(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Bourbon bandits, begone!
On Monday, the state of Kentucky joined forces with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to auction off a lot of confiscated spirits. The sale is made possible thanks to a law signed by Gov. Andy Beshear in April that gave the ABC power to auction alcohol obtained in closed criminal investigations.
Bottles listed on the Team Kentucky website are a veritable treasure trove of rare delights. Picks include two 10-year Old Rip Van Winkles, a Willet Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, an Old Fitzgerald Counties of Ireland and a Maker's Mark Breeder's Cup signed by jockey Mike Smith. In addition to bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, you'll also find four offerings of Blanton's, one of which is a Single Barrel Gold boxed with Japanese markings.
Many of these whiskeys regularly sell for over $1,000.
Amid the rare bourbons is a "Stock Your Bar" bundle that includes Jack Daniel's Tennesse Fire Whiskey, Jim Beam Vanilla, Cruzan Coconut Rum and Purple Toad Wine. Some of these appear to have been confiscated well over a decade ago. Our eye caught on a product called p.i.n.k. Vodka, a caffeine- and guarana-infused spirit that was discontinued in the early 2010s. Maybe stay away from that one unless you're hankering for the Four Lokos of yore.
The auction is scheduled to open on Nov. 27 before closing at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will benefit responsibility programs including Project Prom and Project Graduation. If you're thinking about securing a pick, keep in mind that all bottles must be picked up in person at the ABC facility in Frankfort, Kentucky.
“We are proud to help finance educational programs that promote responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youth, including Project Prom and Project Graduation,” ABC Commissioner Allyson Taylor told WSAZ3 News. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025.”
Find the full auction listing at the Team Kentucky website here.
[callout-app-promo]
