Sotheby’s will present The Great American Whiskey Collection, its first-ever live single-owner American whiskey auction, at the Breuer Building on Madison Avenue later this month. The 360-bottle collection across 320 lots carries an estimate of $1.17-$1.68 million and forms part of the auction house’s Visions of America series marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The private collection features rare bottlings from Old Rip Van Winkle, Old Fitzgerald, Red Hook Rye, Buffalo Trace, Michter’s, and Wild Turkey.
Production dates span from as early as 1900, with Old Rip Van Winkle bottles accounting for most of the collection’s value.
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READ THE STORYSeveral bottles will appear at auction for the first time, with many making their Sotheby’s debut.
The sale includes numerous private labels and exclusive single barrels from retailers including Sam’s, Binny’s, Blue Smoke, Delilah’s, and Old Advocate.
Highlights include an Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” (1982, 133.4 proof), the highest proof Van Winkle ever produced. It is one of just 60 bottles and is expected to sell for between $70,000-$100,000.
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Also on offer is a Very Very Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawk” 18 Year Old, a private bottling for the Wirtz family associated with the Chicago Blackhawks. The estimate for this bottle is between $50,000 and $80,000.
Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, Jonny Fowle, said, “The Great American Whiskey Collection stands as a testament to the collectability of truly rare Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. Never before have we witnessed a collection of such sought after bottles come to market from a single owner.”
“This is not just the most valuable American whiskey collection ever to be offered at auction,” he added. “It is the most meticulously curated, featuring the hardest to find bottles in the industry. This collection is truly a first in the world of American whiskey.”
The auction house currently holds the record for a post-Prohibition American whiskey bottle at $125,000. The top lot in the upcoming sale is expected to challenge or surpass that benchmark.
“The value, quality, and rarity of these bottles are unparalleled,” said Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, AVP.
“This is not just a great American whiskey collection,” he said. “It is the collection, bringing together the very finest examples ever produced. Each bottle tells a story, captures a moment in history, and preserves the lineage of a craft that continues to grow and evolve today.”
The sale represents the most valuable American whiskey collection ever to come to market through a single-owner auction format.
Sotheby’s Visions of America series comprises a week-long program of auctions and events celebrating American art, objects, and innovation throughout January.
Advanced online bidding will begin on January 8th. You can view the auction catalogue on Sotheby’s website.
