A. H. HIRSCH Reserve Pot Still 15 Year Old Gold Wax

The A.H. Hirsch Reserve originated with Adolph Hirsch, a former Seagram’s executive who commissioned a production of Pennsylvania pot still rye whiskey in 1974 at the Michter’s Stiegel-era distillery in Schaefferstown. This historic site is considered one of America’s oldest distillery locations, with roots extending back to before the Revolutionary War. Produced from a rye-forward mash and distilled in authentic copper pot stills, the whiskey was placed into barrels by Hirsch and largely left untouched as Michter’s began experiencing financial problems. After the distillery closed in 1989, the remaining barrels were purchased and bottled as A.H. Hirsch Reserve, preserving the whiskey just as Hirsch had laid it down 15 years earlier.

The finished whiskey stands apart from nearly every other American release. It is an authentic pot still rye distilled in 1974 at a Pennsylvania distillery whose traditional copper pot still methods, dating back to the pre-Prohibition era, had nearly disappeared elsewhere in the country. Julian Van Winkle III, a member of the renowned Van Winkle bourbon family, also contributed to the preservation and distribution of the Hirsch Reserve, further linking the bottle to one of the most respected names in American whiskey. The Gold Wax edition, presented in a 700ml European export bottle, represents the Continental release of this historic spirit. “Perfect Wax” is the term collectors use for bottles with a completely intact, undamaged wax seal, representing the highest condition grade within the Hirsch collector market.

Specs

Distillery: Michter’s Pot Still Distillery, Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, closed in 1989
Style: Pennsylvania Pot Still Rye Whiskey
Distilled: 1974
Bottled: 1990
Age: 15 Years
Seal: Gold Wax — Perfect Wax, intact seal
Size: 700ml, European export format

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the A.H. Hirsch Reserve regarded as one of the most celebrated American rye whiskeys?
The Hirsch Reserve is often viewed as a vital link between America’s earliest whiskey traditions and the modern era. It is one of the final commercially bottled examples of authentic Pennsylvania pot still rye produced at a pre-Prohibition-era distillery. Distilled in 1974 using methods that had nearly vanished elsewhere, the whiskey cannot be recreated because the distillery has closed, the original equipment no longer exists, and the remaining 1974 barrels have been depleted.

What does Perfect Wax mean, and why is it important to collectors?
A.H. Hirsch Reserve bottles were finished with distinctive wax seals. The term Perfect Wax refers to a bottle whose seal remains fully intact and free from damage. This is considered the highest physical condition grade among Hirsch collectors, and the quality of the wax can significantly influence provenance, presentation, and collector value.

How is the 700ml Gold Wax bottle different from the domestic US version?
The 700ml bottle was produced for the European export market and is slightly smaller than the standard 750ml domestic format. The Gold Wax designation refers to the specific wax color used for this variation of the Hirsch Reserve bottling.

Is the A.H. Hirsch Reserve 15 Year Gold Wax still available?
Yes. One Perfect Wax bottle is currently available. It is considered one of the most historically important American whiskey bottles offered in the Wooden Cork catalog.