The Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond 2006 11 Year Old represents everything collectors and enthusiasts expect from Heaven Hill's premium wheated bourbon line. After spending considerable time with this £900 expression, I can confidently say it delivers on both heritage and quality—though at a price point that demands careful consideration.
- Old Fitzgerald Whiskey
- Unboxed
- 70cl Standard
About The Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond 2006 11 Year Review
Quick Verdict: A Textbook Wheated Bourbon with Collector Appeal
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
| Aspect | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | 9.0/10 | Exceptional complexity and balance |
| Palate | 8.5/10 | Rich texture, well-integrated flavors |
| Finish | 8.0/10 | Pleasant but could be longer |
| Value | 7.5/10 | Quality justifies cost, but premium pricing |
| Presentation | 9.5/10 | Outstanding decanter and packaging |
Quantitative Flavor Profile:
- Sweetness: 7.5/10 (Rich honey and chocolate notes)
- Spice: 6.0/10 (Gentle warmth, minimal heat)
- Oak: 7.0/10 (Well-integrated, not overpowering)
- Fruit: 8.0/10 (Excellent cherry and plum character)
- Complexity: 8.5/10 (Layered development throughout)
This 11-year-old wheated bourbon excels in balance and approachability while maintaining the complexity expected from its premium positioning. The elegant decanter presentation and limited availability make it particularly attractive to collectors, though the flavor profile justifies the investment for serious enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications and Production Details
Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bernheim Distillery, Louisville, KY)
Distilled: February-May 2006
Bottled: April 2018
Age Statement: 11 years
ABV: 50% (100 proof)
Bottle Size: 70cl
Mashbill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley
Cask Type: American Oak
Production Method: Bottled In Bond (meeting 1897 federal standards)
The Bottled In Bond designation guarantees this bourbon was distilled in a single season by one distiller at one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. This legal framework ensures consistency and quality control that serious bourbon drinkers appreciate. For those interested in understanding the distinctions between various bourbon production methods, our guide on bottled-in-bond vs single barrel provides excellent context. Other notable bottled-in-bond expressions include 1792 Bottled-in-Bond, which offers a different take on this historic designation at a more accessible price point.
Sensory Analysis: A Masterclass in Wheated Bourbon Character
Appearance
Deep amber with copper highlights, suggesting proper barrel interaction over its 11-year aging period. The liquid clings to the glass with moderate legs, indicating good body and texture.
Aroma Profile
The nose immediately presents classic wheated bourbon characteristics. Rich milk chocolate dominates, supported by wildflower honey and light cinnamon spice. Oak presence remains restrained despite the extended aging, allowing vanilla and nutmeg to shine through. After settling, roasted corn and wheat emerge alongside dark fruit notes—plums and cherries—creating remarkable depth without overwhelming ethanol bite.
Palate Experience
The mouthfeel delivers everything promised by the aroma. Creamy and nutty textures coat the palate, with honey and brown sugar providing sweetness without cloying. Milk chocolate returns, joined by vanilla and sweet cherry flavors. Mid-palate development includes baking spices and toasted oak, while subtle grape and plum notes add complexity. The slightly oily texture helps carry flavors effectively, with occasional tobacco and menthol layers appearing in later sips.
Finish Assessment
Medium length finish that remains elegant and warming without aggressive heat. Pepper and oak tannins provide structure, while leather and semi-sweet chocolate notes linger pleasantly. Vanilla and brown sugar persist, gradually giving way to drying oak and subtle floral undertones. The finish maintains balance throughout its progression.
Honest Criticisms:
- Finish could be longer - At this price point, a more persistent conclusion would be expected
- Mid-palate gap - Brief moment where flavors thin before the finish kicks in
- Temperature sensitivity - Flavors can become muted if served too cold
- Tannic edge - Slight astringency emerges in later sips, especially neat
Flavor Development Timeline
FIRST SIP (0-5 seconds)
Milk chocolate → Honey sweetness → Light cinnamon
↓
EARLY PALATE (5-15 seconds)
Creamy texture → Vanilla builds → Cherry emerges
↓
MID-PALATE (15-25 seconds)
[Brief thinning] → Oak integration → Brown sugar depth
↓
LATE PALATE (25-35 seconds)
Baking spices → Leather notes → Grape/plum complexity
↓
FINISH (35-60 seconds)
Pepper warmth → Semi-sweet chocolate → Drying oak → Floral fade
Development Character: Front-loaded sweetness gives way to increasing complexity, with a notable (though brief) mid-palate transition before building to a satisfying, if not exceptional, conclusion.
Competitive Analysis: How It Stacks Against Premium Wheated Bourbons
Direct Comparison Chart
| Bourbon | Age | ABV | Price (£) | Quality Score | Value Index* | Key Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Fitzgerald 2006 11yr | 11 years | 50% | £900 | 8.5/10 | 0.94 | Chocolate, honey, cherry, oak |
| Weller 12 Year | 12 years | 45.2% | £180 | 8.0/10 | 4.44 | Caramel, vanilla, light spice |
| Van Winkle Lot B 12yr | 12 years | 45.2% | £1,000+ | 9.0/10 | 0.90 | Honey, fruit, elegant oak |
| Maker's Mark 46 CS | 5-6 years | 55%+ | £75 | 7.5/10 | 10.0 | Bold vanilla, spice, heat |
| Bernheim 7yr Wheat | 7 years | 45% | £45 | 7.0/10 | 15.6 | Soft wheat, honey, simple |
*Value Index = Quality Score ÷ (Price ÷ £100). Higher numbers indicate better value.
Detailed Competitive Assessment
Independent Verification Note: A blind tasting session with two experienced bourbon enthusiasts (one WSET-certified spirits professional, one longtime collector) corroborated these findings. Both identified the Old Fitzgerald as "significantly more complex than expected" and "worth the premium over standard wheated offerings," though one noted it was "still overpriced compared to Weller 12 for daily drinking."
Versus Weller 12 Year (£180) The Old Fitzgerald 2006 11 Year offers significantly more complexity and refinement than Weller 12, but the price difference is dramatic. Weller 12 provides 85% of the satisfaction at 20% of the cost, making it the clear value winner for most buyers. Those interested in exploring the full Weller bourbon lineup will find excellent wheated bourbon character across multiple age statements and price points.
Versus Van Winkle Lot B 12 Year (£1,000+ secondary) Both represent wheated bourbon excellence, but the Old Fitzgerald provides better value at retail pricing. The Van Winkle carries more prestige and slightly superior balance, while the Old Fitzgerald offers comparable quality with greater availability through official channels.
Versus Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength (£75) While Maker's 46 CS provides excellent wheated bourbon character at a fraction of the cost, the Old Fitzgerald demonstrates what extended aging and careful selection can achieve. The 11-year expression offers significantly more complexity and refinement, though at 12x the price.
Versus Bernheim Original 7 Year Wheat Whiskey (£45) Though technically different categories (wheat whiskey vs. wheated bourbon), both represent wheated grain expressions from Heaven Hill. The Old Fitzgerald's bourbon classification and extended aging create substantially more complexity, but the Bernheim offers remarkable quality at 1/20th the price.
Value Assessment: Premium Pricing for Premium Experience
At £899.95, this bourbon positions itself firmly in the luxury segment. The price reflects several factors:
Justifiable Elements:
- Limited production and availability
- Extended 11-year aging period
- Bottled In Bond quality assurance
- Premium packaging and presentation
- Strong secondary market performance
- Exceptional flavor development
Honest Concerns:
- Price per pour exceeds £25-30 for standard servings
- Diminishing returns - 90% of the quality available for £200-300 elsewhere
- Inconsistent batches - Some releases show quality variation
- Limited everyday appeal due to cost constraints
- Investment risk if secondary markets shift
- Better value alternatives exist across all price ranges, including excellent options in our best bourbon under £100 guide
Flavor-Specific Criticisms:
- Not complex enough to justify 5x premium over Weller 12
- Finish length disappointing relative to price point
- Mid-palate thinness occasionally detracts from experience
- Temperature finicky - requires precise serving conditions
Ideal Use Cases and Recommendations
Perfect For:
- Collectors seeking authenticated Heaven Hill wheated bourbon heritage
- Special occasions requiring premium bourbon presentation
- Neat sipping to appreciate full complexity - this bourbon exemplifies what makes the best sipping bourbons so appealing to connoisseurs
- Bourbon enthusiasts exploring premium wheated expressions alongside other collectible offerings like Four Roses Single Barrel
- Investment purposes given strong secondary market performance
Consider Alternatives If:
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking daily sippers
- Cocktail mixing where premium characteristics get masked
- Beginner bourbon drinkers who might not appreciate subtle complexities - our best whiskey for beginners guide offers more accessible starting points
- High-proof preference seekers wanting cask strength expressions
Evolution and Heritage Context
The Old Fitzgerald brand carries significant bourbon history, first registered in 1884 and later owned by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle during Prohibition. Heaven Hill acquired the brand in 1999, maintaining production at Bernheim Distillery in Louisville.
Vintage Evolution Analysis
This 2006 11-year-old represents the inaugural spring release of Heaven Hill's Decanter Series (bottled 2018). Comparing across recent releases shows interesting patterns:
2006 11-Year (Spring 2018) vs. Later Releases:
- More chocolate-forward than subsequent 11-year releases (Fall 2021, Fall 2024)
- Less earthy/mineral character compared to criticized 2024 releases
- Better balance than some younger expressions (8-9 year releases)
- Less tannic than older expressions (17-19 year releases)
Progression Insights:
- 2018-2020 releases generally received higher praise for balance
- 2021-2024 releases show more variation, with some "gritty" or "earthy" notes
- Older expressions (15+ years) tend toward oak dominance but higher complexity
- Younger expressions (8-9 years) can lack mid-palate development
Production Evolution
Heaven Hill has maintained consistent mashbill (68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley) since acquiring the brand, but warehouse locations and barrel selection have evolved. Early releases like this 2006 vintage benefited from prime barrel selection as Heaven Hill established the series' reputation. The distillery's commitment to grain-to-glass production is evident in offerings like their Heaven Hill Grain-to-Glass expression, showcasing their complete control over the whiskey-making process.
Key Changes Since 2006:
- Increased production volume for Decanter Series
- More aggressive barrel selection for premium expressions
- Enhanced quality control processes
- Better warehouse management for optimal aging
Heaven Hill's commitment to the bottled-in-bond tradition extends beyond Old Fitzgerald, as seen in their Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond offerings that showcase the distillery's expertise across different price points.
Design and User Experience Analysis
Bottle and Packaging
The diamond-cut decanter design honors 1950s Old Fitzgerald presentations while providing functional benefits. The heavy glass construction protects contents while creating impressive shelf presence. Cork closure maintains traditional appeal, though some prefer synthetic alternatives for long-term storage.
Storage Considerations
The decanter shape requires careful handling and storage. Upright storage prevents cork deterioration, while temperature control remains essential for quality preservation. The decorative nature makes it suitable for display, though direct sunlight should be avoided.
Serving Recommendations
Serve neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature for optimal flavor expression. Allow 10-15 minutes for aromatics to develop fully. Add water sparingly—one or two drops maximum—as the 100-proof strength provides ideal tasting concentration without overwhelming heat.
Resources and Purchase Guidance
Reputable Retailers:
- The Whisky Exchange - Consistent stock and fair pricing
- Master of Malt - Good selection and detailed descriptions
- Hedonism Wines - Premium spirits specialist with authentication
- Amazon - Convenience and return policies (verify seller authenticity)
Authentication Tips:
- Verify batch codes with Heaven Hill records
- Check bottle weight and glass quality
- Examine cork and capsule condition
- Request purchase receipts for provenance
Educational Resources:
- Heaven Hill Official Website - Production details and release schedules
- Bourbon Heritage Center - Historical context and brand information
- Chuck Cowdery's Blog - Industry insights and brand analysis
- Whisky Magazine - Professional tasting notes and reviews
Final Recommendation: Who Should Buy This Bourbon
The Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond 2006 11 Year Old excels as a premium wheated bourbon that justifies its positioning through quality and heritage. At £899.95, it requires serious consideration but delivers exceptional value for collectors and enthusiasts seeking authenticated excellence.
Buy if you:
- Appreciate premium wheated bourbon complexity
- Collect limited-release American whiskeys
- Want a special occasion bourbon with proven quality
- Understand secondary market dynamics
- Value Heritage and authenticity in spirits
Skip if you:
- Prefer everyday drinking bourbons
- Seek maximum value per dollar
- Mix bourbon in cocktails regularly
- Want cask strength expressions
- Need immediate availability without premium pricing
This bourbon represents wheated bourbon craftsmanship at its finest, offering collectors and enthusiasts a worthy addition to serious collections while providing exceptional sipping pleasure for those who appreciate subtle complexity and refined character.
Review based on extensive tasting and analysis. No affiliate relationships influence recommendations. Always drink responsibly and verify product authenticity through authorized retailers.
