Attention, Queer Community: Don't Miss This Show-Stopping Whisky Release

Sunday, 17 August 2025 at 17:03Sotheby's

IW Harper 34 Year Old Kentucky Straight bourbon

Sotheby’s is soon to host a remarkable premier. The famed auction house has the privilege of conducting an auction for the rarest and oldest bourbon from I.W. Harper. It’s the unveiling of the I.W. Harper 34 Year Old Kentucky Straight bourbon, in collaboration with actor Colman Domingo.

This article was previously published on our Dutch website.

FAQ

Which distillery does the I.W. Harper 34 Year Old Kentucky Straight bourbon originate from?
The bourbon was distilled in 1989 at the Stitzel-Weller distillery, the original birthplace of illustrious brands like Pappy Van Winkle.
How did actor Colman Domingo get involved with the project and the related charity?
The queer actor was invited by the distillery to co-orchestrate the release of the whiskey.
What makes this bottle so valuable for collectors and enthusiasts?
It's not often that a 34-year-old Kentucky Straight bourbon makes its debut. The yield of this bourbon is also very limited.

The rarest Kentucky Straight bourbon from I.W. Harper

I.W. Harper has announced its oldest and rarest ever release: a 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

The bourbon was distilled in 1989 at the American Stitzel-Weller Distillery and allowed to mature for over 34 years in four American oak casks. After maturation, only eleven bottles were retrieved from the casks, bottled at 63.1 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

Consequently, it is not only the oldest release of I.W. Harper, but also the scarcest Kentucky Straight bourbon from the brand. Hence, the bottle won't be seen on the shelves of liquor stores.

Exclusive auction at Sotheby’s

Instead, five of the eleven bottles will be auctioned at Sotheby's. The Kentucky Straight bourbon will go under the hammer in New York, between July 24 and August 7.

Nicole Austin, Diageo Director of American Whiskey Development, articulates they were on the lookout to do something outstanding with the whiskey.

'These barrels were designated for I.W. Harper years ago, and I've been waiting for the opportune moment to do something truly special.'

- Nicole Austin

The anticipated proceeds from the whiskey will entirely support Native Son, an organization devoted to aiding Black queer men. The expected range is between $3,000 and $5,000 per bottle. Given the scarce release and the whiskey’s age, this is a modest estimation.

Colman Domingo's personal involvement

Actor and director Colman Domingo (known from series like Fear the Walking Dead and The Madness) helped shape the project surrounding the bourbon. For him, this release centers around visibility and legacy. The actor, being queer himself, has a direct connection with the whiskey release.

The bottle housing the bourbon was designed by Michelle Cadore, a Brooklyn-based designer. She merged fashion with style and history for the bottle.

The destination of the other bottles of I.W. Harper 34 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon has not been announced.

Fun fact: The Stitzel-Weller distillery, where this bourbon was created, is often referred to as "the cathedral of bourbon." Besides this whiskey, other beloved brands like Pappy Van Winkle and Bulleit also trace their origins back here.