Type Bourbon whiskey Alcohol by volume 45.00% | Introduced 1870 Proof (US) 90 | |
Manufacturer Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Country of origin Kentucky, United States | ||
Old Fitzgerald is a brand of wheated bourbon currently distilled in Louisville, Kentucky by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
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History
Beginning in 1870, Old Fitzgerald was first produced for rail and steamship lines and private clubs primarily located in the south by John E. Fitzgerald in Frankfort, Kentucky. Around 1900, "Old Fitz" was released to the American public and in Europe as well. It was one of the few distilled using the pot still method, and continued to do so until around 1913. During Prohibition, Old Fitzgerald was one of a select few to distill under government supervision for the national medicinal trade, it was soon after acquired by Pappy Van Winkle for $10,000 who then introduced the "Whisper of Wheat" to the original recipe. By substituting wheat for the more traditional rye in the grain recipe, Old Fitzgerald is finished with a rounder, softer profile compared to other bourbons.
Old Fitzgerald was produced at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery until, in 1992, the distillery was shut down and production was transferred to Diageo's newly constructed the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1999, Diageo sold the brand, along with the Bernheim Distillery, to Heaven Hill, which currently produces and markets Old Fitzgerald.