Old Fitzgerald Bond 11 Years Fall

Overview
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 11 Years Fall 2021 Edition is the second release of the year in Heaven Hill's acclaimed annual bonded series, distilled in spring 2010 and bottled earlier in 2021 at exactly 100 proof to meet Bottled-in-Bond standards. This expression diverges from series norms with its pronounced savory character, drawing critical attention for its unconventional profile.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
This bottling joins the Old Fitzgerald bonded lineup, which emphasizes strict adherence to 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act requirements, including production at a single distillery in one season and aging for at least four years. Expert reviews position it as comparable to the Spring 2018 11-year release, though it surprises with a fruitless, closed-off demeanor potentially linked to production anomalies.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Heavily toasted oak dominates alongside mushroom, leather saddle, and funky, lightly sweaty notes; lacks the fruit typical of the series.
• Palate: Gunpowder and dark roast coffee lead into savory depths, with dark chocolate evolving to sweeter milk chocolate and a hint of mint for subtle balance.
• Finish: Sweeter milk chocolate and mint linger briefly before an aggressive beefy character and ample char take over.

Notable details

• Production: Distilled spring 2010, bottled earlier 2021; non-chill filtered under Bottled-in-Bond rules.
• Lineage: Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald series, known for annual aged expressions.
• Comparison: Echoes the Spring 2018 11-year but stands out as more savory and less fruity.
• Availability: Limited seasonal release, allocated at MSRP but quickly sought after by collectors.

"This bottling stands out as unusually savory and fruitless in the Old Fitzgerald lineup, potentially due to something going awry in production." – Drinkhacker

Closing
A bold, divisive entry in the bonded series that rewards adventurous palates seeking savory complexity over classic sweetness.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 11 Years Old Fall 2021 Edition"

[2] Drinkhacker – "Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 11 Years Old Fall 2024 Edition"

[3] Bourbonguy – "Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Fall 2021 edition"

[4] Whiskeyreviewer – "Old Fitzgerald Bonded Fall 2024 Reaches Shelves In Time For Christmas"

[5] Bourbonbanter – "Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Review: A Classic With a Twist"