Final Papal Series Release Marks Historic Moment.
Father Jim Sichko of Kentucky has unveiled the final installment of his collectible “Papal Series” of bourbon releases, marking the occasion of the election of the first American-born Pope, Pope Leo XIV. For the first time, the series features an 11-year Willett Family Estate Wheated Bourbon, bottled at 125 proof, crafted in partnership with Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen and a panel of industry experts and executives.
Limited Bottles Available via Auction, Raffle, and Direct Donation
Beginning November 11, collectors can bid on 25 bottles through an online auction, with opening bids set at $750 each. Three additional bottles will be raffled for $100 per ticket, with 100 tickets available. Both the auction and raffle close on November 18 at 10 p.m. ET.
Learn more here!
For those seeking guaranteed access, bottles may be secured through a $1,267 charitable donation, a nod to Pope Leo XIV being the 267th pontiff. A limited number of bottles will also be available at Ernie’s Spirits in Lexington for the same donation amount.
Proceeds Benefit Charitable Initiatives
As with previous releases, proceeds support multiple charitable causes connected to Father Jim’s humanitarian work. Father Jim is one of only 100 Papal Missionaries of Mercy in the United States. Father plans to personally present Bottle No. 1 to Pope Leo in May 2026.
This year’s release supports:
- Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) – providing financial support to 60 former jockeys living with paralysis and brain injuries.
- Trooper Island Camp – a Kentucky State Police initiative that offers free summer camp experiences for underprivileged youth.
- Father Jim’s charitable outreach – including recent efforts aiding families impacted by Texas flooding and Kentucky tornadoes.
Selection Team Includes Distilling and Industry Leaders
The 2025 release was selected by Fr. Jim and Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen, joined by:
- Bishop John Stowe, Diocese of Lexington
- Tim Mapes, Delta Air Lines
- Tim Di Carlo, media and advertising executive
- Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s
- Pablo Moix, Rare Character Whiskey
- Joel Wilbur, Life of Luxe podcast
A Continued Tradition of Rare, High-Impact Releases
Father Jim previously partnered with Sotheby’s New York in 2024 to auction Willett bottles signed by Pope Francis and Tom Brady, following a 10-year Willett release commemorating the anniversary of Pope Francis’ election in 2023.
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