Unicorn hunters, rejoice: There’s another chance for you to pick up a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle or Blanton’s. According to The New York Times, the state of Kentucky is auctioning off a bunch of bottles that it confiscated from closed criminal investigations, so starting today you have the chance to bid on some illicit booze to add to your home bar.
This auction is taking place thanks to a new law that was signed into effect last April, granting the state the power to “offer confiscated alcohol for auction upon completion of any criminal or administrative case,” according to the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. It’s also stipulated that the proceeds will go to the Alcohol Wellness and Responsibility Education (AWARE) Corporation.
There are some real gems that are up for auction, and while it’s not all whiskey, that category is likely to get the most attention. From the Pappy Van Winkle lineup, produced in partnership with the Buffalo Trace distillery, there are 10-year-old bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle available, the lowest age statement in that lineup. Also from Buffalo Trace are bottles of Eagle Rare 10 Year, several member of the E.H. Taylor family, Weller Antique 107, and various Blanton’s expressions (including Gold and some store pick single barrels). There’s also Old Fitzgerald – Counties of Ireland, a ceramic decanter that dates back to 1973, Michter’s whiskey that was distilled in Pennsylvania and bottled for export, a Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup release that is signed by jockey Mike Smith, and a Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch from 2011. Overall, that’s a pretty good haul of collectible bourbon.
“We are proud to help finance educational programs that promote responsible alcohol use by
adults and awareness programs for youth, including Project Prom and Project Graduation,” said
ABC Commissioner Allyson Taylor in a statement. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025.” You can view the entire list at the Kentucky ABC website now, and the auction will run until December 11 at midnight. You must be 21 or older to place a bid, and all bottles must be picked up in person in Frankfort, KY.
