The latest auction from Perth based Whisky Auctioneer is a range of rare American whiskies.
America has had a storied history of distilling since the 18th century.
But in 1920 America saw its (legal) production of whiskey ground to a halt with the introduction of strict Prohibition laws - an era that would become one of the most historically significant moments in American history.
Now almost a century later, a collection of over 500 whiskey expressions ranging from the pre-prohibition era to the present day are coming to online auction on Whisky Auctioneer.
Spanning over 100 years in total, the auction will represent a timeline of America’s distilling history, journeying through its periods of challenge and triumph.
The 10-day sale will run from 13-23 August and will feature some of the most sought after American and bourbon whiskeys ever produced.
The oldest bottle to feature in the auction will be an Old Overholt expression, distilled in 1908 in the years before prohibition.
Highly sought after bottles produced during America’s prohibition years will also feature, including Old Mock, I.W. Harper, and Harry E. Wilkin whiskeys.
Some of the most collectable bourbons in existence will feature in the sale, including expressions bottled under the guidance of Julian Van Winkle Jr. from the legendary Van Winkle family.
These consist of Pappy Van Winkle, Old Rip Van Winkle and Van Winkle Reserve bottlings, and also feature the very rare 1975 Special Reserve bottled exclusively for the Corti Brothers of Sacramento.
A variety of expressions from iconic brands such as Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Maker’s Mark will also be included.
The auction follows Whisky Auctioneer’s sale of the ‘Heart and Soul’ of Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection last year, which secured mass interest across the globe and an overall hammer price of $485,625 (£375,000).
And this interest in American whiskey is showing no sign of slowing down - Whisky Auctioneer has recorded a 600 per cent increase in the volume of whiskeys from the USA featuring in its auctions between 2016 and 2020, with value increasing by over 900 per cent in the same time period.
Other highlights in the upcoming auction that are expected to excite collectors and American whiskey lovers include:
Joe Wilson, head of content at Whisky Auctioneer, said: “We’ve seen interest in Bourbon and American whiskey soar over recent years.
"Once confined to small, passionate communities of “dusty-hunters” and online forums, the world of collectible bourbon is now a mainstream fascination.
"This auction celebrates the names that proved so influential in the evolution of this, from A.H. Hirsch and Van Winkle to Buffalo Trace.
"However, through a carefully curated selection of 20th century classics, this auction is also a ground-breaking opportunity to explore, engage with and ultimately own a piece of the story that continues to capture the hearts and minds of whiskey-lovers across the world.”
Peggy Noe Stevens, founder of the Bourbon Women Association and the world’s first female master bourbon taster, added: “This incredible American Whiskey auction is literally a treasure trove of some of the finest whiskey and vintage finds available on the market.
"In my 30 years as a spirits veteran and Master Taster, this one-of-a-kind collection is certainly one for the record books, pleasing any palate and showcasing the finesse and expertise of our famed Master Distillers.”
Whisky Auctioneer captured the attention of whisky lovers worldwide earlier this year during its record-breaking sale of American private collector Richard Gooding's Perfect Collection.
To register for the auction, click here
