Old Fitzgerald 16 Year Decanter 100 Proof

16 years. 100 proof. Bottled-in-Bond. Heaven Hill's wheated bourbon mashbill in the iconic Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter — the same design inspired by the original 1950s Old Fitzgerald bottle.

Old Fitzgerald's Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series presents Heaven Hill's wheated bourbon at various age statements across spring and fall annual releases. The 16 Year is among the more age-forward expressions in the series, offering deeper dried fruit, oak concentration, and vanilla than younger BiB releases while retaining the characteristic wheat-softened sweetness that defines Old Fitzgerald's profile.

The Bottled-in-Bond designation — championed by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. and enshrined in the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act — ensures single season, single distillery production at exactly 100 proof from a federally bonded warehouse. For Old Fitzgerald, this certification also means the tax strip on each bottle transparently documents exactly when the barrels were distilled and bottled. The diamond decanter shape honors the original 1950s Old Fitzgerald packaging, connecting the modern BiB program directly to the brand's pre-Prohibition and post-Prohibition heritage.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh and dried fruits — dried apricots and apple peel, caramel, nuts, and a subtle touch of toasted oak from the extended aging.
• Palate: Concentrated and complex — a butterscotch core enhanced by dried apples, raisins, vanilla, and a hint of black pepper from 16 years in the barrel.
• Finish: Lasting and warm — the wheated bourbon's characteristic caramel softness persisting through a rich, satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
• Style: Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond
• Age: 16 years
• Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
• Size: 750ml

Explore all Old Fitzgerald expressions or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the diamond decanter design? The Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter shape was inspired by the original 1950s Old Fitzgerald bottle — the brand's classic packaging from its Stitzel-Weller era. Each BiB Decanter release uses this design as a visual connection to the brand's deep historical roots.
• How does Old Fitzgerald's wheated mashbill affect the flavor? Using wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain produces a softer, sweeter, more caramel-forward profile. Wheat-based bourbons — including Old Fitzgerald, Pappy Van Winkle, and W.L. Weller — are generally described as more approachable and gentler than rye-recipe bourbons. At 16 years, the wheat character is fully integrated with the oak.
• Is there a difference between spring and fall Old Fitzgerald BiB releases? Spring editions carry a white label; fall editions carry a black label. The distinction refers to the distillation season of the barrels — each edition uses barrels from a specific season, making the label color a collector identifier within the series.
• Is the 16 Year Decanter still available? In limited quantities. Old Fitzgerald BiB releases sell quickly and are not restocked.