The Kentucky based Old Fitzgerald Bourbon has announced that it is offering a rare glimpse into its past with the auction of three exceptional releases.

The Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection from Max Shapira, which will be auctioned by Sotheby’s during its online Whisky & Whiskey auction, has been curated from the personal archives of Heaven Hill’s Executive Chairman.

The trio of bottles represents decades of Bourbon craftsmanship, tracing Old Fitzgerald’s evolution from its pre-Prohibition roots to its modern revival under Heaven Hill’s stewardship.

Each bottle serves as a time capsule of its era, showcasing the artistry, resilience and refinement that have defined Old Fitzgerald for generations. Collectively, they capture the enduring legacy of a brand that has shaped the American whiskey landscape for more than 150 years.

The Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection from Max Shapira comprises:

Old Fitzgerald 18-Year-Old (1934) Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Distilled in 1917, this 100-proof pre-Prohibition Bourbon was produced by A. Ph. Stitzel, which later became part of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Distilled during a period when many distilleries were shutting down or shifting production to support wartime efforts, this whiskey was likely among the last produced before Prohibition. Aged through some of the nation’s most defining historical moments and bottled shortly after the repeal of Prohibition, it’s said to embody the rebirth of America’s Bourbon tradition.

Very Xtra Old Fitzgerald 10-Year-Old (1965) Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Distilled in 1955 and bottled exclusively for “Colorado Electric Co.” in 1965, this expression is presented in a striking red box set with two tasting glasses. It captures the height of the Julian ‘Pappy’ Van Winkle era at Stitzel-Weller. With its wheated mash bill, Bottled-in-Bond designation and decade-long maturation, it’s said to epitomise Van Winkle’s vision of Bourbon perfection.

John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve 20-Year-Old (2015) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2015, this release represents the final link between the brand’s Stitzel-Weller legacy and Heaven Hill’s modern stewardship. When Heaven Hill acquired the Old Fitzgerald brand through its purchase of the Bernheim Distillery, it also acquired 12 barrels of Stitzel-Weller Bourbon. After two decades, the whiskey from those barrels was transferred to inert tanks to halt maturation. Bottled at 90 proof, it’s said to reveal the depth, elegance and complexity of a Bourbon matured to its peak.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Founded by Bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim in 1929, Bernheim is a 16,000-acre protected forest located just 30 minutes south of Louisville. With a mission to connect people with nature, Bernheim offers educational programmes, 40 miles of hiking trails, acclaimed art installations and extensive plant collections.

Commenting on the announcement, Max Shapira, Heaven Hill’s Executive Chairman, said: “Each of these bottles is a snapshot of Old Fitzgerald through the ages. They tell the story of a brand that has survived and thrived through every chapter of American whiskey history, of which Heaven Hill is proud to be a part. I’m honoured to share them in support of such a meaningful charitable cause.”

The Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection from Max Shapira, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s via its website between June 11th – 26th.