Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML is a Bottled-in-Bond wheated Kentucky bourbon at 50% ABV (100 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Distinguished by its use of wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain, this expression earned 95 points and a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, underscoring its place among the most respected names in American whiskey.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Bottled-in-Bond (minimum 4 years aged) | Distillery: Heaven Hill (Bernheim Distillery, Louisville, KY)Production & HeritageThe Old Fitzgerald brand traces its roots to John E. Fitzgerald, a nineteenth-century figure whose bourbon recipe called for wheat in place of the rye grain found in most bourbon mashbills. Now produced by Heaven Hill Distillery — one of the largest family-owned spirits producers in the United States — Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof is distilled at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. As a Bottled-in-Bond expression, it meets the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897: produced at a single distillery during a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. The wheated mashbill, which replaces rye with what the brand historically described as a "whisper of wheat," yields a softer, rounder bourbon character than traditional rye-forward recipes.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with toasted oak and vanilla bean, then unfolds into buttery richness layered with dried apricot, tobacco leaf, and warm baking spices. A faint thread of leather and cinnamon develops as the bourbon breathes.Taste: The entry is velvety and honeyed, giving way to a mid-palate of butterscotch, caramel, and ripe pear. At full development, notes of black pepper and oak emerge alongside subtle chocolate and vanilla custard, delivering complexity without overwhelming heat despite the 100 proof strength.Finish: Moderately long, with a dry, spice-forward exit punctuated by toasted oak and lingering dried fruit. A gentle warmth and creamy texture carry through to the close.How to Drink Old FitzgeraldOld Fitzgerald 100 Proof performs best neat or with a few drops of water, which opens up the buttery sweetness and softens the proof to reveal additional fruit and pastry notes. Its Bottled-in-Bond strength also makes it an ideal cocktail bourbon. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the wheated softness balancing citrus acidity. An Old Fashioned showcases the caramel and vanilla backbone without the spice bite of rye-heavy bourbons. A Paper Plane pairs the bourbon's dried fruit character with Amaro Nonino and Aperol for a bittersweet, layered drink.Best For Bourbon enthusiasts exploring the wheated bourbon category beyond entry-level options Gifting a whiskey lover who values heritage brands and Bottled-in-Bond authenticity Building a home bar anchored by a versatile, cocktail-strength bourbon Side-by-side tastings comparing wheated vs. rye-forward bourbon styles Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Old Fitzgerald taste like? Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof delivers a rich, velvety palate dominated by honey, butterscotch, and caramel with supporting notes of dried apricot, black pepper, and toasted oak. The wheated mashbill gives it a noticeably softer, rounder mouthfeel compared to rye-heavy bourbons.How does Old Fitzgerald compare to Larceny Bourbon? Both are wheated bourbons produced by Heaven Hill at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, sharing a similar grain profile and distillation heritage. Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof carries a higher proof (100 vs. Larceny's 92) and the Bottled-in-Bond designation with its mandated minimum four-year aging, generally delivering more oak depth and intensity than Larceny's lighter, more approachable character.Is Old Fitzgerald good for sipping neat? Yes — the 100 proof strength provides assertive flavor without excessive burn, and the wheated mashbill delivers a smooth, creamy texture that rewards slow, deliberate sipping. A small splash of water can further soften the proof and reveal additional fruit notes.Where is Old Fitzgerald made? Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Heaven Hill is one of the largest family-owned and operated American whiskey producers, and all of its bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky.What foods pair well with Old Fitzgerald? Smoked pork or barbecue brisket complements the bourbon's oak and caramel notes. Dark chocolate or chocolate pecan pie mirrors its butterscotch and cocoa undertones. Aged cheddar or Gruyère pairs well with the buttery mouthfeel. Stone fruit desserts like peach cobbler echo the dried apricot aromatics. Cinnamon-spiced bread pudding aligns with the baking spice finish.What sizes does Old Fitzgerald come in? The standard Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof Bourbon is widely available in the 750ml bottle size, which is the most common format for this expression.Is Old Fitzgerald worth the price? Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof positions as a mid-range bourbon that punches well above its price tier, particularly given the Bottled-in-Bond designation and the wheated mashbill it shares with some of Kentucky's most sought-after luxury bourbons. Its 95-point rating from the Beverage Testing Institute reinforces its standing as a strong value within the category.Why Old Fitzgerald?Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof stands apart because it delivers a genuine wheated bourbon experience backed by the legal guarantees of the Bottled-in-Bond Act — single distillery, single season, minimum four years of aging, and exactly 100 proof. The wheated mashbill places it in the same stylistic family as some of America's most allocated and expensive bourbons, yet Old Fitzgerald remains accessible. Its 95-point Gold Medal rating from the Beverage Testing Institute confirms what the brand's long history suggests: this is a bourbon built on substance rather than scarcity. For drinkers seeking proof that a heritage recipe and strict production standards still matter, Old Fitzgerald is one of the most compelling options in Kentucky whiskey.
