Kentucky auctioning Van Winkle, Blanton’s, Maker’s Mark bourbons. How you can bid.
The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is launching its first online auction of confiscated alcohol, including 2 bottles of Van Winkle bourbon and a rare Blanton’s bourbon.
The auction, which is allowed under new legislation signed by Gov. Andy Beshear in April, allows Kentucky ABC to auction seized bottles to raise money for two alcohol education programs.
The auction opens online at abcportal.ky.gov/BelleExternal/Auction/ExternalAuctionView on Nov. 27 and closes at midnight on Dec. 11, according to a news release announcing the auction.
Anyone over 21 can bid on the 32 bottles, which must be picked up in Frankfort, Kentucky. Items cannot be shipped.
Bourbons include Van Winkle, Blanton’s
The auction includes two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a “stock the bar” bundle that includes bottles of wine, vodka, rum and Jack Daniel’s Vanilla.
Also available: Several bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, three individual bottles of Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011, Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup bottle signed by jockey Mike Smith, an Old Forester “Prohibition Repeal” gift set and more.
The auction does not appear to have any reserves set on the bottles. No estimate was released on what the auction might raise.
“We are proud to help finance educational programs that promote responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youth, including Project Prom and Project Graduation,” said ABC Commissioner Allyson Taylor in the news release. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025.”
