The Couture-Inspired, Ultra-Rare Spirit Honors the Brand's Legacy of Black Excellence, and Will Be Exclusively Auctioned Via Sotheby's to Benefit Native Son
LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stitzel-Weller Distillery proudly introduces the rarest release in I.W. Harper's 150-year history: I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Crafted from just four legacy barrels laid down in 1989 and matured for 34 years at the iconic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Kentucky, this ultra-limited expression represents a first-of-its-kind intersection of whiskey craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and community. Launched in collaboration with two-time Oscar nominated actor, director and philanthropist Colman Domingo, this release is both a reflection of enduring style and an intentional celebration of identity, individuality, and artistic expression. A testament to the liquid's rarity, only 5 bottles will be sold (out of only 11 total in existence), exclusively consigned via global auction at Sotheby's in New York, with proceeds donated to Native Son , a movement, community, and platform created to inspire, empower, and amplify the visibility of Black queer men.
Colman Domingo launches the auction of a rare I.W. Harper 34 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey via Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting Native Son’s mission of empowering Black gay and queer men with visibility, community, and leadership opportunities. Photo credit: Sekou Luke
"As someone who cares deeply about legacy and representation, this release feels personal," Colman Domingo shared. "As a Black queer man, I know how vital visibility, support, and community are. Choosing Native Son as the charity partner was intentional—it reflects the same values we're honoring through the whiskey: legacy, cultural expression, and creating space to be seen and celebrated. I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old isn't just about rarity; it's about storytelling that honors both past and future."
That legacy is not just defined by time in barrels, but by the stories and cultural threads that surround it. Founded by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, I.W. Harper has long stood as a symbol of refinement and quiet confidence within Black culture in America – respected for its historic ties and resonance across generations. Continuing that mission into the future, proceeds from the auction of I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old will directly benefit Native Son's mission, reinforcing the release's dual role as an exceptional whiskey and a meaningful cultural message.
Distilled in 1989 and matured for over three decades at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Kentucky, I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old was blended from four hand-selected barrels, carefully preserved and bottled at cask strength, 63.1% ABV. The result is a whiskey that speaks to quiet patience and considered stewardship – crafted not just to age, but to endure.
"I held onto this whiskey knowing exactly how special it was," said Nicole Austin, Diageo's Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities. "These barrels were marked for I.W. Harper all those years ago, and I've been waiting for the right moment to do something truly meaningful with them. This release is the rarest in the brand's history—a liquid that's been carefully stewarded for 34 years. As someone who has spent my career honoring the past while helping shape what American whiskey can be, this project has been incredibly personal. It's a way to spotlight I.W. Harper's legacy through a lens of true rarity and reverence."
Every element of I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old was developed through that lens, from the couture-inspired wrist piece to the silk scarf by Brooklyn-based creative Michelle Cadore . This release draws visual and conceptual inspiration from the themes of fashion, resistance and identity, ideas powerfully explored in wider cultural works that have shaped the conversation around heritage and expression.
Rather than relying on heavy-handed tasting notes, I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old is defined by its structure and restraint – an experience meant to be understood first-hand by the select few who will have the chance. It carries a profile shaped by decades in new charred oak, offering a rare balance that reflects both the craft of American Whiskey and I.W. Harper's signature quiet confidence.
I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old will exist solely as this ultra-limited, once-in-a-lifetime release, available exclusively through Sotheby's via auction benefiting Native Son.
"These remarkable bottles take center stage – distilled in 1989, they mark a special moment in American whiskey history," said Zev Glesta, Spirits Specialist, AVP, at Sotheby's. "Exceptionally well-aged, bottled at cask strength, and five of only 11 in existence, it's the kind of release collectors dream about. What makes it even more special is that the proceeds will go directly to Native Son, a cause close to our hearts. We're proud to be part of something so thoughtfully curated – not just celebrating an incredible whiskey, but also giving back in a meaningful way."
I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old represents not just a whiskey's journey across time, but the Stitzel-Weller Distillery's ongoing commitment to cultural contribution and community support. Sotheby's auction for I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be live from July 24 through August 7, 2025 and bids can be placed on Sothebys.com.
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby's promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby's believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
*Estimates do not include buyer's premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.
Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby's app for iOS and Android.
ABOUT COLMAN DOMINGO Colman Domingo is an actor, writer, director and producer. He has been nominated for Two Oscars, BAFTA, Tony® Award, Critics Choice Awards, Independent Spirit Awards among others, and recently received an Emmy nomination this year for his work in Netflix "The Four Seasons". Previously, he won an Emmy for his work on The HBO series, "Euphoria" which is currently in production on its final season. He will next be seen in Edgar Wright's The Running Man, Steven Spielberg's next feature film and Antoine Fuqua's Michael. He will make his feature film directorial debut next year with Scandalous starring Sydney Sweeney and David Jonsson.
He has been on the cover of Time Magazine this year as a "Closer," one who works to fill the racial equity gap as well as being one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He recently was the co-chair of the Met Gala which raised a record 31 million dollars for the Costume Institute.
ABOUT NATIVE SON Native Son is a non-profit movement, community, and platform created to inspire and empower Black queer men. Named after James Baldwin's book Notes of A Native Son, the organization's mission is to amplify the voice and visibility of this community globally. This platform aims to create safer spaces where the Black queer community can fellowship, celebrate and empower each other, and—most importantly—see themselves. From the world-renowned to the up-and-coming, Native Son's intention is to connect and celebrate the members of this influential, yet long ignored community in the realms of arts, business, media, fashion, politics, education, and culture.
ABOUT STITZEL-WELLER DISTILLERY Originally opening on Derby Day in 1935 and reopening to the public in 2014, the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry.
Located only five miles from downtown Louisville, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery Experience is one of the most convenient and impressive stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. We are proud to invite guests to step foot on this hallowed ground and gain a unique perspective on the dichotomy of the historic contrasted with the innovations of tomorrow that include Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and I.W. Harper.
ABOUT DIAGEO Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Follow us on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Please Drink Responsibly. I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 63.1% Alc/Vol. Five Keys Bottling Co., Bardstown, KY
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