A milestone release for a modern bourbon collectible

Since Heaven Hill revived the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series in 2018, the twice-yearly releases have become some of the most sought-after wheated bourbons on the market.

The appeal stems from a combination of age, scarcity, presentation, and pedigree.

Each release adheres to the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, meaning the whiskey must come from a single distillery, be produced during a single distilling season, age for at least four years, and be bottled at exactly 100 proof. The Spring 2026 edition exceeds those requirements by a considerable margin, spending a full decade in barrel before bottling.

What's inside the bottle

The Spring 2026 release opens with aromas of crème brûlée, seasoned oak, and a touch of citrus.

On the palate, expect classic wheated bourbon notes of butterscotch and brown sugar, followed by flavors of toasted bread and warm baking spices. The finish is smooth and slightly sweet, with lingering caramel before giving way to hints of clove and black pepper.

Like all Old Fitzgerald releases, this bourbon is made with Heaven Hill's wheated mashbill, which swaps wheat for rye as the secondary grain. That tends to create a softer, more approachable bourbon with a rounder mouthfeel and a sweeter profile than many traditional Kentucky bourbons.

Why Old Fitzgerald matters

Old Fitzgerald traces its roots to the late 19th century and remains one of bourbon's most storied wheated whiskey brands.

The brand was originally associated with John E. Fitzgerald, a Treasury agent whose legendary habit of sampling barrels in government warehouses helped inspire one of bourbon’s enduring origin stories. First trademarked in 1884, Old Fitzgerald developed a reputation as a premium whiskey sold aboard luxury railcars, steamships, and in exclusive private clubs.

Heaven Hill acquired the brand and aging whiskey stocks in 1999 as part of its purchase of Louisville's Bernheim Distillery.

Today, Old Fitzgerald occupies a unique place in the bourbon landscape. While many allocated bourbons chase extreme proof points or heavily manipulated finishing techniques, the decanter series relies on age, traditional bottled-in-bond standards, and a well-established wheated recipe.

That approach has helped the brand develop a devoted following among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate classic Kentucky bourbon profiles.

The continued appeal of bottled-in-bond

The release also underscores the ongoing resurgence of bottled-in-bond whiskey.

Once considered an old-fashioned designation, bottled-in-bond has become one of the fastest-growing premium whiskey categories in recent years as consumers increasingly seek authenticity and production transparency.

Few distilleries have embraced that heritage more aggressively than Heaven Hill. Alongside Old Fitzgerald, the company produces Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond, and several other expressions that highlight the historic designation.

“With every release of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, we strive to celebrate the time-honored craftsmanship and heritage that have defined this iconic brand for generations,” said Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill. “This 10-year-old Spring 2026 Edition proudly reflects Heaven Hill's longstanding bottled-in-bond legacy and embodies the quality and character that have become hallmarks of the series, continuing the tradition with another memorable release for brand fans to discover and enjoy.”

If history is any indication, these bottles won't stick around for long. The Spring 2026 release will be allocated, so expect limited availability when it arrives at retailers in July.