Diageo Unveils A 34 Year Old I.W. Harper And Sends It Straight To Auction

In a move more reminiscent of the Scotch trade than Kentucky bourbon, international drinks giant Diageo has introduced a 34 Year Old bourbon through its ownership of the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery and sent it straight to auction.

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.

“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.”

The I.W. Harper 34 Year Old Bourbon is bottled at cask strength, 63.1% ABV. 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. Diageo predicts a starting value for the auction items of between $3,000 and $5,000 per bottle, with the final price determined by bidding.