Hannah’s Old Fitzgerald 11YR Review
Original review written March 1, 2022
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
It’s good, light, and easy to sip. Is it worth $100+ though? Doubtful. I’m enjoying it, but I won’t feel incredibly pressured to repurchase once it’s gone. 86/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Bernheim Distillery/DSP-KY-1
– Classification: Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
– Age: 11 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=68%; Wheat=20%; Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 50% (100 proof)
– Price: $109.95 USD in Idaho 2022
Visit heavenhilldistillery.com for more information
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
This would be a good bourbon to have on the shores of a small pond. Petals have fallen and sweetened the water, and their color shines out bright and obvious in some warm sunlight. They are soft to hold, and the water is warm enough to have your feet settled in. It’s healing in its own way, and certainly quite relaxing with gentle smells playing on a breeze.
Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash
NOSE:
This isn’t as aromatic as I was expecting it to be. I find peppery notes, along with a fresh, herbally quality. I can’t identify much for fruit aside from maybe some green apples. However, there is a simple syrup, yellow cake, and a floral element and maybe a sprinkle of some cinnamon if I squint. I wish there were more aromas to note, but this really is just very simple and gentle. It smells good, certainly, but I can’t help but feel… slightly let down by this nose? Not much for wood or even an alcohol burn.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: This starts raspy across the palate, but at the back of the sip, it surprisingly turns almost watery. It’s a confusing aspect of this bourbon.
– Balance: Solid balance. While simple, everything is still quite well-blended and I have no complaints.
– Visual: Auburn in color, this leaves behind an irregular crown and many long, lingering legs down the side of the glass.
– Taste: The taste is a definite improvement from the nose, with the mouth feel kicking in with a raspy quality and coaxing out more fruit and even more floral essences. It’s rosy, and stone fruit comes into play a lot more here as well, particularly light stone fruit. The end of the sip offers up some cherries, grapes, and light oak, which adds some necessary complexity to this bourbon. There’s some light caramel, and more light spices like cinnamon.
All in all, this is very easy to sip, and the alcohol is remarkably gentle. I could see getting in trouble with this bourbon. It’s entertaining, and a Kentucky chew makes the sugary flavors stand out that much more.
I will say, that if I was looking to pour something light and fresh, I might sooner go to a rye for a cheaper price than a bourbon that is valued at over $100 USD.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Medium. There is some residual warmth that builds up throughout the course of the glass, and some minor aftertaste.
– Between Sips: Rose and grape linger between sips, but they don’t stick around for long. Nevertheless, it’s still quite enjoyable.
– No More: This stays consistent throughout the glass, and I think it does grow on you considerably – especially if you’re a fan of dark, charred oak, rich bourbons. It does grow on you.
The empty Glencairn is a warmer, richer oak with fruit buried within. It’s different from other empty glasses, and it’s something I could picture being a candle quite easily.
WORTH THE PRICE?
Simply put, no. $100+ is a big ask, and this just is not worth that price. I’d pay $40 comfortably, or even $50, but $100 is just not an appropriate amount to me for this bourbon. I already know it’s a bourbon I’ll have to be in the mood for, in order to pour, and I don’t know if I’ll be in the mood often. It won’t be a bourbon I’ll hate finishing, but it does sting to know we paid this much for it, to be entirely honest.
OLD FITZGERALD 11YR REVIEW RATING: 86/100
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