In a collaboration that bridges legacy whiskey craftsmanship with cultural storytelling, I.W. Harper has unveiled its rarest providing: the I.W. Harper 34 12 months Outdated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
This restricted launch, crafted from simply 4 barrels and matured on the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, embodies a singular mix of custom and modernity. Solely 5 of the 11 current bottles shall be accessible for public sale at Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting Native Son, a platform devoted to uplifting Black queer males.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery: A Legacy of Excellence
The Stitzel-Weller Distillery, famend for its historic contribution to American whiskey, has added one other chapter to its storied historical past with the I.W. Harper 34 12 months Outdated launch.
Distilled in 1989 and aged for 34 years, this bourbon is a tribute to persistence and precision. The distillery is well known for its half in shaping the American whiskey panorama, and this launch continues that legacy.
“This launch is the rarest within the model’s historical past,” mentioned Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Improvement and Capabilities. “It’s a solution to highlight I.W. Harper’s legacy by a lens of true rarity and reverence.”
The bourbon’s journey from barrel to bottle displays a dedication to craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Bottled at cask energy, 63.1% ABV, the whiskey affords a profile that speaks to its a long time in new charred oak, embodying the quiet confidence that I.W. Harper is thought for.
I.W. Harper 34 12 months Outdated: Supporting Black Queer Males
The collaboration with Colman Domingo, a two-time Oscar-nominated actor and director, emphasizes the cultural significance of this launch. Domingo’s involvement highlights the intersection of whiskey craftsmanship and cultural expression, aligning with I.W. Harper’s historic ties to Black tradition in America.
“As somebody who cares deeply about legacy and illustration, this launch feels private,” Domingo shared. “As a Black queer man, I understand how important visibility, assist, and neighborhood are. Selecting Native Son because the charity associate was intentional—it displays the identical values we’re honoring by the whiskey: legacy, cultural expression, and creating house to be seen and celebrated. I.W. Harper 34-12 months-Outdated isn’t nearly rarity; it’s about storytelling that honors each previous and future.”
The proceeds from the Sotheby’s public sale will assist Native Son, reinforcing the discharge’s position as each an distinctive whiskey and a significant cultural message. The public sale, working from July 24 to August 7, 2025 at Sotheby’s, represents a singular alternative for collectors to accumulate a chunk of bourbon historical past whereas contributing to a trigger that celebrates visibility and empowerment within the Black queer neighborhood.
The Bottle Design
The I.W. Harper 34 12 months Outdated was fastidiously thought out each by way of its message and its model, with a “couture-inspired” wrist piece and a silk scarf designed by Brooklyn-based Michelle Cadore.
Zev Glesta, Spirits Specialist at Sotheby’s, commented, “These outstanding bottles take heart stage. Exceptionally well-aged and bottled at cask energy, it’s the form of launch collectors dream about. What makes it much more particular is that the proceeds will go on to Native Son, a trigger near our hearts. We’re proud to be a part of one thing so thoughtfully curated.”
A Cultural Milestone
The I.W. Harper 34 12 months Outdated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands as a testomony to Stitzel-Weller’s dedication to heritage and innovation. With its unique launch and cultural partnership, it represents each a pinnacle in bourbon craftsmanship and a milestone within the ongoing dialog about identification and illustration. This public sale affords an opportunity to not solely personal a uncommon piece of whiskey historical past but in addition to assist a trigger that resonates with the values of legacy and neighborhood.
