Rare Willett Distillery Bottles Signed by Pope Francis Soar Past High Estimate at Sotheby’s – Auction Whiskey News
TWO RARE WILLETT DISTILLERY BOTTLES SIGNED BY POPE FRANCIS ACHIEVE REMARKABLE PRICES AT SOTHEBY’S SPIRITS AUCTION
“This sale was a fitting finale to Sotheby’s remarkable year in spirits auctions. The prices realized for these exceptional Willett Distillery bottles speak to their rarity, craftsmanship, and the meaningful story behind them. We are honored to have facilitated a sale that blends history, artistry, and philanthropy.”
Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist
NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2024 – On Saturday, Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey | Seasonal Spirits auction, the final spirits auction of the year in New York, concluded with outstanding results, achieving $1.3 million overall and underscoring Sotheby’s position as a global leader in fine and rare spirits. Held as a live auction at Sotheby’s New York, the event saw strong bidding for a curated selection of exceptional bottles, including two Willett Distillery bourbons signed by Pope Francis, which collectively achieved impressive prices far exceeding their pre-sale estimates.
The first bottle, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, realized $13,750, while the second bottle, celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” also achieved $13,750. Together, these rare items marked historic highlights in the sale, which also featured some of The Macallan’s most coveted releases, exceptional offerings from the Van Winkle stable, and a bottle of Willett Family Estate signed by Tom Brady.
Proceeds from the Pope Francis and Tom Brady-signed bottles will benefit Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, TX; Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic in Lexington, KY; the Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko; and PAWs 4 the Cause in Lexington, KY. These charitable contributions reflect the profound values of faith and generosity embodied by Pope Francis.
Fr. Jim Sichko, Diocesan Evangelist and Papal Missionary of Mercy, commented: “These bottles are not just collector’s items—they are symbols of hope and compassion, created to do good in the world. I am deeply moved by the generosity of the bidders, and I know the proceeds will make a lasting difference for the charities they support. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis,Bishop Stowe,OFM, conv., and Tom Brady for their inspiration and support in making this initiative possible—it’s a testament to the incredible impact we can have when we come together for a greater cause.”
About Sotheby’s
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the previous record total of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private collection of wine ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest total ever achieved for a charity wine auction (Hospices de Beaune).
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.
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