25-Year Old Rip Van Winkle Barrel Head Auction
Several years ago the Van Winkle Family launched the most limited and oldest release of bourbon in the history of the distillery. 710 bottles of 25-Year-Old Rip Van Winkle Whiskey, were packaged in a custom crystal decanter along with a box made from the wooden barrel staves that aged this 25-year-old whiskey. This release came from a mere 11 barrels distilled in the fall of 1989 at the family’s original distillery, Stitzel-Weller.
Fast forward to today, the staves from the barrels were since used, but the Van Winkle family had 16 of these rarest barrel heads collecting dust in their storage unit (the other 5 were damaged or lost). In thinking about selling them, the Van Winkles knew they deserved a higher price for their rarity, but couldn’t put a number on something so priceless, nor did they feel comfortable pricing them above the standard mark up, so that is when they thought of Gilda's Club!
These barrel heads have been refurbished, engraved with the design created for this special 25-year release, and signed by Julian Van Winkle III. 100% of the proceeds are going to Gilda’s Club in honor of the Van Winkle's dear friend Tyler Beam, an integral supporter and advocate of Gilda’s Club and a 20-year cancer survivor continuing to fight the battle today. Just like the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, the Van Winkle family feels fortunate to have something so rare, priceless, and “unattainable” that allows them to give back in a meaningful way and raise money for such a great cause.
This signed extremely rare authentic 25 Year Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Head is reinforced for stability, so it can be hung on the wall, and it's backed with felt so it can rest comfortably on a table or ottoman. It features a laser-burned design of the infamous label. Even as the wood gradually dries out, the aroma of the whiskey still lingers. With your barrel head comes a certificate of authenticity and is signed by Julian Van Winkle III.
We are thrilled to be partnering with Gilda's Club on this live auction and encourage you to bid high and give back to this amazing cause!
