16 years. Black Wax. Mint Wax condition. A.H. Hirsch Reserve — the single most mythologized American whiskey collectible, Pennsylvania straight rye whiskey distilled at the Michtér's Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania in 1974, the same year the distillery closed permanently, released under the A.H. Hirsch label by Preiss Imports.

The Black Wax label identifies the specific Preiss Imports presentation format, with the Mint Wax condition indicating the wax seal is in exceptional preserved state. Pennsylvania rye had been the dominant American whiskey tradition before Prohibition — this was a direct descendant of that tradition, distilled in its final years before permanent closure.

Specs

• Distillery: Michtér's Distillery, Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania (closed 1989)
• Style: Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey
• Distilled: 1974
• Bottler: Preiss Imports — A.H. Hirsch label
• Age: 16 years
• Wax: Black Wax — Mint Wax condition
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is A.H. Hirsch Reserve considered the greatest American whiskey collectible? It is Pennsylvania straight rye distilled at Michtér's Schaefferstown in 1974, the year the distillery permanently closed. It is the last whiskey from a defunct production era and distillery, making it literally irreplaceable.
• What is the difference between the Black Wax and Gold Wax? Both are from the same 1974 Pennsylvania rye distillation. Black Wax and Gold Wax identify different Preiss Imports presentation formats. The Gold Wax Spring 1974 designation commands a premium above the Black Wax.