The latest collection of rare whiskeys to hit the auction block comes from author and historian Dr. Paul S. Hirsch, who is putting his unicorn bottles up for sale via Bonhams Skinner next month. The Distinguished Distilleries: Rare Spirits auction runs from June 4 – 18, and includes notable releases from names like Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, and Willett.
Hirsch has been collecting rare American whiskeys for about 25 years. He lost his leg after being hit by a car in 2000, and while recovering from this terrible accident he started collecting whiskey. This was a good time to start a rare hooch habit because it would be another few years before names like Pappy would take off to become the unicorns they would eventually become. His first bottle was Old Weller Original 107 Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which he found at a local liquor store, and from there he would go on to procure many other labels while getting his PhD in history. He started a business called Barrel Strength Consulting along the way, and continued to scour shelves for dusties and new bottlings. “The hunt for American whiskies provided my second education in history and a primary education in generosity and hospitality,” said Hirsch in a statement. “As a disabled American, my mobility was, and remains, limited, but finding wonderful bottles of whiskey enabled me to host tastings, dinner parties, and post-meal sipping sessions that sometimes ran until morning.”
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There are 47 bottles in total going up for auction next month, with some expected to sell for as much as $15,000. Some of the highlights include Willett Family Estate 25 Years Old Bourbon with black wax, which is estimated to go for $15,000 to $20,000. This bottle, part of the Willett family’s Private Barrel Selection, was initially selected for drinks chain BevMo and has been described as a “Chocolate Monster.” Another bottle from Willett in the collection is Family Estate 21 Years Old Bourbon with gold wax, which could fetch up to $15,000. This wheated bourbon was selected by K&L Wine Merchants, and many believe it contains whiskey at the old Stitzel-Weller distillery (that is unconfirmed, however). Other bottles that will hit the auction block are Pappy Van Winkle 20 Years Old ($3,000 – $4,000), W.L. Weller 12 Years Old Single Barrel ($3,000 – $5,000), and Karuizawa 31 Years Old from 1981 ($10,000 – $15,000).
If you’re interested in registering for this auction, you can visit the website to find out more.
