A single bottle of bourbon recently made headlines when it sold for an incredible $125,000 at a Sotheby’s auction, setting a new benchmark for American whiskey sales after Prohibition. This wasn’t just any bottle—it was the Old Rip Van Winkle “Van Winkle Selection” from the 2007 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Master Distiller’s Auction. The sale, finalized on March 21, 2025, has whiskey enthusiasts and collectors buzzing about its rarity and historical value.
The auction took place at Sotheby’s New York as part of their Whisky & Whiskey online event, which ran from March 5 to March 21, 2025. Experts had predicted this bottle would bring in between $30,000 and $50,000, but the final price blew those estimates out of the water. What drove the price so high? For starters, this bottle is one of a kind. It hasn’t surfaced in nearly two decades, making it a true unicorn in the bourbon world. Plus, it’s believed to contain whiskey from the iconic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, which shut down in 1991. That connection alone adds a layer of nostalgia and prestige that collectors crave.
Image credit: Sotheby’s
The story behind this bottle is just as fascinating as its price tag. It was crafted specifically for the 2007 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, an annual celebration of the state’s whiskey heritage. Julian Van Winkle III, a legend in the bourbon industry and the third generation of the Van Winkle family to carry on the tradition, personally oversaw its creation. He hand-bottled it at full strength, clocking in at an impressive 125.6 proof (62.8% ABV)—one of the highest-proof releases Van Winkle has ever produced. The label was a family affair too, designed by Julian’s son, Preston Van Winkle, while the bottle itself bears Julian’s signature and the date 9-15-07, adding a personal touch to its legacy.
Before this sale, the record for the most expensive post-Prohibition American whiskey at auction was $107,715, set by a Van Winkle 18-year-old bourbon bottled for Binny’s, a Chicago retailer. That price included buyer’s premium and tax, but the $125,000 paid for the 2007 “Van Winkle Selection” surpassed it, marking a new high point for the category. Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist Zev Glesta didn’t hold back his excitement about the sale. He called it a “defining moment” for American whiskey, pointing out how it highlights the growing fascination with rare bottlings like this one. “This bottle is a piece of history,” he said, emphasizing how it reflects the craftsmanship and heritage that make American whiskey so special.
The Van Winkle name has long been tied to bourbon royalty. The family’s journey in the industry stretches back generations, with all their whiskey production now happening at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, thanks to a partnership that began in 2002. Before that, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery was their home base, and many collectors believe this 2007 bottle contains some of that prized pre-1991 liquid. That possibility only adds to its allure, as Stitzel-Weller’s closure marked the end of an era for the brand.
What makes this sale even more remarkable is how it stacks up against other high-profile bottles in the same auction. For example, a rare Macallan Distil Your World Mexico Single Cask Limited Edition—one of just two bottles ever made—sold for $81,250, with proceeds going to a charity called Esperanza International. While that’s an impressive figure, it didn’t come close to the Van Winkle’s record-breaking haul. The Sotheby’s event showcased a range of coveted whiskeys, but the 2007 “Van Winkle Selection” stole the show, proving that Van Winkle’s pull in the collector’s market is stronger than ever.
This isn’t the first time Van Winkle has made waves at auction. Back in 2022, Sotheby’s sold a collection of American whiskeys for $1.63 million, setting a record for the most valuable auction of its kind. The demand for Van Winkle bottles has only grown since then, fueled by their scarcity and the mystique surrounding the brand. The 2007 bottle’s journey to $125,000 wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of passionate bidders recognizing its one-of-a-kind status. After all, this isn’t a bottle you’ll find on a store shelf. It’s a snapshot of bourbon history, bottled nearly 18 years ago and untouched since.
For those who follow the bourbon market, this sale is a sign of where things are headed. American whiskey, once overshadowed by Scotch in the auction world, is now commanding serious attention—and serious money. The $125,000 price tag isn’t just about the liquid inside; it’s about the story, the rarity, and the legacy of the Van Winkle family. From its roots at Stitzel-Weller to its modern-day home at Buffalo Trace, the brand has built a reputation that keeps collectors coming back for more.
So, what’s next for Van Winkle at auction? If this sale is any indication, the sky’s the limit. The 2007 “Van Winkle Selection” may have set a new record, but with the brand’s cult following and the ever-shrinking supply of its oldest releases, it might not hold that title for long. For now, though, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of American whiskey—and a reminder that some bottles are worth far more than their weight in gold.
