The Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection from Max Shapira Auction Benefit Bernheim Forest.
Old Fitzgerald announced that three historic bourbons from the personal archive of Heaven Hill Executive Chairman Max Shapira will be offered through a forthcoming Sotheby’s whisky auction. The collection, titled The Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection from Max Shapira, includes bottles spanning pre-Prohibition production through the modern revival of the brand under Heaven Hill Distillery stewardship.
The online auction will take place through Sotheby’s as part of its Whisky & Whiskey sale running June 11-26, 2026. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, the 16,000-acre protected forest founded by bourbon maker Isaac Wolfe Bernheim in 1929 near Louisville, Kentucky.
Three Historic Old Fitzgerald Bottles Included in the Auction
The collection includes a 1934 Old Fitzgerald 18-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled in 1917 and bottled in 1934 at 100 proof. According to the release, the whiskey was distilled by A. PH. Stitzel prior to the formation of the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery and represents one of the last bourbons produced before Prohibition. The pint-sized bottle was aged through Prohibition and bottled shortly after repeal.
Also included is a 1965 Very Xtra Old Fitzgerald 10-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled in 1955 during the Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle era at Stitzel-Weller. Bottled specifically for “Colorado Electric Co.,” the whiskey is presented in a red box set with two tasting glasses and features the wheated mash bill style associated with Old Fitzgerald.
The third bottle is the 2015 John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2015. The release notes this expression was produced from barrels acquired when Heaven Hill purchased the Old Fitzgerald brand and Bernheim Distillery assets. Only 3,000 bottles were produced, each packaged in a handcrafted wooden box featuring a keyhole design referencing the brand’s heritage.
Max Shapira Reflects on the Collection
“Each of these bottles is a snapshot of Old Fitzgerald through the ages,” said Shapira. “They tell the story of a brand that has survived and thrived through every chapter of American whiskey history, of which Heaven Hill is a proud part. I’m honored to now share them in a way that will support a meaningful charitable cause.”
Auction Details and Availability
Bidding for the Sotheby’s online Whisky & Whiskey sale opens June 11 and closes at noon ET on June 26, 2026. Fans unable to participate in the auction can still explore current Old Fitzgerald releases, including the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the twice-annual Decanter Series expressions.
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