The dice were hot and rolling at a recent Sotheby’s Auction. Reported Friday, March 21, setting a new record for American Whiskey auction sale (post prohibition) at $125,000 for this lone bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle “Van Winkle Selection” Kentucky Bourbon Festival Master Distiller’s Auction 2007.
Projected to fetch an estimate range of $30,000 to $50,000, Sotheby’s notes this ultra-rare bottle captivated collectors with its unique provenance, likely containing whiskey from the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery, and its historical significance as one of the highest-proof Van Winkle releases ever produced. The previous record was $107,715 for Van Winkle 18-year-old Bourbon for Binny’s, a price that includes buyer’s premium and tax.
The bottle, which has not been seen in nearly 20 years, was originally created for the 2007 Kentucky Bourbon Festival and hand-bottled at full strength under the supervision of Julian Van Winkle III. Its label, designed by Preston Van Winkle, and the glass, signed by Julian P. Van Winkle III and dated 9-15-07.
Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, commented: “This sale marks a defining moment in the history of American whiskey, underscoring the legendary status of Van Winkle bottlings and the continued strength of the fine and rare whiskey market. Bringing such a remarkable piece of American whiskey history to auction is a testament to the growing appreciation for the craft and heritage of American distilling.”
View the full auction catalog from this auction HERE.
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