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.
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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.
