In the heart of Kentucky, where rolling hills meet rickhouses filled with aging barrels, Heaven Hill Distillery has crafted a legacy of exceptional bourbon. Among its treasures, the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series stands out as a fan favorite, released twice a year in spring and fall. But every so often, something extraordinary emerges from the distillery’s warehouses—a release so special it earns the coveted “VVS” label, standing for “Very, Very Special.” The latest Old Fitzgerald VVS, hitting shelves in 2025, is already making waves as one of the most sought-after whiskeys in America. Here’s why this 11-year-old bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s a piece of history in a bottle.
A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Heaven Hill Distillery, a family-owned operation since 1935, has long been a cornerstone of American whiskey. The Old Fitzgerald brand, with its rich history dating back to 1884, became part of Heaven Hill’s portfolio in 1999 after the distillery acquired the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. Known for its wheated bourbon mashbill—68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley—Old Fitzgerald has earned a loyal following for its smooth, rich profile. The Bottled-in-Bond designation, a mark of quality rooted in the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, ensures that every release meets strict standards: 100 proof, from a single distillery, produced in one distillation season, and aged at least four years.
Image credit: Heaven Hill
The VVS releases, however, take this legacy to another level. Unlike the regular spring and fall Decanter Series, which are already highly collectible, the VVS bottles are reserved for barrels that stand out as exceptional. Master distiller Conor O’Driscoll, who oversees the selection process, explains that these barrels are chosen with meticulous care. “We taste them years in advance,” he says. “When we find one that’s just phenomenal, we know it’s time to bottle it as a VVS.” This careful curation ensures that only the best of the best earn the VVS label, making each release a rare treat for bourbon enthusiasts.
The 2025 VVS: A Whiskey Worth Waiting For
The 2025 Old Fitzgerald VVS, the fourth in the series, is an 11-year-old bourbon distilled in March and April of 2014 and bottled in May of 2025. While it’s the youngest VVS release to date—previous editions have ranged up to 19 years—O’Driscoll emphasizes that age isn’t the defining factor. “It’s about hitting that sweet spot,” he says. “Every barrel matures differently. Some hit their peak early, others take longer. We don’t rush it—we let the whiskey tell us when it’s ready.”
This philosophy of patience is what sets the VVS apart. Each barrel follows a unique maturation journey, often described as a bell curve. It starts underdeveloped, reaches a peak of flavor and complexity, and then risks becoming over-oaked if left too long. For the 2025 VVS, Heaven Hill’s team identified barrels that hit that perfect peak at 11 years, capturing a balance of bold flavors and refined smoothness. The result is a whiskey that’s both approachable and complex, with notes of toasted nuts, caramel-drizzled vanilla ice cream, honey, cinnamon, and soft baking spices, finishing with a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate.
A Taste of Kentucky’s Finest
Tasting the 2025 Old Fitzgerald VVS is like stepping into a Kentucky rickhouse, where the air is thick with the scent of aging oak and sweet bourbon. The nose opens with rich caramel and toasted wheat, layered with hints of baked apple and nutmeg. On the palate, it delivers a velvety texture, with sweet honey and vanilla balanced by oak and a touch of spice. The finish is warm and inviting, with subtle notes of cinnamon and charred barrel that fade slowly, leaving you eager for another sip.
At 100 proof, the VVS strikes a perfect balance—bold enough to stand up to a splash of water or a single ice cube, yet smooth enough to sip neat. It’s the kind of bourbon that invites you to slow down, savor each sip, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind it. For collectors, the VVS is more than a drink—it’s a trophy, a conversation piece, and a testament to Heaven Hill’s dedication to quality.
The Hunt for a Unicorn
Finding a bottle of Old Fitzgerald VVS is no easy task. Released in limited quantities, it’s available primarily at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky, and select retailers in the state. With a suggested retail price of $170, it’s a steal compared to the secondary market, where past VVS releases have fetched close to $2,000. The exclusivity adds to its allure, making it a true “unicorn” whiskey for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
For those who can’t snag a VVS bottle, Heaven Hill offers a more accessible option: the Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond, launched in June 2025 with a retail price of $60. Designed for those who want to experience the Old Fitzgerald profile without breaking the bank or chasing rare releases, this 7-year-old expression delivers the signature wheated bourbon character—smooth, sweet, and approachable. It’s a reminder that while the VVS may be the crown jewel, Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality runs through every bottle they produce.
The Art of Bourbon Craftsmanship
What makes the Old Fitzgerald VVS so special isn’t just the whiskey itself—it’s the story behind it. Heaven Hill’s journey with the Old Fitzgerald brand began after a devastating fire in 1996 destroyed their original distillery. The acquisition of Bernheim Distillery in 1999 marked a turning point, allowing the company to continue producing world-class bourbon. The VVS releases, with their maroon labels, are a nod to this resilience and a celebration of the brand’s enduring legacy.
The 2025 VVS is a testament to the skill of Heaven Hill’s distillers, who monitor each barrel’s progress over years, tasting and testing to find the perfect moment to bottle. This hands-on approach ensures that every VVS release is a snapshot of bourbon at its peak, capturing the essence of Kentucky’s whiskey-making tradition. For O’Driscoll and his team, it’s about more than just making whiskey—it’s about creating something that resonates with those who appreciate the craft.
Why It Matters to Whiskey Fans
For bourbon lovers, the Old Fitzgerald VVS is more than just a drink—it’s a connection to a storied past and a celebration of craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who simply enjoys a good pour, this whiskey offers something special. Its limited availability and exceptional quality make it a bucket-list bottle, one that sparks conversations around campfires, in tasting rooms, and at home bars across the country.
If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, the 2025 Old Fitzgerald VVS is best enjoyed slowly, perhaps with a few friends who appreciate the finer things. Pour it into a heavy glass, let it breathe, and take your time exploring its layers of flavor. It’s a whiskey that rewards patience, both in its creation and in its enjoyment.
For those who miss out, the Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond offers a taste of the same wheated bourbon heritage at a fraction of the cost. It’s a reminder that great whiskey doesn’t always have to be rare or expensive—it just has to be made with care. And at Heaven Hill, care is something they’ve been pouring into every bottle for nearly a century.
