IW Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Diageo’s IW Harper has just unveiled its rarest whiskey yet—a 34-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon born in 1989, released in partnership with Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo. With only 11 bottles in existence, this historic expression blends timeless craftsmanship with modern storytelling and cultural celebration, supporting a powerful cause along the way.
IW Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
IW Harper’s latest release isn’t just aged—it’s a once-in-a-generation statement. Drawn from four barrels laid down in 1989 at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, this 34-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon is the oldest and rarest expression in the brand’s 150-year legacy. Launched in collaboration with Colman Domingo, the release shines a spotlight on identity, representation, and craft.
Only 11 bottles were produced. Five bottles will be auctioned at Sotheby’s New York from July 24 to August 7, 2025, with proceeds supporting Native Son, an advocacy platform for Black queer men.
- Product Name: IW Harper 34-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Brand: IW Harper (Diageo)
- Category: Bourbon Whiskey
- Style: Ultra-aged, cask strength, straight Bourbon
- Age: 34 Years
- ABV: 63.1%
- Country: United States
- Region: Kentucky
- Distillery: Stitzel-Weller
- Launch Date: July 24, 2025
- Availability: Exclusive to Sotheby’s New York Auction (Jul 24 – Aug 7)
- Bottles Produced: Only 11
- Price: Auction-based
Tasting Notes:
This is more than a collector’s item—it’s a sensory deep-dive into history.
- Appearance: Deep mahogany with copper glints
- Nose: Aged oak, dried cherry, toasted coconut, vintage leather
- Palate: Rich toffee, charred oak, dark chocolate, baking spice, hints of fig
- Finish: Long, warming, slightly tannic with lingering spice and dark fruit
Key Highlight:
Each bottle includes a couture wrist piece and a silk scarf designed by Michelle Cadore, celebrating artistic individuality and fashion-forward presentation. This release honors heritage while amplifying stories of visibility and culture.
- Purpose: Merge bourbon tradition with personal, artistic, and social expression
- Distilled in 1989, aged 34 years
- Cask strength at 63.1% ABV
- Limited to 11 bottles worldwide
- Supports LGBTQ+ advocacy through Native Son
- High collectibility for bourbon enthusiasts
- Culturally significant collaboration with Colman Domingo
- Bottles include wearable and visual art elements
- Released via Sotheby’s—emphasizing rarity and prestige
- Stewarded by Nicole Austin with deep brand reverence
Final Overview:
Industry professionals are already calling this drop “the most meaningful release of 2025.” Nicole Austin, Diageo’s whiskey expert, highlighted how carefully these barrels were preserved for a moment just like this. Colman Domingo’s involvement adds a powerful narrative, making this one of the few whiskeys that transcends flavor to become an act of cultural storytelling.
Zev Glesta of Sotheby’s summed it up best: “It’s the kind of release collectors dream about.”
FAQs:
Q1: Can I buy IW Harper 34-Year-Old outside of the auction?
No, the release is exclusive to Sotheby’s New York auction, running July 24–August 7.
Q2: What charity will benefit from the auction proceeds?
The proceeds from five bottles will support Native Son, an initiative empowering Black queer men.
Q3: Why only 11 bottles?
Due to the age and condition of the barrels, only 11 bottles could be drawn—enhancing its rarity and collector appeal.
