A bottle of Van Winkle 18-Year-Old Bourbon has shattered auction records, becoming the most expensive bottle of bourbon ever sold at an impressive $107,715. Sold through Unicorn Auctions, the bottle's final price includes a hammer price of $86,000, plus a 15% buyer’s premium and a 10.25% tax. This sale has captured attention not only for its record-breaking amount but also for the unique qualities and story behind the bourbon itself, which was distilled in 1985 and bottled in 2003 for Chicago’s Binny’s Beverage Depot. This Van Winkle 18-year-old bourbon, affectionately known as "Binny's 18" among collectors, stands as a testament to the growing enthusiasm for ultra-rare American whiskies.
The Unique Appeal of Binny's 18
The allure of Binny's 18 goes beyond its age and price tag. This bottle was distilled at the now-closed Stitzel-Weller Distillery, known as a historic cornerstone in American whiskey production. Founded by bourbon pioneer Julian Van Winkle Sr., the Stitzel-Weller distillery became famous for producing some of the earliest and most sought-after Van Winkle bourbons. This specific batch of Van Winkle bourbon was distilled on June 10, 1985, just a few years before the distillery ceased operations in 1992. When the bourbon was finally bottled in 2003 as a private release for Binny's Beverage Depot, it was done at barrel proof, unfiltered, with a high alcohol volume of 60.8% ABV—the second-highest proof ever released for a Van Winkle bottle.
The rarity and unique qualities of Binny’s 18 have made it one of the crown jewels among bourbon enthusiasts. In its early days, it retailed for just $119.99—a far cry from the five-figure sums it commands today. This shift reflects the increasing interest in collecting bourbon, which in recent years has become a high-stakes market. Back when Binny's 18 was bottled, bourbon was largely viewed as a drink to enjoy rather than a collector's investment, and very few people saved bottles for future sales.
The Record-Breaking Auction at Unicorn
The October auction hosted by Unicorn marked the first time a bottle of Binny's 18 had ever been sold at a major auction house, setting a new standard for bourbon auctions in the process. Unicorn Auctions, Chicago's premier online platform for rare spirits, has built a reputation as a destination for collectors worldwide. The platform has seen remarkable growth since its inception, with over four million bids placed and $85 million in sales generated to date. According to Unicorn CEO Phil Mikhaylov, this historic sale underscores the dedication of collectors and the platform’s role in bringing rare and highly coveted spirits to the public.
The sale also positioned Binny’s 18 within a select category of record-breaking bourbons. Previously, the record for the most expensive 750ml bourbon bottle sold was held by a 1969 release of Very Very Old Fitzgerald Blackhawk 18, which went for $100,100. Both Binny’s 18 and the Fitzgerald Blackhawk share similarities: they are unfiltered, high-proof bourbons aged for 18 years. However, Binny’s 18 has now surpassed the Fitzgerald in value, marking a new milestone in the bourbon market.
The Van Winkle Legacy and its Impact on Whiskey Collecting
The Van Winkle brand, founded by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle, is one of the most revered names in American whiskey. Known for producing top-quality bourbons and rye whiskeys, the brand has developed a devoted following over the years. After Stitzel-Weller’s closure, Van Winkle production moved to the Buffalo Trace Distillery, yet the whiskeys distilled at Stitzel-Weller retain a particular mystique and historical significance that makes them exceptionally valuable to collectors.
In the past, high-priced whiskey auctions were typically dominated by Scotch and Japanese whiskies, but the sale of Binny’s 18 reflects the rising status of American bourbon on the global stage. The Van Winkle brand itself has contributed significantly to this growth, as collectors view its whiskeys as almost legendary. Other private releases, such as the Twisted Spoke, Delilah's 10th Anniversary, and Sam’s 20-Year, have also become collector’s items, especially among Chicago whiskey aficionados.
Comparing to Other Record-Setting Whiskey Sales
Despite its groundbreaking nature, Binny's 18 is not the highest-priced bourbon in all categories. That title goes to a six-liter bottle of 1982 Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned Copper Bourbon, which sold for $154,000. The most expensive whiskey ever sold overall was not an American whiskey but a Scotch: a Macallan 1926 Adami, which sold at Sotheby's in 2023 for a staggering £2,187,500 (about $2.7 million). These record-breaking sales reflect both the diversity of whiskey collectibles and the scale of global demand for rare spirits, which shows no signs of slowing.
A Growing Market for American Whiskey Collectors
The sale of Binny’s 18 demonstrates the increasing appeal of American whiskey on the secondary market, where bottles like Van Winkle 18-Year-Old are highly sought-after and frequently exceed their pre-sale estimates. This shift mirrors trends seen with Scotch and Japanese whiskies, as the American bourbon market matures and gains an international following. For collectors, these sales reinforce the value of bourbon as a collectible asset, with Unicorn Auctions and other platforms making it easier to buy, sell, and manage collections.
Ultimately, the $107,715 sale of Binny's 18 is a milestone for the bourbon market, highlighting the legacy of the Van Winkle brand, the rarity of bottles from the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, and the dedication of a new generation of collectors. As American bourbon continues to rise in prominence, it’s clear that these historic bottles hold both cultural and investment value.
