Old Fitzgerald 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Spring 2026

Old Fitzgerald 10 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Spring 2026 750mL is the seventeenth national edition of Heaven Hill's twice-yearly decanter series, drawn from barrels laid down in spring 2016 and bottled a decade later at exactly 100 proof. Where the line's older decanters chase age for its own sake, the 10-year sits in the range wheated-bourbon drinkers actually reach for — enough oak to build structure, not enough to bury the grain.

Process & Profile

Distilled at Heaven Hill's Bernheim Distillery in Louisville under Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll, this is a Kentucky straight bourbon built on a wheated mash bill: wheat replaces rye as the flavoring grain, the same approach that made Stitzel-Weller's whiskey famous. The Bottled-in-Bond designation is not decoration here — the Act of 1897 requires one distilling season, one distiller, one distillery, a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottling at precisely 50% ABV. The Old Fitzgerald name traces to an 1884 trademark registered by S.C. Herbst and later held by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle before Heaven Hill acquired it in 1999; the diamond-cut decanter is a direct nod to the original 1950s bottle. The Spring 2026 edition is identified by its green label.

On the nose, crème brûlée sits on top, backed by old oak, a thread of citrus oil, and the toasted-sugar edge a decade in the rickhouse gives a wheater.

On the palate, butterscotch and raw cane sugar lead before the whiskey turns toward toasted bread, soft honey, and a light dusting of nutmeg — full-bodied at 100 proof without heat getting in the way.

The finish is soft and sweet at first, holding caramel, then narrows into clove and cracked black pepper as it fades. Medium-long, and dry at the very end.

Twice a year since 2018, Heaven Hill has issued a new age-stated edition of this decanter, and the age statement changes with every release — which is what makes each one collectible on its own terms rather than as a repeat purchase. Spring 2026 is allocated, reaching shelves from July 2026, and the vintage dating tells you exactly which distilling season is in the glass: spring 2016 in, spring 2026 out.

Serve neat in a Glencairn at room temperature; a single drop of water opens the crème brûlée note without thinning the body. It pairs naturally with a pecan or bourbon-caramel dessert, which echoes the wheated sweetness rather than fighting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this whisky?
A ten-year-old Kentucky straight wheated bourbon from Heaven Hill, released as the Spring 2026 edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series.

What are the specs?
10 years old, 50% ABV (100 proof, as required by the Bottled-in-Bond Act), distilled spring 2016 and bottled spring 2026, 750mL decanter. Heaven Hill does not publish the exact wheated mash bill percentages.

What does it taste like?
Crème brûlée, old oak, and citrus oil on the nose; butterscotch, sugar, and toasted bread on the palate; a soft caramel finish that turns to clove and pepper.

How should you enjoy it?
Neat in a Glencairn, with at most a drop of water — at 100 proof it does not need ice to be approachable.

Why is this release notable?
It is the seventeenth national edition of the decanter series and a vintage-dated 10-year, one of the more balanced age statements the line has issued.