FRANKFORT, Ky. — For those on the hunt for exceptional Kentucky bourbon to enhance their holiday festivities or to enrich their collection, there’s good news. The state has initiated its first-ever online auction featuring bottles of alcohol that were previously confiscated.
Among the coveted items available for bidding are two rare bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold adorned with Japanese markings, and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength from 2011.
This auction is made possible by a recent change in Kentucky law. Now, alcohol confiscated during closed criminal investigations by the state’s alcohol beverage control agency can be auctioned instead of being destroyed.
Bidding for these prized bottles opened on Wednesday and will continue until midnight on December 11. The funds generated from the auction will support initiatives that encourage responsible alcohol use among adults and raise awareness among youth.
Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, expressed enthusiasm about the auction, stating, “This is a really good auction. There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.”
While the total expected earnings from the auction remain unclear, the response is eagerly anticipated. Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, mentioned plans for additional auctions in 2025.
The auction features a total of 32 bottles, including a “stock the bar” bundle that comes with various beverages like wine, vodka, rum, and whiskey. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the rare bourbon selections.
Gregory noted how difficult it is to find some of these sought-after brands in retail stores. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold,” he remarked. The auction features other notable bourbons as well, such as E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare 10-year, and Weller Antique 107.
Prospective bidders should note that while auction items cannot be shipped, winners will need to collect their bottles in Frankfort.
This auction marks an exciting opportunity for bourbon lovers, shifting from a previous requirement where confiscated alcohol had to be destroyed. Gregory highlighted the desire to preserve quality bourbon instead of wasting it, stating, “We don’t like to see good bourbon poured down the drain.”
Kentucky is known for producing 95% of the world’s bourbon supply, making this auction a true celebration of the state’s rich whiskey heritage.
