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Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Comparing Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 9 years +5 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$110 – $180 | ~$65 – $75 ~$75 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/9 heat: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
spice 2/6 spice: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
oak 7/4 oak: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).