TWO RARE WILLETT DISTILLERY BOTTLES SIGNED BY POPE FRANCIS ACHIEVE REMARKABLE PRICES AT SOTHEBY’S SPIRITS AUCTION
“This sale was a becoming finale to Sotheby’s outstanding yr in spirits auctions. The costs realized for these distinctive Willett Distillery bottles communicate to their rarity, craftsmanship, and the significant story behind them. We’re honored to have facilitated a sale that blends historical past, artistry, and philanthropy.”
Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist
NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2024 – On Saturday, Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey | Seasonal Spirits public sale, the ultimate spirits public sale of the yr in New York, concluded with excellent outcomes, reaching $1.3 million total and underscoring Sotheby’s place as a worldwide chief in effective and uncommon spirits. Held as a stay public sale at Sotheby’s New York, the occasion noticed robust bidding for a curated choice of distinctive bottles, together with two Willett Distillery bourbons signed by Pope Francis, which collectively achieved spectacular costs far exceeding their pre-sale estimates.
The primary bottle, commemorating the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, realized $13,750, whereas the second bottle, celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Yr, “Pilgrims of Hope,” additionally achieved $13,750. Collectively, these uncommon gadgets marked historic highlights within the sale, which additionally featured a few of The Macallan’s most coveted releases, distinctive choices from the Van Winkle secure, and a bottle of Willett Household Property signed by Tom Brady.
Proceeds from the Pope Francis and Tom Brady-signed bottles will profit Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, TX; Maxwell Road Authorized Immigration Clinic in Lexington, KY; the Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko; and PAWs 4 the Trigger in Lexington, KY. These charitable contributions replicate the profound values of religion and generosity embodied by Pope Francis.
Fr. Jim Sichko, Diocesan Evangelist and Papal Missionary of Mercy, commented: “These bottles are usually not simply collector’s gadgets—they’re symbols of hope and compassion, created to do good on the earth. I’m deeply moved by the generosity of the bidders, and I do know the proceeds will make a long-lasting distinction for the charities they assist. I additionally need to specific my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis,Bishop Stowe,OFM, conv., and Tom Brady for his or her inspiration and assist in making this initiative doable—it’s a testomony to the unbelievable affect we will have after we come collectively for a higher trigger.”
About Sotheby’s
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier vacation spot for artwork and luxurious. Sotheby’s promotes entry to and possession of outstanding artwork and luxurious objects by way of auctions and buy-now channels together with personal gross sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted international market is supported by an industry-leading expertise platform and a community of specialists spanning 40 international locations and 70 classes which embrace Modern Artwork, Fashionable and Impressionist Artwork, Previous Masters, Chinese language Works of Artwork, Jewellery, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, in addition to collectible vehicles and actual property. Sotheby’s believes within the transformative energy of artwork and tradition and is dedicated to creating our industries extra inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide public sale gross sales of wine and spirits achieved a report whole of $159 million in 2023, surpassing the earlier report whole of $158 million in 2022. Sotheby’s presently holds the world information for any whisky assortment ever offered at public sale, any personal assortment of wine ever offered at public sale, essentially the most useful bottle of wine ever offered at public sale and essentially the most useful bottle of spirits ever offered at public sale, along with the best whole ever achieved for a charity wine public sale (Hospices de Beaune).
*Estimates don’t embrace purchaser’s premium. Costs achieved embrace the hammer value plus purchaser’s premium and are internet of any charges paid to the purchaser the place the purchaser supplied an irrevocable bid.
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