First pour: Heaven Hill Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old wheated bourbon is a real sweet charmer

Heaven Hill, one of America’s most historically important distilleries, has launched Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the UK, through an exclusive partnership with Majestic.

The release marks the UK debut of the signature expression. Heaven Hill traces its roots back to the late 1800s and became widely known during the mid-20th century for its wheated bourbon style and distinctive decanter bottlings.

Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond is matured for seven years in Level 3 charred new American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof, in accordance with US Bottled-in-Bond regulations. The mash bill comprises 68 per cent corn, 20 per cent wheat and 12 per cent malted barley.

Heaven Hill says the expression has been designed to appeal both to established bourbon drinkers and newcomers exploring premium American whiskey. “Seven years proved to be a sweet spot for a whiskey that already transcends expectations for a wheated bourbon,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll.

The Luxe Review attended the London launch of the whiskey, where the 7 Year Old was presented both neat and in a range of classic and contemporary cocktails. 

The whiskey is matured for seven years in Level 3 charred new American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof, in accordance with US Bottled-in-Bond regulations…

Heaven Hill Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old tasting notes

This 7 YO carries the softer profile associated with wheated bourbons. On the nose, there’s a profound sweet aroma of pastry and honey. The palate brings notes of oven baked biscuits, brown sugar, raisins, a lovely cinnamon sweetness, custard and baking spice. 

The mouthfeel is viscous and creamy.

This is a delightfully flavourful, eminently drinkable bourbon, which actually stands some comparison to the virtually impossible to find 19 Year Old Decanter expression (which we were also privileged to try at the launch event).

The 7 Year Old also performed well in mixed serves. A Fitz Smash riff combined the whiskey with pineapple oleo, pineapple juice, lemon, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur and a splash of 2018 Artelium sparkling wine.

The result was bright and fruit-forward, while still allowing the bourbon’s caramel sweetness to come through.

Another cocktail, the Scofflaw, paired the Old Fitzgerald with dry vermouth, lemon and homemade grenadine fortified with Pama pomegranate liqueur. Again, the whiskey’s softer character gave this Prohibition-era favourite a smooth, balanced finish.

Packaging also plays heavily into the brand’s heritage appeal.

The refreshed Old Fitzgerald logo nods to the original 1884 trademark, while the faceted closure and bottle detailing echo the famous diamond decanters of the 1950s. “Your Key to Hospitality” appears prominently across the design, reinforcing the whiskey’s longstanding identity as a sociable, welcoming pour.

Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available now through Majestic stores and online, priced at £65.