Blade And Bow 24-Year-Old Set To Drop…For A Charity Auction

The older the American whiskey, the more likely it seems to first travel the charity auction circuit. We first saw this a little earlier this year with the unveiling of some very old bourbons from Buffalo Trace, which will first be released to non-profits for fundraising purposes and are expected, in some cases, to fetch upwards of $10,000. Now word comes from Diageo of a 24-year-old Blade and Bow bourbon expression, set to be sold off literally lock, stock, and barrel through Christie’s Auction House on December 9.

Diageo claims this is the only known barrel of Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old. Whether or not this is just Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old held back a little later was not indicated, but the fact the spirits giant is going the charity route takes things in a different direction, as all proceeds from the sale will benefit Robin Hood, New York’s largest poverty-fighting organization.

Here are some more specifics on the whole thing from Diageo:

Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old contains bourbon distilled at The Stitzel-Weller Distillery before its shut down in 1992. This rare 24-Year-Old whiskey was barreled on Nov. 22, 1991 and is 93.4 proof. This fine spirit begins with notes of well-aged cedar, campfire and soft leather. The finish includes sweet notes of vanilla bean, light caramel and raisin. A precious 34 bottles of Blade and Bow 24-Year have been waiting years to be enjoyed, so it’s important to sip slowly and responsibly.

The lot up for auction contains all 34 750 ml. bottles, artfully displayed in beautiful Blade and Bow bottles, as well as the barrel the bourbon was aged in. Blade and Bow donated the complete lot to nonprofit Robin Hood, who has consigned the auction and will receive all proceeds.

Adult bourbon aficionados wishing to participate in the auction can attend in person at Christie’s New York Auction House located at 20 Rockefeller Plaza or make bids online or via telephone.  The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9.  Those unable to attend in person can visit the Christie’s website for more information, to register in advance of the auction or bid in advance through absentee ballot. More details on registration and bidding are here. Learn more about Robin Hoodand their programs here.

“Stitzel-Weller is a Cathedral of Bourbon where some of the country’s most respected bourbons were distilled and aged,” said Brand Director Jeff Parrott in a prepared statement.  “This lone barrel of Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old contained whiskey distilled by the many legends who have called Stitzel-Weller home. We think it’s a great opportunity to share a piece of bourbon history with our fans. We’re thrilled the proceeds will be going to such a noble cause of community building, benefitting New Yorkers in need.”