Our January 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25th January 2026.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Bowmore – 1972 (Oddbins)

Glendronach – 33 Year Old

Lagavulin – 12 Year Old (White Horse) 75cl

Springbank – 27 Year Old (1967) SMWS 27.29

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

SOTHEBY’S UNVEILS
‘The Great American Whiskey Collection’

The Most Valuable Single-Owner American Whiskey Collection Ever Offered at Auction

Marking the First Live, Single-Owner American Whiskey Sale in History

Featuring Landmark Bottles from Old Rip Van Winkle, Old Fitzgerald, Willett and More

Live Evening Auction 24 January at the Iconic Breuer Building

Selected highlights from The Great American Whiskey Collection including Old Rip Van Winkle Single Barrels for Sam’s, Binny’s and Park Avenue Liquor, Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawks”, LeNell’s Red Hook Rye and an O.F.C. whiskey distilled in 1909

“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, 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.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits

NEW YORK, 7 JANUARY 2026 – Later this month, Sotheby’s will present The Great American Whiskey Collection, its first-ever live, single-owner American whiskey auction, offering the most valuable collection of its kind ever to come to market. The monumental sale will take place at the iconic Breuer Building on Madison Avenue. Estimated between $1.17–1.68 million, the collection comprises 360 bottles offered across 320 lots from a meticulously curated private holding. The landmark auction is part of Visions of America, a week-long auction and event series celebrating American art, objects, and innovation, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.

Assembled over many years by a dedicated collector, The Great American Whiskey Collection features an extraordinary selection of some of the rarest and most sought-after bottles of Bourbon and Rye ever bottled. The sale includes numerous private labels, exclusive single barrels, and historic bottlings that are now virtually impossible to source, with several appearing at auction for the very first time and many making their debut at Sotheby’s.

Spanning production dates as early as 1900, the collection is anchored by exceptional examples from Old Rip Van Winkle, which account for most of the collection’s value, alongside landmark bottles from Old Fitzgerald, Red Hook Rye, Buffalo Trace, Michter’s, and Wild Turkey. Sotheby’s currently holds the auction record for a bottle of post-Prohibition American whiskey at $125,000, and the sale’s top lot is expected to challenge—or surpass—that benchmark.

This collection stands as a testament to the Van Winkle legacy, offering the strongest representation of the family’s heritage and lineage ever presented at auction. Many of the Van Winkle single-barrel selections—bottled for Sam’s, Binny’s, Blue Smoke, Delilah’s, and Old Advocate—were produced in extremely limited quantities, with most being consumed in the subsequent years, leaving only the rarest remnants. These bottles capture both the artistry of their time and the resilience of the American whiskey industry during periods of challenge. Today, they rank among the most prized and valuable American whiskeys in existence.

The bottles in this auction come directly from the cellar of a single owner who meticulously assembled the collection over a period of many years, and stored them in his own custom-built home bar

• Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” (1982, 133.4 proof): $70,000–100,000: Bottled exclusively for Sam’s Wines & Spirits in Chicago, only 60 bottles were produced, the highest-proof Van Winkle ever released
• Van Winkle 18 Year Old “Binny’s” (1985, 121.6 proof): $60,000–80,000: Exclusive single-barrel bottling
• Very Very Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawk” 18 Year Old (1950, 121.0 proof): $50,000–80,000: Private bottling for the Wirtz family of Chicago Blackhawks fame
• LeNell’s Red Hook Rye Barrels #1–4: $24,000–35,000 each: Only 852 bottles exist across all four, among the most celebrated rye whiskeys in the world

Alongside Van Winkle, the collection features historic Old Fitzgerald Blackhawk bottlings and rarities from Buffalo Trace, Michter’s, and Wild Turkey. These thumbprints of American whiskey represent not only the apex of craftsmanship but also the preservation of history and community within the category.

“The value, quality, and rarity of these bottles are unparalleled,” added Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, AVP. “This is not just a great American whiskey collection—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.”

Selected highlights from the sale will be available to view from today on Sothebys.com, opening for advanced online bidding on 8 January. The complete catalogue can be viewed here.

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

*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.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

“Balance of Power” Announced as the next Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction Lot, in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 2026) — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced the next installment of the “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

“Balance of Power” is the next auction lot in the series of 12 outstanding lots from the many prestigious bourbons to be auctioned in a spirited nod to the classic “12 Days of Christmas.” The countdown will culminate with the twelfth lot announcement in January of 2026, America’s 250th anniversary year. More lots will be announced through the event’s culmination in February.

“As we enter America’s 250th anniversary year, the principle of balance of power reminds us why this country endures,” said Andrew Varga, KBCA Founder. “At the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction, we’re honoring those founding ideals by pairing meaningful American stories with exceptional bourbon experiences, including this Four Roses Private Selection. ‘Balance of Power’ reflects our commitment to celebrating the values that shaped the nation while using America’s native spirit to bring people together for a greater cause.”

The Second Lot of Bourbon

Titled “Balance of Power,” the newly revealed lot honors one of America’s founding principles and highlights the art of balance as expressed in the offering of a Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Pick.

The lot features a private barrel selection personally chosen by Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Drawn from one of the distillery’s ten unique bourbon recipes, this barrel represents Elliott’s expert vision and showcases the precision, harmony and depth that define the Four Roses style.​

​As part of the Four Roses Private Barrel program, this selection reflects the distillery’s singular approach to bourbon-making. Four Roses is the only major distillery to combine two distinct mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains, creating a framework of ten recipes that allow for remarkable range and nuance. The chosen barrel exemplifies the thoughtful interplay of these elements, resulting in a bourbon that is complex, refined and exceptionally balanced.

“This barrel is a great example of how balance comes to life in our bourbon,” said Tracy Thornsberry, Brand Director at Four Roses Distillery. “From recipe selection to maturation, every decision is intentional, and this particular barrel reflects the depth of character and craftsmanship we strive for in every release.”

The result is a one-of-a-kind bourbon selected at the highest level of the distillery, offering bidders a rare opportunity to own a highly curated expression of Four Roses’ legacy, defined by structure, nuance and enduring quality.

“Balance of Power” follows the announcement of KBCA’s first revealed lot, “Freedom,” and is part of a series of rare and exclusive offerings that will be unveiled in the lead-up to 2026, the official anniversary year of the United States.

Proceeds from the KBCA will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, reinforcing the event’s mission to honor America’s native spirit while giving back to those who have protected its freedoms.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

“Freedom” is First Auction Lot, in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary

• Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience at Heaven Hill Distillery is first offering
• Winner gets to select their own barrel of Elijah Craig Bourbon, one of the most awarded bourbons in esteemed Heaven Hill Distillery’s portfolio
• Selecting a personal barrel for bottling is a rare opportunity for bourbon enthusiasts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) have announced the launch of the “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.

Between now and the end of the year, KBCA will unveil 12 outstanding lots of the many prestigious bourbons to be auctioned in a spirited nod to the classic “12 days of Christmas,” culminating with the twelfth lot announcement upon the arrival of 2026, America’s 250th anniversary year. More lots will be announced up until the event culmination in February.

“The 12 Lots of Bourbon campaign is about more than simply revealing the hard-to-find, once-in-a-lifetime bourbons that people will have the opportunity to taste and own at our event,” said Andrew Varga, KBCA Founder. “It’s about telling the story of bourbon with the same excitement as a kid awaiting Christmas and celebrating our native spirit as a uniquely American art that honors the values that have shaped our nation for nearly 250 years.”

The First Lot of Bourbon

The “First Lot of Bourbon,” entitled “Freedom,” pays tribute to the most fundamental American value and sets the tone for a series of extraordinary offerings rooted in history and craftsmanship.

The Freedom lot features an exclusive Elijah Craig single-barrel selection experience at Heaven Hill Distillery, inviting the winning bidder to step inside one of Kentucky’s most storied bourbon houses and participate in the deeply personal art of barrel selection. The experience includes guided tastings with distillery experts and the chance to choose a barrel for bottling, a rare opportunity for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike.

Elijah Craig is widely credited as the “Father of Bourbon” for allegedly being the first to age whiskey in new, charred oak barrels. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey was recently named Whisky Advocate’s  Whisky of the Year, further elevating the significance of this “First Lot of Bourbon” and reinforcing its place among the most prestigious offerings in American whiskey.

“Elijah Craig stands as an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship and ingenuity,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “We are honored to showcase what this brand stands for at the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction with this unforgettable experience that embodies freedom, tradition and the time-honored spirit that connects us all.”

Proceeds from the KBCA will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, reinforcing the event’s mission to honor America’s native spirit while giving back to those who have protected its freedoms.

For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on social media.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction

The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”

Our first collection schedule of 2026 has now been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in our free collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 12th January 2026.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Our December Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 4th January 2026.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Macallan – Easter Elchies (2010)

Mortlach – 75 Year Old (1939) Gordon & MacPhail (Generations)

Tomintoul – 45 Year Old (1973 Vintage) 

Karuizawa – 1999-2000 (Unique Cuvee) Samaroli 

Strathisla – 1960 (Gordon & MacPhail)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Welcome one and all to our now live 175th auction!  We hope you are all having a tremendous festive season, with many a dram and mince pie close to hand.  As with every month there are literally thousands of high quality bottles in the auction to choose from, so to get your watchlist started we’ve picked out a few special drams to shine a light on.

Let’s start with a bang shall we?  This incredibly distinguished dram is the Macallan 40 Year Old The Red Collection.  This is an absolutely astounding release from Macallan which showcases their mastery of sherry wood ageing.  Individually numbered and signed by Macallan’s first female Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell, this whisky is as special as they come.

Next up is the one that started it all for this up and coming farm distillery in the heart of the Kingdom of Fife, this is the Daftmill 2005 Inaugural Release.  A marriage of three casks which produced the relatively small outturn of 629 bottles, this is a light whisky in the Lowland style and helped to establish Daftmill in the crowded distillery landscape as one to watch.

From the Kingdom of Fife to the Land of the Rising Sun, this rather delicious looking dram is the Hanyu 1991 Cask #370.  Hanyu Distillery has long gone the way of the dodo, and so stocks of the remaining liquid are precious and scarcely available.  This whisky has been bottled by the good people at the Number 1 Drinks Company whose foresight helped bring this lost treasure to market.

And finally, we have an absolute classic of a dram, this darkly inviting whisky is the Glengoyne 28 Year Old.  Unfussy packaging, no bells and whistles or marketing gimmicks, just really good whisky at a (relatively) fair price.  Glengoyne has long been a favourite of ours here at SWA and drams such as this one are the reason why.As always we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

www.clickwhiskyauctions.com