Whiskey Source
The Curator's Brief
Vol. 1 · Issued May 5, 2026
Editor’s Note
A handpicked look at what serious collectors should be watching. With over 250+ lots ending Sunday, May 10 @ 9PM EST, it’s easy to miss the bottles that actually matter. Below are the ones we think you shouldn’t.
N° 01
Black Maple Hill 18 Year Rye, Cask R77
Black Maple Hill • 18yr • 95.0 Proof
“A unicorn rye from one of the most collected ghost labels of the modern era. No bids yet at this writing. That will not last.”
N° 02
Old Weller Original 107 Proof "Gold Vein" Stitzel-Weller (1979)
Stitzel-Weller • 7yr • 107 Proof
“Genuine Stitzel-Weller juice in the original Gold Vein bottling. The kind of provenance that anchors a serious collection.”
N° 03
George T. Stagg Barrel Proof Bourbon BTAC (2024)
Buffalo Trace • 136.1 Proof
“The flagship of the modern BTAC release at a price that has not been this approachable in years. Sitting well below market.”
N° 04
Very Old Fitzgerald 8 Year 1/2 Pint (1957-1965)
Stitzel-Weller • 8yr • 100 Proof
“Late-50s through mid-60s wheated bourbon, half-pint format. A drinking-and-display piece you simply cannot replace.”
N° 05
Van Winkle 13 Year Family Reserve Rye (2024)
Buffalo Trace • 13yr • 95.6 Proof
“The current Van Winkle rye, holding well below secondary. Drink it, save it, gift it, the ROI conversation works either way.”
N° 06
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon (2014)
Four Roses • 111.8 Proof
“Widely considered the best of the modern Four Roses Limited Editions. Rarely seen this low and not staying there.”
N° 07
Glenlivet 21 Year Archive Single Malt Scotch
Glenlivet • 21yr • 86 Proof
“Discontinued Archive series at a single bid. For Speyside completists, an opportunity that should not be ignored.”
N° 08
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch 6 (2017)
Buffalo Trace • 128.1 Proof
“A retired EHT Barrel Proof batch from the era when these still felt accessible. Quietly one of the most slept-on Buffalo Trace bottles.”
N° 09
Thomas H. Handy Barrel Proof Sazerac Rye BTAC (2010)
Buffalo Trace • 126.9 Proof
“A 2010 Handy is a serious vertical anchor. Older BTAC vintages have been climbing steadily, and this one is currently mispriced.”
N° 10
Vintage Bourbon 17 Year (KBD)
KBD • 17yr • 94.0 Proof
“KBD age-stated bourbon at 17 years is a category that simply does not exist anymore. A bottle for the back of the cabinet.”
From The Editor
The full slate of 250+ lots is open through Sunday, May 10 @ 9PM EST. Every auction is no reserve — the highest bid wins. The bottles above are the ones I’d be watching closely.
