In the heart of Kentucky, where the air carries the sweet scent of aging oak barrels, the Speed Art Museum is gearing up for what might just be the most exciting event for any guy who appreciates a good pour. On September 18, the museum kicks off its annual Art of Bourbon auction, blending the worlds of fine art and fine whiskey in a way that's become a must-attend for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This year's lineup is stacked with some of the hardest-to-find bottles out there, plus unique experiences that let winners dive deep into the bourbon-making process. It's not just about bidding—it's about owning a slice of history while supporting a great cause.
The event splits into two parts: an in-person gathering at the museum and a live online option for those who can't make the trip. For folks heading to Louisville, doors swing open at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, giving everyone a chance to mingle during a cocktail hour before the main action starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets run $350 a pop, but that covers more than just entry—it includes bourbon tastings from top names and a full seated dinner featuring dishes inspired by the spirit itself. Space is tight, so grabbing tickets early through artofbourbon.org is key. On the flip side, the online auction is open to anyone at no cost, though you'll need to register on the site to place bids. It's a smart setup that lets bourbon fans from coast to coast join in without leaving the couch.
What really sets this auction apart are the lots themselves—28 in total, packed with rarities that could make any home bar the envy of the neighborhood. Take the Evan Williams 23-Year-Old, for instance. This one's from 1966, the debut year for that age statement from the distillery, and it's expected to fetch around $7,000. Then there's the Van Winkle Family Reserve 20-Year from 2006, personally signed by Julian Van Winkle III, a Louisville legend in his own right. Bidders are looking at about $5,000 for that gem. Not to be outdone, the A.H. Hirsch 16-Year, distilled back in 1974, carries a reputation as one of the all-time greats, with an estimate hovering at $3,000.
Other standouts include the Berghoff Bottled in Bond 8-Year, a 100-proof beauty made by the Stitzel-Weller Distillery specifically for a Chicago restaurant. That's pegged at $6,000. And for something truly one-of-a-kind, there's "The Chair's Sipper"—a set of four 100-proof Old Forester bottles honoring Campbell Brown's retirement from Brown-Forman in July 2025. Brown signed each one himself as a nod to the museum, and he even threw in a 2024 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon at 107 proof to round it out. The estimate? They call it priceless because of the personal touch—it's the kind of lot where if you know, you know.
The auction doesn't stop at single bottles. There's a whole section dubbed "Vintage Legends," featuring dusty old finds like an Old Crow Traveler Fifth, a 1960s Old Fitzgerald decanter, some Echo Spring, and a John Cambert 5-Year-Old. These are true one-offs; once they're snapped up, they're gone for good. It's the thrill of chasing down bottles that harken back to a time when bourbon was crafted with a no-frills approach, each one telling its own story from decades past.
For guys who dream of going beyond the shelf and getting hands-on, the auction offers four exclusive barrel lots. These aren't your average buys—they're full custom barrels straight from powerhouse distilleries. First up is the Dareringer from Rabbit Hole, a wheated bourbon aged in heavy-char barrels and finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks from a top Spanish cooperage. It's got that rich, layered flavor profile that's perfect for sipping slow on a quiet evening.
Then there's a single barrel of Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, drawing from a family recipe that's over 150 years old. It's got that rugged, pioneering spirit baked right in. Bardstown Bourbon Company's Origin Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon comes next, one of the first 100 barrels in their single-barrel release. This stuff was entirely made on-site—distilled, aged, and bottled there—and it snagged the title of highest-rated bourbon worldwide from the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Rounding out the barrels is a single pick from Green River Whiskey, one of the industry's rising stars that's been turning heads with its bold, authentic taste.
This year marks a fresh twist: tasting tables scattered around the venue where attendees can sample pours and chat directly with the folks behind the brands. Expect to rub elbows with representatives from heavy hitters like Heaven Hill, Brown-Forman, and Maker's Mark, alongside up-and-comers such as 15 Stars and Augusta Distilling. Other names pouring include Angel's Envy, Mary Dowling from Rabbit Hole, Buzzard's Roost, Old Commonwealth, and even Diageo brands. It's like a backstage pass to the bourbon world, where you can pick brains, swap stories, and discover new favorites without the usual crowds.
Now in its eighth year, the Art of Bourbon has built a solid reputation, pulling in serious collectors from all over who treat it like a high-stakes game. To date, it's raised more than $2 million, all going straight to the museum's education programs and exhibitions. That means every bid isn't just about scoring a trophy bottle—it's about keeping art alive in a place that's as much a part of Kentucky's fabric as the distilleries themselves.
Leading the charge is Fred Minnick, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and one of the top voices on bourbon. He's been the emcee since the start, working hand-in-hand with the museum to curate these rare finds. "Since 2018, I've teamed up with the Speed to bring out the most uncommon whiskey bottles and experiences, pulling in millions for this spot," Minnick shared in a recent statement. He gets the bigger picture: "These rare whiskeys can really boost one of the country's top art museums. We've got the old-school vintage stuff and the fresh, one-of-a-kind picks. These insider bourbons don't pop up every day."
Marc Abrams, a Louisville-based bourbon pro serving as this year's chair, echoes that sentiment. "It's rare to snag these kinds of bottles. You're grabbing a piece of history," he said. "Our regulars know to expect the classics here at the Speed—after all, we're right in the middle of bourbon territory." Bill Menish handles the gavel as auctioneer, keeping things lively and fair.
Prominent collectors often step up, either showing up to bid or donating from their personal stockpiles, adding to the event's prestige. It's a community thing, where the love for bourbon crosses paths with giving back. For anyone who's ever savored a dram while pondering the craft behind it, this auction is a reminder of why the spirit endures—timeless, complex, and always worth the chase.
To get the full scoop, check out the catalog, snag tickets, or sign up for online bidding at artofbourbon.org. Whether you're in it to win a barrel or just to watch the action unfold, September 18 promises to be a night that bourbon fans won't soon forget.
