Latest news with #BottledInBond
Forbes
5 days ago
- 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.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
America's Best Rye Whiskey, According To The American Distilling Institute
Painted Stave was the Best Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey and a Double Gold Medalist. Photo, courtesy Painted Stave The American Distilling Institute's International Spirits Competition is an annual judging of spirits sponsored by the ADI. This prestigious event recognizes excellence in craft spirits and is open to U.S. and international distilleries. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the "Best of Class" and "Best of Category." American Rye Whiskey winners from the recently completed 2025 competition. Painted Stave was the Best Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey and a Double Gold Medalist. The distillery, in Smyrna, Delaware, is known for its small-batch spirits. Their Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey is based on a mash bill of 70% Rye, 25% Corn, and 5% Malted Barley and is aged for a minimum of four years. On the nose, the rye whiskey is herbal and fruity, featuring spearmint, anise, licorice, red fruits, caramel, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The palate exhibits a candied, bubble gum-like sweetness, dried spearmint, prunes, and cinnamon. The finish is long, with lingering spearmint, cinnamon, and bubble gum notes. Tumblin Dice was the Best Single Barrel Whiskey and a Double Gold medalist. The whiskey is bottled by Proof and Wood Ventures. It's sourced from MGP in Indiana. Known for their barrel-proof offerings, Tumblin Dice whiskeys are selected, aged, and bottled to highlight rye's bold aroma and flavor characteristics. The ABV varies between 110 proof and 120 proof, depending on the specific bottling. The rye whiskeys are based on MGP's high rye mash bill of 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley. The maturation varies, with some expressions aged up to eight years. The whiskey is sweet and spicy on the nose, featuring rye spice, brown sugar, vanilla-laced crème brûlée, earthy, slightly herbal, with hints of stone fruit and white pepper aromas. It's rich and robust on the palate with classic rye characteristics and a balance of sweetness and spice. It exhibits vanilla and caramel notes, seasoned wood, cinnamon, clove, and a slight herbal touch. The finish is long and semi-sweet with lingering caramel, pepper, and seasoned wood notes. Glass of rye whiskey on background of rye grain getty Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko., in Southern Pines, North Carolina, was founded by retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Brad Halling. The distillery honors military service through its spirits, with the Sergeant's Valor series paying tribute to extraordinary acts of service. This expression is a bottling based on two different rye whiskeys. The source of the whiskeys, the associated mash bills, and the age statement are not disclosed. The nose features toasted oak, malted cocoa, vanilla, and herbal notes. The palate features bold rye flavors exhibiting rye spices of cinnamon and clove, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, earthy white pepper, and herbal flavors. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering rye spice notes. Redwood Empire Whiskey emphasizes sustainability and craftsmanship across its craft whiskey range. The Van Duzen Straight Rye is part of their Small Lot Series, named after the Van Duzen River, and showcases their commitment to unique mash bills and grain-to-glass production. The rye is based on a mash bill of 67% Rye, 31% Malted Barley, and 2% Wheat. The age at bottling is not specified. The nose is aromatic and complex, featuring vanilla/lemon cake, red berry jam, raspberry cobbler, milk chocolate, biscuit, and spice notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The palate is rich and flavorful, exhibiting milk chocolate, custard cream, espresso coffee, tropical fruits, especially grilled pineapple and baked banana, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is medium length, smooth, and fruity with lingering lemon cake and baked banana notes. The American Distilling Institute (ADI) is a leading trade organization for craft and independent distillers in the United States. Founded in 2003, ADI supports the growth and success of small-scale distillers through education, advocacy, networking, and promotion of best practices in the industry. ADI's annual spirits competition often highlights up-and-coming brands, many of which have yet to establish national distribution. For the whiskey connoisseur, the competition offers an excellent insight into what will likely be tomorrow's American whiskey stars.
