A limited-edition bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon has set a new auction record, fetching an astonishing $125,000 (£96,450) at a Sotheby’s auction. This bottle, part of the Van Winkle Selection created by the Stitzel-Weller distillery for the 2007 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, had been estimated to sell for between $30,000 and $50,000 but exceeded all expectations.
The Van Winkle Selection is now recognized as the most valuable single bottle of post-prohibition American whiskey ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record of $107,715 for a Van Winkle 18-year-old bourbon sold by Binny’s.
Zev Glesta, a whiskey specialist at Sotheby’s, remarked that this sale represents a pivotal moment in American whiskey history, emphasizing the legendary status of Van Winkle bottlings and the booming market for fine and rare whiskeys. He noted, “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.”
This particular bourbon was bottled at full strength under the guidance of Julian Van Winkle III, the third-generation distiller, who also signed the bottle, enhancing its rarity and desirability. The bottle was dated 9-15-07 and boasted an impressive 62.8% alcohol by volume—the highest proof of any Van Winkle release ever produced.
The growing global demand for American whiskey is evidenced by this record-breaking sale, which showcases the unparalleled prestige of the Van Winkle name in the spirits world. Julian ‘Pappy’ Van Winkle Sr. founded the business in 1893, with the Old Rip Van Winkle brand later reintroduced by his son, Julian Van Winkle Jr. Following his death, Julian Van Winkle III took over and has since seen the brand distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery as part of a joint venture with the Sazerac Company.