In a unique blend of faith, fine bourbon, and charity, rare bottles of Kentucky bourbon signed by Pope Francis and NFL legend Tom Brady are set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting several charitable organizations. The auction, slated for December 7 in New York, has already opened for online bidding and is drawing significant attention for its unusual offerings.
Bourbon Meets Benevolence
The bottles were procured and signed under the guidance of Father Jim Sichko, a Kentucky-based priest who serves as a Papal Missionary of Mercy. Known for his creative charitable initiatives, Fr. Sichko leveraged his relationship with the Holy Father to craft a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and philanthropists alike.
Image credit: Sotheby’s
Two of the bottles, signed by Pope Francis himself, are rare Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Bourbons, specially produced to commemorate significant milestones. One celebrates the Pope’s 10-year anniversary, while the other honors the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2025. A third bottle, signed by retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady, adds a sports-world twist to the auction.
Image credit: Sotheby’s
A Rare Papal Signature
Obtaining Pope Francis’ autograph is a rare feat, and to Fr. Sichko’s knowledge, this marks the first time the pontiff has signed bourbon bottles. The priest, known for presenting gifts of Kentucky bourbon during his visits to the Vatican, shared that the Pope has a favorable opinion of the spirit, even once praising a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle as "very good bourbon."
Fr. Sichko brought the specially crafted bottles to the Vatican earlier this year, where Pope Francis graciously signed them. Humorously, the Pope inquired which of the bottles was his. Sichko responded, laughing, that neither bottle was for personal consumption, as both were destined for the auction block to support charitable causes.
Charities Benefiting from the Auction
The proceeds from this unique auction will support multiple charitable organizations, including Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, Texas; Maxwell Street Legal Clinic, which provides legal assistance to immigrants in Kentucky; a no-kill animal shelter in Kentucky; and a ministry led by Fr. Sichko himself.
Each charity reflects a cause close to Pope Francis’ heart. The Maxwell Street Legal Clinic aligns with his advocacy for migrants, while the animal shelter nods to St. Francis of Assisi, the Pope’s namesake, known for his love of animals. The hospice and Sichko’s ministry further highlight the mission of service and care.
Sotheby’s Role and Auction Details
Sotheby’s, one of the world’s premier auction houses, has generously waived its fees for this event, ensuring all proceeds go directly to the charities. The bottles are expected to fetch up to $20,000 each, thanks to their rarity and the high-profile individuals involved.
The auction house has emphasized the unique nature of these items, stating that collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike are unlikely to see another opportunity of this kind. With the Pope’s signature adding a spiritual significance and Tom Brady’s autograph appealing to sports fans, the bottles are predicted to spark intense bidding.
Fr. Sichko’s Bourbon Tradition
Fr. Sichko’s connection to bourbon runs deep, rooted in Kentucky’s rich whiskey-making heritage. His tradition of presenting Kentucky bourbon to Vatican officials began in 2018, when he gifted Pope Francis a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. The gesture gained widespread attention, solidifying Sichko’s reputation as a creative fundraiser.
The Willett bottles offered in this auction stem from “barrel picks” specifically chosen by Fr. Sichko. A barrel pick allows for the selection of a single barrel, yielding a limited number of bottles with unique labels. For these commemorative bottles, Sichko reserved the first from each barrel, dedicating them to charity.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The auction represents a unique confluence of faith, philanthropy, and Kentucky’s storied bourbon tradition. For collectors, this is an unparalleled chance to own a piece of history while supporting meaningful causes. As Fr. Sichko notes, “The addition of Pope Francis’ autograph on two rare bottles of Kentucky Brown Water—and one bottle signed by football icon Tom Brady—creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise money to support four deserving charities.”
Whether bidders are drawn by their love of bourbon, admiration for the Pope, or support for the causes, the auction stands as a testament to the power of creativity in charitable giving. With online bidding already underway, the anticipation builds for the live auction event in December.
