentucky-only product). Even so, a late middle aged and bonded example of Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon is worth paying attention to.

The Bourbon
I don’t think the nose on this mid-amber colored bourbon signaled it’s wheated mash bill. The scent was moody and earthy, characterized more by oak (no surprises there after 14 years in the cask) and nuttiness than softness, floral and/or citrus notes.

The flavor, however, spoke to the wheat. That dark, earthy quality was gone, replaced by a more restrained character. The bourbon was sweet, a touch spicy, and grounded in citrus oils. The oak and nuts reassert themselves in the finish, however, bringing the experience around full circle.

The Price
Old Fitzgerald 14 Year Old Bottled in Bond for Fall 2020 is priced at $140 a bottle.