Old Fitzgerald 80 Proof Bourbon 750ML

Old Fitzgerald 80 Proof Bourbon 750ML is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Rooted in a recipe dating back to John E. Fitzgerald and later championed by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. at the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, this expression carries one of American whiskey's most storied pedigrees — now produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the largest family-owned and operated distillery in the United States.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  No Age Statement  |  Distillery: Heaven Hill

Production & Heritage

Old Fitzgerald's defining characteristic is its "whisper of wheat" — a term coined during the Stitzel-Weller era to describe the use of wheat rather than rye as the secondary flavoring grain. The mashbill consists of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, a formula that traces directly to the recipe established by John Fitzgerald and later refined under Pappy Van Winkle's stewardship. Heaven Hill acquired the Old Fitzgerald brand and continues to produce it using traditional methods, maturing the bourbon in new charred American oak barrels. The wheat-forward grain bill delivers a distinctly softer, rounder profile compared to rye-heavy bourbons, favoring vanilla and gentle baking spice over peppery bite.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla bean leads the nose, followed by light caramel and honey. Toasted grain and a gentle hint of baking spice round out the bouquet without overwhelming the softer wheat character.

Taste: The palate opens with a silky, almost creamy entry of corn sweetness and toffee. At mid-palate, soft wheat bread flavors emerge alongside cinnamon and nutmeg, while subtle hazelnut and apple notes add dimension. The wheat influence is unmistakable — this drinks gentler and rounder than most bourbons at similar proof.

Finish: Clean and gentle, tapering off with lingering vanilla and light oak. There is no harsh burn here — the finish mirrors the approachable character of the palate and fades gracefully.

How to Drink Old Fitzgerald

At 80 proof, Old Fitzgerald drinks comfortably neat or over a single large ice cube without losing its flavor structure. Its soft, sweet profile also makes it an excellent mixing bourbon. Try it in a Whiskey Sour, where the wheat sweetness balances citrus without requiring heavy sweetener. It works beautifully in a classic Old Fashioned, letting the vanilla and caramel notes shine through bitters and orange peel. A Paper Plane benefits from the bourbon's gentle backbone, which complements the cocktail's bitter-sweet interplay rather than fighting it.

Best For

• Introducing someone to bourbon for the first time, thanks to its gentle proof and soft flavor profile
• Building a home bar foundation with a versatile, everyday wheated bourbon
• Mixing classic bourbon cocktails where smoothness matters more than high-proof punch
• Exploring the wheated bourbon category without committing to a premium price point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Fitzgerald taste like? Old Fitzgerald 80 Proof delivers a soft, sweet profile dominated by vanilla, caramel, and toffee, with secondary notes of hazelnut, apple, and gentle baking spice. The wheat-forward mashbill creates a noticeably smoother, less spicy bourbon compared to rye-grain expressions.

How does Old Fitzgerald compare to Larceny? Larceny, also produced by Heaven Hill, uses the identical 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley mashbill as Old Fitzgerald. The two are remarkably similar — most palates will find the differences nearly imperceptible, though Larceny is bottled at a slightly higher 92 proof and may present bolder flavor intensity.

Is Old Fitzgerald good for beginners? Yes — its 80 proof bottling strength and wheat-softened flavor profile make it one of the most approachable bourbons available. The absence of rye spice and the gentle finish lower the barrier for drinkers new to straight bourbon.

Where is Old Fitzgerald made? Old Fitzgerald is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand originated at the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville under the Van Winkle family before eventually being acquired by Heaven Hill.

What foods pair well with Old Fitzgerald? Smoked pulled pork complements the bourbon's caramel sweetness. Pecan pie echoes its nutty, vanilla-rich character. Mild cheddar cheese balances the soft wheat notes. Apple cobbler mirrors the subtle fruit tones in the palate, and dark chocolate with sea salt draws out the toffee undertones.

What sizes does Old Fitzgerald come in? The standard expression is widely available in the 750ml bottle. A 1.75L handle is also commonly found at retail.

Is Old Fitzgerald worth the price? Old Fitzgerald 80 Proof positions squarely as a budget-friendly, everyday bourbon — one of the most affordable wheated bourbons on the market. For drinkers seeking the classic wheated profile associated with the Fitzgerald name without the premium cost of the Bottled-in-Bond or vintage releases, it represents strong value in its tier.

Why Old Fitzgerald?

Few bourbon brands carry the historical weight of the Fitzgerald name. The mashbill — 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley — is the same formula that built the reputations of some of America's most sought-after wheated whiskeys, including those that later became the foundation for Pappy Van Winkle's legacy. At 80 proof, this expression strips the recipe down to its most accessible form, prioritizing drinkability and mixing versatility over cask-strength intensity. For anyone building knowledge of wheated bourbon or simply seeking a dependable, soft-spoken Kentucky whiskey for daily use, Old Fitzgerald remains a historically significant and remarkably affordable entry point into the category.