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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
America's Top Bourbon, According To International Wine & Spirit Comp
Toasting with a glass of bourbon. Over 50 bourbons earned top honors at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition judging of American whiskey recently held in Kentucky. Below is a summary of the top-ranked bourbons, along with links to more detailed background information and tasting notes for each winner. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Barrel Strength Whiskey, 59.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Jefferson's Reserve Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Whiskey, 65% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Hazelwood Spirits Company, Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 5 Years Old, 67.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 65.3% Abv, 750 ml Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Whiskey Barrel Proof C924 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 11 Years Old, 64.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Old Dominick Distillery, Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Pinhook, 5 Year Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Cask Strength Bourbons From the International Wine & Spirit Competition H.K. Young Bourbon Co., Toasted Barrel Finished Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 45.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 RD1 Spirits, Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 61.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Angel's Envy, Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 43.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 Bardstown Bourbon Company, Collaboration Series Ferrand Whiskey. 12 Years Old, 56% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100 15 Stars, Three Ports Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 Angel's Envy, 2024 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Best Cask Finished Bourbon From The International Wine and Spirit Competition. Praedictum, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 56% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Frank August, Cask Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 60.7% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve, Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 55% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 Blanton Distilling Company/Buffalo Trace, Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Blanton Distilling Company, The Gold Edition Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 51.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 92/100 Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 72.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100 Blanton Distilling Company, Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 62% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/100 The Old Steelhouse's Blueprint Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 92/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Single Cask Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. Single barrel bourbons in a Glencairn whiskey glass Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score 94/100 Angel's Envy, Cask Strength Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92/100 Heaven Hill, Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 90/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top-Rated Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. Frank August Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 15 Stars First West Small Batch Whiskey, 51% ABV, 5 Years Old, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome: Empty Nester Strength Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Castle & Key Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6 Years Old, 51% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold 2025, Score: 95/100 Fathertime Bourbon, Firstborn Edition Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 92/100 points; Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 91/100 and Fathertime Bourbon, The Middle Child Mystery Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 91/100 For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Top Small Batch Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition. King's Family Distillery, Tennessee Standard Blended Bourbon Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 15 Stars, First West Extra Aged Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey, 54.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 94/100 Blue Run Spirits, Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, 55.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 94/100 Peg Leg Porker (Teal Hollow Distilling) Black Label Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill, Evan Williams 1783 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100 Heaven Hill Distillery, Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 The Difference Bourbon, The Foundation Whiskey, 54.1% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Pinhook Vertical Series 9 YO Bourbon Whiskey, 57.2% abv, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Wild Turkey, 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score: 93/100 Bulleit Frontier Whiskey's 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.6% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 91/100. Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver 91/100 Wild Turkey, 101 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50.5% ABV, 750ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/10 Heaven Hill Distillery, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 7-Years-Old, 49.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score 90/100 Smooth Ambler's Old Scout 7-Year-Old, 50.5% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Silver, Score, 90/100. For a more detailed background and tasting notes on these whiskeys, see Gold Medal Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirit Competition Charring a white oak bourbon barrels. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Rock Town Distillery Bourbon Y'all Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Reserve 5 Barrel Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Heaven Hill Distillery Grain To Glass Traditional Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 53.3% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey Uncharted Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 Wilderness Trail Distillery Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Spirit Gold, Score 95/100 The 2025 IWSC American whiskey judging highlighted some of the top bourbons in America. All of these bourbons are outstanding, offering a diverse range of aroma and flavor profiles. Stylistically, the wheated bourbons were the standouts, but regardless of your bourbon preferences, you are bound to find a whiskey that suits your palate among these top-rated medal winners—time to start tasting.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Top Small Batch Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Two glass of small batch bourbon whiskey with ice. Nine Small Batch Bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. One entry scored a Gold Outstanding, the highest medal awarded by the IWSC, and four bourbons received Gold medals. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys. Spirit Gold Outstanding, Score: 98/100 Frank August is a modern, premium bourbon brand launched in 2022, emphasizing transparency and minimalist intervention in the production process. The whiskey is distilled and aged in Kentucky, then carefully blended in small batches and bottled at 100 proof. The mash bill is not disclosed. The bourbon is rich and layered, featuring notes of cinnamon, clove, and toasted coconut followed by caramel, vanilla, and dark cherry, underpinned by toasted oak and a dusting of cocoa powder. It's lush and silky on the palate with a pronounced mouth weight. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of pipe tobacco, orange zest, and baking spices. The IWSC Judging panel described the whiskey as 'the alluring aroma presents a delightful mix of apple tart, custard, and intriguing dried apricots. On the palate, a refined medley of buckwheat honey, dried apricots, vanilla, and warm spice unfolds, while the finish offers a satisfying hint of leather.' Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Produced by Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Small Batch blends bourbons aged 8 to 12 years and is known for being one of the first distillers to popularize the 'small batch' category. It's bottled at 94 proof and reflects the signature Heaven Hill style—traditional, well-rounded, and intensely flavorful. The whiskey presents notes of vanilla cream, baking spice, and toasted oak on the nose. The palate showcases layers of caramel, roasted peanuts, dark dried fruit, a hint of cinnamon spice, and some barrel char. The finish is medium-length, with lingering notes of leather and caramelized sugar. The IWSC Judging panel described the whiskey as exhibiting 'inviting aromas of crème brûlée, crisp apple and green banana. The juicy palate is rich with jammy orchard fruits and is complemented by shortbread biscuits, honeycomb, black pepper, creamy marzipan, and lingering sweet cinnamon.' Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 First West is a small batch expression by 15 Stars, a luxury whiskey brand created by a father-son duo, Rick and Ricky Johnson. It blends bourbons from multiple states and ages, some as old as 15 years. The 'First West' designation honors Kentucky's entry into the United States as the 14th state and the first state West of the Appalachian Mountains. The whisky features aromas of honeycomb, citrus zest, and butterscotch on the nose. The palate is smooth and silky, showcasing flavors of pear, cinnamon, maple syrup, and pecan pie. Bright fruit notes and a gentle rye kick balance the blend's complexity. The finish is long and polished, with lingering notes of oak, mint, and dried apricot. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'the bouquet opens with vibrant red berries and a sprinkle of confectioner's sugar. On the palate, a delightful interplay of chestnut honey, fresh almond, and tea emerges. A well-crafted and balanced bourbon.' Charring a white oak bourbon barrels. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg Spirit Gold, Score: 95/100 Created by Jim Gaffigan, Fathertime Bourbon is a small, craft label that leans into storytelling with tongue-in-cheek names and limited-release bottlings. This high-proof bourbon—humorously named 'Second Child Syndrome'—is uncut and unfiltered, reflecting a traditional, richly layered flavor profile. The whiskey is robust and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of molasses, saddle leather, and fig jam. The palate is robust and chewy, showcasing notes of brown sugar, tobacco leaf, roasted almonds, dark cherry, a hint of cinnamon, and cocoa. The finish is long and spicy with lingering notes of oak char and vanilla. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'the aroma bursts with roast pineapple and a hint of cardamom toast. On the palate, a rich fullness unfolds, harmonizing toffee and cherry with subtle oak. The finish is beautifully balanced, leaving a lingering warmth that invites another sip.' Spirit Gold 2025, Score: 95/100 Castle & Key Distillery revived the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and began producing its grain-to-bottle bourbon in 2014. Their small batch bourbon is high-rye and aged at least four years in the unique climate of their underground rickhouses. The whiskey is fresh and aromatic on the nose, featuring notes of candied orange, spearmint, and a cooked cereal/grain-forward sweetness. The palate reveals honeyed rye, cinnamon toast, and a hint of apple. The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of caramel, fresh oak, and a trace of mint tea. The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as expressing, 'inviting aromas of spun sugar and yellow blossoms with hints of fresh acorn and honeyed sweetness. The palate is creamy and refined, unfolding with flavors of Mirabelle plum and cola nut. Lingering notes of warming cinnamon and brown sugar grace the grippy finish.' Also scoring 90 points or more were Fathertime Bourbon, Firstborn Edition Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml, 92/100 points; Fathertime Bourbon, Second Child Syndrome Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml, 91/100 and Fathertime Bourbon, The Middle Child Mystery Precious Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml. 91/100 Small-batch whiskeys are where terroir can shine, highlighting a region's style and flavor profile. Unlike single-cask offerings, whose output is usually quite limited, small-batch bottlings are a little easier to find and tend to have more consistency between batches. All of the small-batch bourbons are outstanding. They are all bottled at above-average proof, with several at cask strength, delivering an intense and robust flavor profile. If you love bourbon, these expressions are well worth seeking out.
Man of Many
12-06-2025
- Business
- Man of Many
Old Fitzgerald Keeps It Classy With New ‘7-Year Bottled in Bond' Bourbon
By Jacob Osborn - News Published: 12 June 2025 |Last Updated: 11 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Old Fitzgerald bourbon is a history lesson unto itself, and one can sense as much just by scoping the timeless bottle design. The label stayed the course through Prohibition and eventually took their operation to the famous Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which shuttered in 1992. Production migrated over to Bernheim Distillery and then again to the current owner, Heaven Hill. Limited supply and skyrocketing price points have kept the majority of these expressions out of reach, but that all changes with a new signature statement. Introducing Old Fitzgerald's 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. Over the last decade, Heaven Hill have been keeping Old Fitz alive with a certain degree of temperance (pun intended). However, don't take that to mean the core distillate isn't readily accessible to whiskey lovers. In addition to the affordable Old Fitzgerald Prime, we have the Larceny bourbon range, which likewise uses the same core mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. At the higher end of the spectrum is the acclaimed Decanter Series, a limited edition release that tends to sell out quickly and fetch meteoric prices on the secondhand market. With 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond, an exciting new chapter unfolds in the long and storied history of Old Fitz. Offered at a suggested retail price of US$59.99 (though prices have already increased due to limited supply), the wheated bourbon walks the line between bottom-shelf Prime and the tippy-top-shelf Decanter Series. The liquid delivers a bright copper colour and a welcoming nose of graham cracker and honey. Tasting notes include fresh bread, brown sugar, cinnamon, apricot, and baking spice, which give way to oak at the finish. It's bottled at 100 proof and that's just enough to dial up the flavour without burning your throat on the way down. The use of wheat means one can expect a relatively smooth ride, in general. Old Fitzgerald's 7-Year-Old Bottled-In-Bond | Image: Supplied The launch of 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond doubles as a soft reboot for Old Fitz, complete with their first dedicated website. Between that and various social media campaigns, it's clear that Heaven Hill is committed to preserving the legacy of this historic label. Driving home the heritage vibe is an iconic bottle design that holds the past closely to its heart. '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 of the latest release. While more readily available than the Decanter Series, the new expression appears to be selling out fast. If you can find a bottle for around US$80 or less, don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bourbon Powerhouse Heaven Hill Dominates 2025 San Fransisco World Spirits Comp
Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky In the ever-evolving world of American whiskey, there's no shortage of distilleries touting heritage and craftsmanship. But accolades speak louder than marketing. Heaven Hill Distillery just proved that again in a big way, being named the most-awarded U.S. distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their haul: 12 golds, 10 double golds, one platinum, and five Best of Class finalists. It's more than a headline—it's a declaration. One that reminds the industry this family-owned powerhouse isn't just preserving bourbon's past; it's helping chart its future. That platinum distinction, awarded to Elijah Craig, 18-Year-Old Bourbon, for earning a Double Gold three years in a row, represents more than consistency—it signals legacy-level excellence. Platinum Medal winner Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old SIngle Barrel Bourbon. That future is rooted in nearly 90 years of history. Founded in 1935, just after Prohibition's repeal, the Shapira brothers had no brands, no aging stocks, and little hands-on whiskey experience. But what they did have was a vision—and the foresight to partner with none other than Joseph L. Beam, a member of the iconic Beam whiskey family. That decision set the tone for what Heaven Hill has become: America's largest independent, family-owned whiskey company, still stewarded by the Shapira family today. That continuity—rare in the modern spirits world—has enabled a long-term view, one that privileges quality over quick wins and builds credibility one barrel at a time. But success hasn't come easy. On November 7, 1996, disaster struck. A massive fire tore through their Bardstown facilities, leveling the distillery and destroying nearly 90,000 barrels of bourbon—a loss of almost 8 million gallons. Flames shot skyward. Barrels exploded. Local witnesses recall a literal river of fire. It could have spelled the end. But Heaven Hill didn't fold. They improvised, bottling whiskey distilled elsewhere, and soon acquired the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. That decision not only ensured survival—it laid the groundwork for a new era of expansion and innovation. Today, Heaven Hill's core remains bourbon, but its footprint is deep and wide. Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, Henry McKenna, Rittenhouse Rye, and their eponymous Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond are among the most recognizable names on shelves. Their newer Grain to Glass series—crafted from grains sourced within 50 miles of Bardstown—is a nod to transparency and a celebration of local terroir. It's a move that connects discerning drinkers with Kentucky's soil, water, and climate—the very essence of bourbon. And while many producers fixate on product, Heaven Hill understands the importance of experience. Their Bardstown-based Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, first opened in 2004, is a premier destination for bourbon tourism. It educates and immerses guests in the heritage of whiskey while helping to cement Bardstown's claim as the bourbon capital of the world. And now, with the opening of their new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, they've returned to full-time distillation in Bardstown for the first time since the fire—completing a full-circle moment nearly three decades in the making. The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Heaven Hill isn't just making great whiskey; they're shepherding a legacy. Their involvement in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, their ongoing commitment to Bottled-in-Bond offerings, and their investment in both heritage and innovation all underscore a simple truth: this distillery doesn't just represent where American whiskey has been. It shows where it's going. So yes, those 28 medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition matter. But what they really signify is something deeper: the enduring strength of independence, the value of generational vision, and the staying power of doing things the right way—even when it's hard. Heaven Hill's not chasing trends. They're building a dynasty. One barrel, one bottle, one bold move at a time. "These awards are a true reflection of the craft, innovation, and legacy that define Heaven Hill Brands," said Kate Latts, Co-President and third-generation family member. "To be recognized again as the 'Most Awarded U.S. Distillery' is not just an honor, it's a validation of our commitment to making spirits that resonate with consumers and connoisseurs alike." Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Old Fitzgerald Returns To Its Roots With New 7-Year-Old Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year There's a quiet kind of prestige in a bourbon that doesn't shout to be noticed. For generations, Old Fitzgerald has held that role in the whiskey world—a wheated bourbon with a reputation for refinement, favored by bartenders, collectors, and those who know the value of legacy in a glass. Now, Heaven Hill Distillery is giving the brand its most accessible spotlight in years with the launch of Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey—a new signature expression that connects its storied past with an open invitation to the next wave of whiskey fans. And it comes with impeccable timing: 155 years after the Old Fitzgerald trademark first appeared in 1869. Built on the success of the high-end Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series introduced in 2018, this new 7-year-old release strikes a balance between heritage and approachability. Priced at approximately $59.99 for a 700ml bottle, it's positioned as a more attainable bottle for both longtime admirers and curious newcomers. The bourbon is aged for seven years in Level 3 charred new American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof, meeting the stringent standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. It leans into the brand's signature wheated profile with a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. From the moment the cork pops, the whiskey reveals its character: a bright copper hue in the glass and a nose that conjures graham crackers and honey. The palate brings warmth and structure—fresh bread, brown sugar, and baking spices—while the finish delivers a cozy taper of cinnamon sweetness fading into oak. 'Seven years proved to be a sweet spot for a whiskey that already transcends expectations for a wheated bourbon,' said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll. 'This refined bourbon carries the same layered elegance its longer-aged sibling made famous, and the same commitment to excellence found in every bottle from Heaven Hill Distillery.' Alongside the liquid, the bottle itself offers a masterclass in nostalgic design—familiar yet refreshed. The diagonal red 'Old Fitzgerald' wordmark harkens back to the 1884 trademark. 'Your Key to Hospitality,' a phrase first found in the brand's vintage ads, now appears front and center on the label and is blown into the base of the bottle. Elegant fluting on the shoulder and a diamond-faceted closure pay homage to the 1950s diamond decanter bottles that helped cement Old Fitzgerald's premium identity. Transparency is also part of the packaging ethos: 'Bottled-in-Bond' is boldly noted on the label, and the distillation season and year are stamped on the neck wrap—clear nods to quality and authenticity. And authenticity is something Heaven Hill takes seriously. The distillery owns more Bottled-in-Bond brands than any other, carrying the torch for a category that demands high standards: a single distillation season, a single distiller, and aging in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years. To Heaven Hill Executive Chairman Max Shapira, Old Fitzgerald isn't just a brand—it's part of a personal and national history. 'This is a brand that's near and dear to my heart. I remember some of the early ads the brand is now harkening back to – and what makes me most proud is that throughout decades of changes, Old Fitzgerald has stood the test of time and maintained its unwavering commitment to quality,' Shapira said. 'It mirrors my family's story in many ways... Today, we're sharing Old Fitzgerald's story, legacy and quality with a new generation of whiskey lovers who will experience the key to hospitality.' That hospitality will take physical form in the months to come: the rollout of Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond will be accompanied by a series of nationwide partnerships and immersive experiences designed to celebrate what it means to welcome someone in—glass in hand. With this release, Heaven Hill isn't just debuting a new bourbon—they're reasserting Old Fitzgerald's place in the pantheon of American whiskey. It's a bottle made for sipping neat by the fire or sharing across the table, equally at home in a collector's cabinet or behind the bar.
