On December 3, Old Fitzgerald Bourbon welcomed an intimate group of top-tier whiskey media partners to an exclusive evening at The Players Club in New York City. The event, set within the historic private arts and literary society, featured a fireside chat with Robert Simonson and Executive Chairman Max Shapira, who reflected on Old Fitzgerald’s storied heritage and the Shapira family’s multigenerational stewardship of American whiskey. Their conversation offered an unprecedented look into the brand’s history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance—a fitting backdrop for a night centered around some of the rarest Bourbons ever produced.

After enjoying a “Black Manhattan” made with Old Fitzgerald 7-year-old, guests were then given the rare opportunity to taste a pour of the John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced in 2015 and a pour of the 2025 Very Very Special Old Fitzgerald Bourbon. The tasting experience underscored the evolution of Old Fitzgerald’s unmistakable wheated mashbill and illuminated the brand’s enduring commitment to quality and tradition.

Plans are in the works for The Old Fitzgerald Archival Collection from Max Shapira to go to auction in the coming months. The collection includes the 1934 Old Fitzgerald 18-Year-Old, the 1965 Very Extra Old Fitzgerald 10-Year-Old, and the 2015 John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve 20-Year-Old—each serving as a snapshot of the brand’s evolution. Proceeds from the auction will benefit a charity.

In addition to a memorable, immersive experience with the brand, the event also offered a moment of pride for our team. Max appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box and Fox Business Network, further amplifying the brand’s message and the significance of this historic collection. The conversations centered on Old Fitzgerald’s legacy, the future of wheated bourbon, and the family’s ongoing dedication to preserving and advancing America’s native spirit.

The gathering at The Players Club served not only as a celebration of Old Fitzgerald’s past, but as a proud milestone for the teams who help bring this legacy to life. As the Archival Collection moves toward auction and new releases continue to reach shelves, the story of Old Fitzgerald carries forward—shaped by the work we all do, every day.