Industry News
Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS: The Best Bourbon of 2025
Release Date: 2024 | Age: 13 Years | Bottled-in-Bond | Proof: 100 (50% ABV) | Availability: Kentucky Only
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Key Takeaways
Award-Winning: Named World’s Best Bourbon & Best Kentucky Bourbon at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards
Historical Significance: Commemorates 25 years since Heaven Hill acquired Bernheim Distillery
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 20% wheat, 5% malted barley
Aging: 13 years in charred American oak barrels, stored in Heaven Hill’s historic rickhouses
Flavor Profile: Caramel, toasted oak, baking spices, and a lingering vanilla sweetness
Price: Originally $249.99, now commanding premium resale prices
Limited Release: Sold out rapidly upon launch
(Credit: The Whiskey Jug) Old Fitzgerald is produced at Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
A Bourbon Steeped in History
The Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS carries significant historical weight. Distilled in 1999, this release marks a milestone in Heaven Hill’s journey following the 1996 fire that devastated its original distillery. The acquisition of Bernheim Distillery 25 years ago allowed Heaven Hill to continue producing world-class bourbon, culminating in this award-winning release.
What Makes Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS Special?
This limited-edition bourbon stands out due to its meticulous craftsmanship and adherence to tradition:
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 20% wheat, 5% malted barley
Age Statement: 13 years, Bottled-in-Bond
Barrel Type: New charred American oak
Aging Technique: Stored in Heaven Hill’s historic rickhouses, exposed to Kentucky’s extreme seasonal temperature shifts
Flavor Profile:
Nose: Vanilla bean, honey, and toasted oak
Palate: Rich caramel, baking spices, and butterscotch
Finish: Long, smooth, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg
Proof: 100 (50% ABV) due to its Bottled-in-Bond status
Availability: Released exclusively in Kentucky, sold out rapidly
Price: Originally priced at $249.99, now commanding high resale values in secondary markets
Similar Bourbons Worth Considering
If you’re looking for alternatives with similar depth and complexity, consider:
More Affordable:
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8-Year (~$110, if available at retail)
Weller 12-Year (~$90, if available at retail)
Premium Alternatives:
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15-Year (~$2,500, if available at retail)
George T. Stagg Bourbon (BTAC) (~$1,200, if available at retail)
Heaven Hill’s Winning Streak
Beyond Old Fitzgerald’s triumph, Heaven Hill Distillery received nine additional awards at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, including Best American Rye and Master Distiller of the Year, further solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the bourbon industry.
Why This Matters
The World Whiskies Awards, founded in 2007, recognize excellence in whisky production globally. Winning these awards not only boosts Heaven Hill’s prestige but also sets a benchmark for the bourbon industry’s evolving craftsmanship and innovation.
The Old Fitzgerald 2024 VVS joins the ranks of legendary bourbons, cementing Heaven Hill’s place at the top. With its historical significance, refined aging process, and coveted award wins, this release is a true collector’s gem.
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