If you’ve spent any time at all chasing trucks or lurking in whiskey subreddits, you’ve probably seen the hype. The Old Fitzgerald VVS 2024 isn't just another decanter on the shelf. It’s basically the crown jewel of Heaven Hill’s recent output, and frankly, the "VVS" label—which stands for Very Very Special—actually means something this time around.
Most people see the maroon label and just assume it’s an older version of the stuff in the green or black bottles. That’s not quite right.
This specific 13-year-old expression was cooked up to celebrate a massive milestone: the 25th anniversary of Heaven Hill buying the Bernheim Distillery. You see, back in 1999, Heaven Hill was still picking up the pieces from a devastating fire. Buying Bernheim didn't just give them a new home; it gave them the keys to the Old Fitzgerald brand. The 2024 VVS is a high-five to that history.
What’s Actually Inside the Bottle?
Don't let the fancy 1950s-style diamond decanter fool you into thinking this is just for show. The specs are legitimate. We are talking about a 13-year-old wheated bourbon that follows the strict rules of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
To be a "Bonded" bourbon, it has to be:
- The product of one distillation season (this one was distilled in 1999, then sat in steel for a bit before bottling).
- Aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years (though they went way past that here).
- Bottled at exactly 100 proof.
- From one single distillery.
The mash bill is a bit of a point of contention among nerds, but the general consensus—and what the distillery points toward—is the classic Heaven Hill wheated recipe. Roughly 75% corn, 20% wheat, and 5% malted barley. It’s the same DNA as Larceny, but aged with a level of precision that makes Larceny feel like the "workhorse" cousin.
The Kentucky Exclusive Reality
Here is the kicker: you probably can't buy this at your local liquor store in Chicago or New York. The maroon label is a "distillery only" or Kentucky-centric release.
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I’ve seen guys on Reddit talking about waiting in line at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown as early as 3:00 AM. That is wild. But that’s the reality of the Old Fitzgerald VVS 2024. They drop a handful of bottles on random days (usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays), and if you aren't in the first 25 to 50 people in line, you’re basically just enjoying the Kentucky morning air for nothing.
Honestly, the secondary market prices for this thing are astronomical. While the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) was around $229, I’ve seen it listed on auction sites for well over $1,500. Is it worth seven times the retail price? That depends on how much you value owning a piece of history that won World’s Best Bourbon at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
Tasting Notes: Beyond the Marketing Speak
Let’s get past the "notes of happiness" and "endless finish" fluff you see in press releases. When you actually sit down with a glass of Old Fitz VVS 2024, the first thing you notice is the texture. It’s velvety.
The nose is heavy on the crème brûlée and toasted oak. There’s a weird but cool hint of ripe banana and aged tobacco that pops up. Once it hits your tongue, the wheat starts to shine. It’s not spicy like a rye bourbon; it’s soft. Think butterscotch drizzled over baked pears.
There’s a surprising minty note on the finish that isn't like a stick of gum—it’s more like a fresh herb that cuts through the heavy oak. It keeps the 13 years of wood from feeling like you're chewing on a pencil.
Why This Release Matters More Than the 2025 VVS
It’s funny, the 2025 VVS (an 11-year-old) is already out, but the 2024 version is the one collectors are still losing their minds over.
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Part of it is the "25th Anniversary" tag. Part of it is the 13-year age statement, which many enthusiasts think is the "sweet spot" for Heaven Hill's wheated mash bill before the wood starts to dominate the grain.
If you’re looking to actually drink this and not just stare at it on a shelf, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Let it breathe. This bourbon has been cooped up for a long time. Pour a glass and walk away for 15 minutes. The "old library" smell will mellow out and the fruit notes will come forward.
- Skip the ice. At 100 proof, it’s already at the perfect "sipping" strength. A drop of water is fine, but ice will kill the subtle chocolate notes on the finish.
- Check the tax strip. The blue/clear tax strip on the top tells you exactly when it was distilled and bottled. It’s the ultimate transparency tool for bourbon fans.
Finding a Bottle Today
If you aren't in Kentucky, your best bet is looking at reputable auction houses like Unicorn Auctions or specialized online retailers. Just be prepared for sticker shock. If you are planning a trip to Bardstown, check the local "bottledrop" groups on social media. People track these releases like they’re following a storm.
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Don't settle for the regular 7-year-old Old Fitz (the one in the tall, skinny bottle) and think you've had the VVS experience. They are different beasts. The 7-year is a great "everyday" pour, but the 2024 VVS is a once-in-a-decade type of bottle.
Your next move: If you're serious about snagging one, look up the "Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience" daily calendar or join a Kentucky-based bourbon community. These folks usually know which days the distillery has been stocking the VVS vs. when they're just putting out Elijah Craig grenades. If the secondary price is too high, look for a high-end whiskey bar that does 1oz pours. It'll still cost you $50+, but it's cheaper than a mortgage payment.