Rare Bourbons Hit the Auction Block at Speed Art Museum’s Annual Art of Bourbon Auction

The Speed Art Museum will host its annual Art of Bourbon auction on September 18, 2025, showcasing some of the rarest whiskeys in the world.

The live auction will run from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST, with museum doors opening at 6 p.m. EST. The online auction is free to join but requires registration at artofbourbon.org.

Rare Bottles and Unique Collectibles

Auction highlights include:

Evan Williams 23-Year (1966) – the first year the distillery released this expression. Estimate: $7,000.
Van Winkle Family Reserve 20-Year (2006), signed by Julian Van Winkle III. Estimate: $5,000.
A.H. Hirsh 16-Year (1974), considered one of bourbon’s legendary releases. Estimate: $3,000.
Berghoff Bottled in Bond 8-Year, 100 Proof, distilled at Stitzel-Weller for Berghoff’s Chicago restaurant. Estimate: $6,000.
“The Chair’s Sipper”, a collection of Old Forester bottles signed by former Brown-Forman Chairman Campbell Brown, plus a 2024 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. Estimate: Priceless.
Vintage Legends, a set of rare “dusties,” including Old Crow, Old Fitzgerald, Echo Spring, and John Cambert’s.

Exclusive Barrel Experiences

Four lots will allow winning bidders to secure their own custom barrel, including:

Dareringer by Rabbit Hole Distillery, finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks.
Bulleit Bourbon Single Barrel, inspired by the brand’s historic family recipe.
Bardstown Bourbon Origin Series Single Barrel, one of the first 100 barrels distilled, aged, and bottled at the facility.
Green River Single Barrel Pick, a new standout in the bourbon industry.

Distillers and Tastings Add to the Experience

For the first time, tasting tables will be available, featuring pours and conversations with distillers and brand owners. Participants include legacy distilleries such as Heaven Hill, Brown-Forman, and Maker’s Mark, alongside newer names like 15 Stars and Augusta Distilling. Angel’s Envy, Mary Dowling/Rabbit Hole, Buzzard’s Roost, Old Commonwealth, and Diageo brands will also be represented.

Supporting the Speed Art Museum

Now in its eighth year, the auction has raised more than $2 million to support the Speed’s education programs and exhibitions. Wall Street Journal-bestselling author and bourbon critic Fred Minnick will emcee the evening, while Louisville-based bourbon expert Marc Abrams serves as event chair. Bill Menish will act as auctioneer.

Fred Minnick commented, “These rare whiskeys can make a huge impact on one of our country’s best art museums. We have the vintage and rare, and the new and unique. These sort of in-the-know bourbons don’t come up very often.” Abrams added, “It’s not every day you can get your hands on these. You’re buying a piece of history in a bottle.”

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