In a move that has bourbon enthusiasts buzzing, Stitzel-Weller Distillery has unveiled its most exclusive release yet: the I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This ultra-rare spirit, distilled in 1989 and aged for over three decades, marks a historic moment in the brand’s 150-year legacy. With only 11 bottles in existence and just five available for purchase, this limited-edition bourbon is set to make waves at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, running through August 7, 2025. What makes this release even more compelling is its partnership with acclaimed actor and director Colman Domingo and its commitment to supporting Native Son, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black queer men.
The I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Bourbon is a testament to patience and craftsmanship. Crafted from four carefully selected barrels laid down at the iconic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Kentucky, this whiskey has been nurtured for 34 years to achieve a cask strength of 63.1% ABV. Unlike many modern releases that lean heavily on bold tasting notes, this bourbon is designed to be experienced firsthand, offering a balanced profile shaped by decades in new charred oak barrels. It’s a spirit that embodies restraint and refinement, reflecting the quiet confidence that has defined I.W. Harper since its founding by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim in the 1870s.
Image credit: I.W. Harper
Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, has been a key figure in bringing this project to life. She describes the release as deeply personal, noting that the barrels were earmarked for I.W. Harper years ago. “I knew how special this whiskey was,” Austin said. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to do something meaningful with it. This is the rarest release in I.W. Harper’s history, a liquid carefully tended for over three decades.” Her dedication to honoring the brand’s past while pushing the boundaries of American whiskey shines through in this one-of-a-kind offering.
The collaboration with Colman Domingo, a two-time Oscar-nominated actor, director, and philanthropist, adds a layer of cultural significance to the release. Domingo, known for his work in projects like Euphoria and The Four Seasons, has long championed representation and community. His involvement in the I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Bourbon goes beyond a celebrity endorsement—it’s a reflection of shared values. “This release feels personal,” Domingo said. “As a Black queer man, I understand the importance of visibility and support. Choosing Native Son as the charity partner was deliberate—it aligns with the whiskey’s focus on legacy, cultural expression, and creating space for celebration.”
Image credit: I.W. Harper
All proceeds from the Sotheby’s auction will go to Native Son, a nonprofit inspired by James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son. The organization works to amplify the voices of Black queer men through community-building, leadership opportunities, and cultural initiatives. This charitable component elevates the release beyond a collector’s item, making it a meaningful contribution to a cause that resonates deeply with Domingo and the Stitzel-Weller team.
The bourbon’s presentation is as thoughtfully crafted as the liquid itself. Brooklyn-based creative Michelle Cadore designed a couture-inspired wrist piece and silk scarf that accompany the bottles, drawing inspiration from themes of fashion, resistance, and identity. These elements tie into broader cultural conversations about heritage and expression, making the release not just a whiskey but a storytelling vessel. The packaging reflects I.W. Harper’s longstanding ties to Black culture in America, where the brand has been a symbol of sophistication and resilience for generations.
Sotheby’s, the exclusive platform for the auction, is no stranger to rare whiskey sales, but this release stands out even among their prestigious offerings. Zev Glesta, a Spirits Specialist at Sotheby’s, called the bottles “a collector’s dream.” He highlighted their historical significance, noting that they were distilled in 1989, a pivotal time in American whiskey history. “These bottles are exceptionally well-aged, bottled at cask strength, and represent five of only 11 in existence,” Glesta said. “What makes them even more special is that the proceeds support Native Son, a cause we’re proud to champion.”
Bidding for the I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Bourbon opened on July 24, 2025, with an estimated starting value of $3,000 to $5,000 per bottle. Given the rarity and cultural weight of the release, experts anticipate fierce competition among collectors. The auction, accessible via Sothebys.com, offers a rare chance to own a piece of whiskey history while contributing to a worthy cause. For those lucky enough to secure a bottle, the experience promises to be as profound as the story behind it.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery, located just five miles from downtown Louisville, has long been a cornerstone of the American whiskey industry. Opened in 1935 on Kentucky Derby Day, it earned a reputation for producing exceptional wheated bourbons like Old Fitzgerald and W.L. Weller under the leadership of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. Today, owned by Diageo, the distillery continues to innovate while honoring its storied past. The I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old release is a prime example of this balance, blending tradition with a forward-thinking commitment to community and cultural impact.
For bourbon aficionados, the allure of this release lies not only in its scarcity but in its connection to a broader narrative. I.W. Harper has always been more than a brand—it’s a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and cultural resonance. The 34-Year-Old Bourbon builds on that foundation, offering a rare opportunity to taste history while supporting a cause that looks to the future. As the auction unfolds, it’s clear that this release is more than a bottle of whiskey—it’s a celebration of heritage, identity, and the enduring power of a well-told story.
