On January 24, 2026, a bottle of Kentucky bourbon shattered records at an auction in New York City, fetching a staggering $162,500. This remarkable sale at Sotheby’s included the hammer price of $130,000, along with applicable buyer’s premiums and fees.

The bourbon in question is a rare 1982 bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel "Sam’s." Distilled at the prestigious Stitzel-Weller distillery on December 7, 1982, and bottled on May 25, 2003, only 60 bottles of this exceptional whiskey were ever made, making it one of the rarest American whiskies in history.

With a robust 133.4 proof, this bourbon represents the highest alcohol by volume (ABV) in Old Rip Van Winkle’s bottling history, contributing to its desirability among collectors. The auction featured "The Great American Whiskey Collection," Sotheby’s inaugural live auction solely for American whiskey, showcasing 360 bottles amassed over many years. Notably, this collection contained some of the most sought-after and rare bottles ever created, with production dates reaching back to 1900.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, expressed the significance of the collection, stating that it exemplifies an unprecedented level of rarity and curation in American whiskey. In addition to the prized Old Rip Van Winkle, the auction also featured rare selections from Buffalo Trace, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, and other esteemed brands.