Heaven Hill Distillery has rolled out a new gem for bourbon enthusiasts with the release of Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Announced on June 3, 2025, this whiskey marks a fresh chapter for the iconic brand, blending tradition with a modern twist that’s sure to catch the attention of men who appreciate a good pour. This isn’t just another bourbon—it’s a nod to a 155-year legacy that’s been carefully crafted to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers looking for something approachable yet refined.
The Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond stands out as the brand’s new signature expression, a permanent addition to its lineup. Unlike the limited-edition decanters of the past, this bourbon is designed to be more accessible, with a suggested retail price of around $59.99 for a 700ml bottle. However, some retailers are listing it closer to $130, reflecting the high demand for anything bearing the Old Fitzgerald name. Still, its status as a year-round offering means bourbon hunters won’t have to scramble to secure a bottle, unlike the pricier, harder-to-find releases from the brand’s Decanter Series, which can fetch upwards of $500 on the secondary market.
Crafted at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, this bourbon sticks to the brand’s classic wheated mashbill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The result is a 100-proof whiskey that’s aged for seven years in Level 3 charred new American oak barrels. The aging process gives it a bright copper hue, with aromas of graham crackers and honey that invite you in. On the palate, it delivers a smooth mix of fresh bread, brown sugar, and baking spices, with a lingering finish of cinnamon sweetness and subtle oak. It’s a balanced sip that works just as well neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll calls the seven-year aging period a “sweet spot” for this wheated bourbon, striking a balance between the bold complexity of older expressions and a price point that won’t break the bank. “This refined bourbon carries the same layered elegance its longer-aged sibling made famous,” O’Driscoll said, emphasizing the distillery’s commitment to quality. The whiskey adheres to the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, meaning it’s distilled at a single distillery in one season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 50% ABV. This dedication to craftsmanship is a hallmark of Heaven Hill, which boasts the largest collection of Bottled-in-Bond brands in the industry.
The bottle itself is a departure from the chunky, diamond-faceted decanters of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, which began in 2018. Instead, it sports a sleek, slender design with elegant fluting on the shoulders and a diamond-faceted closure that pays homage to the brand’s 1950s aesthetic. The label proudly displays the “Bottled-in-Bond” designation and notes the distillation season and year on the neck wrap, a nod to transparency that bourbon purists will appreciate. The refreshed logo, featuring the phrase “Your Key to Hospitality” blown into the bottle’s base, harkens back to vintage ads from the late 1800s, when Old Fitzgerald was synonymous with warmth and good company.
That hospitality angle isn’t just marketing fluff. Old Fitzgerald’s history is steeped in it, from its origins in the late 1800s, when it was sold on steamships and in private clubs, to its survival through Prohibition and eventual acquisition by Heaven Hill in 1999. Executive Chairman Max Shapira, whose family founded the distillery in 1935, sees parallels between the brand’s journey and his own family’s story. “It mirrors my family’s story in many ways, having emigrated to the U.S. around the same time the Old Fitzgerald brand was just starting out,” Shapira said. “Today, we’re sharing Old Fitzgerald’s story, legacy, and quality with a new generation of whiskey lovers who will experience the key to hospitality.”
The bourbon’s release comes with a plan to celebrate that legacy through partnerships and experiences centered on hospitality, with details to be announced soon. Bottles are expected to hit retailers, restaurants, and bars nationwide starting in early summer 2025, making it a perfect addition to a Father’s Day gift list or a summer barbecue.
For men who enjoy unwinding with a quality drink, this bourbon offers a lot to like. It’s got the pedigree of a legendary brand, the craftsmanship of a distillery with nearly a century of experience, and a price that’s reasonable compared to the unicorn bourbons that dominate headlines. Plus, its versatility makes it a go-to for sipping solo or sharing with buddies over a poker game. The Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond has already earned a Gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving it’s not just hype—it’s a bourbon that delivers.
