A. H. Hirsch
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A.H. Hirsch Bourbon was distilled in 1974 at the Michter's Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania — a single vintage that has become one of the most legendary and sought-after American whiskeys ever produced. When the distillery closed permanently in 1990, the remaining barrels were preserved and bottled over subsequent years, with the last of the stock released in limited quantities through specialist retailers. What you see in this collection is what remains.
The expressions at Wooden Cork span the full range of the A.H. Hirsch catalog: the 15 Year Gold Wax, 16 Year Gold Foil, 16 Year Blue Wax, 16 Year Gold Foil Humidor Edition, and the apex expression — the 20 Year Red Wax and 20 Year Finest Reserve. Each wax color and label variant identifies a different bottling run, with the Gold Foil and Red Wax designations among the most recognized by collectors. The 20 Year Finest Reserve is considered one of the greatest American bourbons ever bottled — a definitive pre-distillery-closure expression of Pennsylvania rye-influenced bourbon at full maturity.
The Hirsch name also appears on newer expressions including The Bivouac and other current releases from the brand's modern lineup, which are separate from the historic 1974 distillate. Both the historic and modern Hirsch expressions are available at Wooden Cork.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A.H. Hirsch Bourbon
What is A.H. Hirsch Bourbon?
A.H. Hirsch Bourbon was distilled in 1974 at the Michter's Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. When the distillery closed in 1990, the remaining barrels were bottled over the following years in limited quantities. The 1974 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest American whiskeys ever produced — a Pennsylvania-distilled bourbon of pre-Prohibition style at significant age.
What do the different wax colors mean on Hirsch bottles?
The wax seal colors identify different bottling runs and expression tiers. Gold Foil and Gold Wax identify the 15 and 16 Year releases; Blue Wax identifies a rare 16 Year variant; Red Wax identifies the 20 Year expression. The Red Wax 20 Year is the most sought-after and most valuable A.H. Hirsch expression.
What is the difference between the Hirsch 16 Year and 20 Year?
Both are from the same 1974 Pennsylvania distillation, but the 20 Year received four additional years of maturation, developing deeper complexity and concentration. The 20 Year Red Wax and 20 Year Finest Reserve are the apex expressions of the entire A.H. Hirsch catalog and command the highest prices among collectors.
Is A.H. Hirsch still being made?
The historic 1974 distillate from the original Michter's Distillery in Schaefferstown is finite — what remains is what exists globally. The Hirsch brand continues with new production expressions (including The Bivouac) that are separate from the legendary 1974 vintage stock.
What is Hirsch The Bivouac?
The Bivouac is a current-production expression from the Hirsch brand — a blended American whiskey separate from the historic 1974 Schaefferstown distillate. It carries the Hirsch name but is a distinct, more accessible product from the modern brand lineup.
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