Old Fitzgerald whiskey is made by Heaven Hill Brands, a well-established distillery with a rich history in the spirits industry. While the brand itself dates back to 1884, it has changed hands several times throughout the years.
One notable figure in the story of Old Fitzgerald is Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. During the Prohibition era, Pappy Van Winkle acquired the brand and continued producing whiskey under the Old Fitzgerald name, earning a reputation for exceptional quality. It was during this time that Old Fitzgerald gained recognition as a premium bourbon.
However, in 1999, Heaven Hill Brands purchased the Old Fitzgerald brand and took over its production. With this acquisition, Heaven Hill aimed to continue the tradition of crafting high-quality whiskey that Old Fitzgerald had become known for.
Today, Old Fitzgerald is distilled at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, which is owned and operated by Heaven Hill. The Bernheim Distillery is an impressive facility that combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce a range of exceptional spirits.
One of the unique aspects of Old Fitzgerald whiskey is its use of the “whisper of wheat” in the mash bill. This means that a small percentage of wheat is used alongside corn and malted barley, which results in a smoother, softer flavor profile. The wheat contributes to a creamy mouthfeel and adds a touch of sweetness to the whiskey.
At the Bernheim Distillery, the distilling process begins with the careful selection of grains. The corn, wheat, and malted barley are ground into a coarse meal, mixed with water, and cooked in a mash cooker. This process converts the starches in the grains into fermentable sugars.
After cooking, the mash is transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to initiate fermentation. The yeast consumes the sugars, producing alcohol and creating the distinct flavors and aromas that will be present in the final whiskey.
Once fermentation is complete, the resulting liquid, known as “distiller's beer,” is sent to the stills for distillation. Bernheim Distillery utilizes both column stills and pot stills to produce Old Fitzgerald whiskey. The column stills allow for efficient distillation, while the pot stills add complexity and character to the spirit.
After distillation, the whiskey is aged in charred oak barrels, where it develops its unique flavor profile over time. The exact aging process and length can vary depending on the specific expression of Old Fitzgerald, as different releases may have different ages and characteristics.
Throughout the aging process, the whiskey interacts with the wood of the barrels, picking up flavors and colors. The temperature fluctuations in the aging warehouses also play a role in the maturation process, as the whiskey expands and contracts, allowing it to extract more flavor from the wood.
Once the whiskey has reached its desired level of maturity, it is carefully selected and bottled by the expert team at Heaven Hill. Each bottle of Old Fitzgerald is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into producing this renowned bourbon.
Old Fitzgerald whiskey is made by Heaven Hill Brands at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand has a long history in the industry, and its acquisition by Heaven Hill in 1999 ensured the continuation of its tradition of excellence. The use of wheat in the mash bill, along with the careful distillation and aging processes, results in a whiskey that is beloved by enthusiasts around the world.