That legacy extends far beyond the decades spent in oak; it’s also defined by the stories, communities, and cultural impact surrounding each bottle. Founded by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, I.W. Harper has long represented a quiet sophistication that resonates deeply within Black American culture. Its historic influence endures across generations, evolving while staying rooted in values of authenticity and integrity. With the debut of I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old, that legacy finds new relevance, as proceeds from the rare release’s Sotheby’s auction benefit Native Son, a platform uplifting Black queer men through storytelling, advocacy, and visibility.
"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."
Distilled in 1989 and matured for more than three decades at the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, the 34-Year-Old release is drawn from just four hand-selected barrels. Bottled at cask strength (63.1% ABV), the bourbon reveals a rich, nuanced character developed through years of careful stewardship. It’s not just aged—it’s enduring, a symbol of patience, legacy, and purpose.
Photo courtesy of © Diageo pls
I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey
Every element of the I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old experience was meticulously curated to reflect a deep connection between heritage and contemporary artistry. From the couture-inspired wristband encasing the decanter to the limited-edition silk scarf designed by Brooklyn-based visionary Michelle Cadore, each detail is a thoughtful homage to the intersection of fashion, identity, and cultural storytelling. The visual design is not merely ornamental—it echoes the broader themes of resistance, self-expression, and legacy, aligning the whiskey’s release with a lineage of creative movements that have helped shape conversations around Black excellence and personal narrative.
"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."
Rather than relying on conventional tasting descriptors, I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old invites a more introspective, personal discovery. It is defined not by flashy notes, but by its architectural complexity and refined restraint—a bourbon that speaks in subtleties rather than declarations. Decades of aging in new charred American oak have shaped a profile of exceptional balance, layering richness with structure and grace. This is a spirit that honors the quiet mastery of American whiskey-making, while reflecting the elegance and confidence that have long characterized the I.W. Harper name.
True to its rarity and cultural significance, I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old will exist only as a singular, ultra-limited release. Just 11 bottles have been produced, with only five made available to collectors through a global auction hosted by Sotheby’s in New York. More than a luxury collectible, this offering supports a meaningful cause—100% of auction proceeds will benefit Native Son, the platform dedicated to empowering Black queer men through community, visibility, and advocacy. In this way, the release transcends its category, becoming a vessel for both celebration and impact.
I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Photo courtesy of © Diageo pls
This whiskey was selected from just four legacy barrels laid down in 1989 and matured for 34 years at the iconic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Kentucky.
- Limited Edition I.W. Harper labels, printed using a vintage Heidelberg letterpress and utilize a mix of ink and metallic prismatic foils.
- This bottle features an origami-style, handcrafted folded paper ruff that adorns the neck of the bottle to express the theme of ‘black dandyism’.
- The bottle is adorned by a silk scarf designed by entrepreneur Michelle Cadore, Brooklyn, NY
1 bottle 75cl (no original packaging)
Please refer to images for levels and conditions.
All Lots are offered for sale in the condition they are in at the time of sale and sold “AS IS” in accordance with the Conditions of Business for Buyers. Prospective buyers should inspect each Lot to satisfy themselves as to condition. The images provided here are provided to assist you with assessing the condition of each Lot and are for guidance only; they should not be considered a replacement for inspecting the Lot in person.
Buyers are encouraged to collect their purchased Lots in person at our New York premises. Please note we do not ship spirits to any location outside of Manhattan.
Please note that all spirits are sold for collection in New York or delivery within New York via specialized carriers. For delivery outside of the United States, please see Important Information for Purchases at Wine and Spirit Sales in the Conditions of Business.
Please note that for Wine and Spirits Lots, the Buyer’s Premium rate is 24% of the Hammer Price and the Overhead Premium rate is 1% of the Hammer Price. The Buyer’s Premium and Overhead Premium are subject to any applicable VAT/GST and/or sales or use tax. Please refer to the Conditions of Business for further details.
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 Colman Domingo
Photo credit: Sekou Luke | Courtesy of Diageo pls
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's "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.
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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.
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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.
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About Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Follow 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®.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery invites 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). Diageo 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 practices.
Follow Diageo on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
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I.W. Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 63.1% Alc/Vol.
Five Keys Bottling Co., Bardstown, KY
