A remarkable selection of vintage whiskeys, including a 1966 Very Old Fitzgerald distilled under the supervision of Pappy Van Winkle, a 1941 bottling of Golden Wedding, a 1947 Old Forester, and a 14-year-old Dowling Deluxe from the 1960s, will be among the standout offerings at the highly anticipated seventh annual Art of Bourbon auction. Kicking off on Thursday, September 12, 2024, this prestigious event promises to captivate whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

The Art of Bourbon, held in partnership with the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, is not just any bourbon auction—it’s an elegant gala that has earned a reputation as one of the finest bourbon events of the year. Proceeds from the event support the museum’s outreach initiatives, including educational programs, summer camps for youth, and community family days. This year’s auction features 35 exclusive lots, ranging from rare bottles to unique barrel selection experiences, making it a must-attend for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Event Chairman and renowned bourbon collector Marc Abrams provides insights into some of the most extraordinary auction items.

Featured Auction Highlights

A Complete 2023 Pappy Van Winkle Vertical, Signed by Julian Van Winkle III
While full sets of Van Winkle bottles are not uncommon at auctions, this set holds particular significance. “Very few sets are signed by Julian Van Winkle himself,” Abrams explains. “We even have photos of him signing the bottles, which will be included with the set.” Donated by former Louisville Mayor Greg Fisher, who won the set in a charity auction, this exceptional collection is expected to fetch more than $20,000.

Boone County 12 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon
Abrams praises Boone County for its masterful sourcing from MGP. “This bottle is incredibly flavorful and will likely be one of the more affordable options of the night,” he adds. Estimated at around $1,000, this is an excellent opportunity for bidders seeking a high-quality bourbon at a lower price point.

2017 Michter’s 25 Year Old Bourbon
An extremely rare offering, only 317 bottles of this 25-year-old bourbon were released in 2017. “It’s one of the most limited expressions available,” Abrams notes. With a potential auction price reaching up to $30,000, it’s sure to attract significant attention.

1976 Bicentennial Commemorative Bourbon
Considered a true “unicorn” in the bourbon world, this 16-year-old bourbon, distilled at Willett in 1959, could hammer for as much as $50,000. The first single barrel selected by legendary distiller Gordon Hue, this bottle comes with a unique backstory. “A friend won a wheelbarrow of standard bourbons at a church raffle, and among them was this bottle,” Abrams recalls. “He didn’t know its value, but I offered him $1,000 and decided to donate it after researching its history.”

Two Tickets to Bourbon Lore’s Fall Champions Experience
This exclusive experience offers a VIP tasting at Heaven Hill, led by Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. Participants will tour renowned distilleries such as Evan Williams, Bernheim, and Heaven Hill’s Bardstown facility, culminating in a special blending exercise inside a rickhouse.

Baxus Collector’s Package
Donated by Baxus, a whiskey authentication and vault company, this package includes two exceptional Japanese exports: a 1992 Wild Turkey 101 8-year-old and a 2016 Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel.

1992 Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
From Louisville’s acclaimed bourbon bar and bottle shop, Neat, comes this coveted 1992 release of Blanton’s. This particular bottle is especially valuable due to its early release date and its inclusion of the original box and hang tag.

Private Dinner by Chef Ed Lee
Renowned chef Ed Lee will host an exclusive dinner for you and seven guests at his celebrated 610 Magnolia restaurant in Louisville. In addition, Marc Abrams and Fred Minnick will serve as bourbon stewards for the evening, offering pours from their personal collections. “No one will be disappointed with the lineup,” Abrams laughs. “I might bring a Four Roses Al Young or an Old Commonwealth St. Paddy’s Day decanter from the 1980s, filled with great Stitzel-Weller juice.”