At a Glance: June No Reserves III

With over 3,300 lots, here’s a closer look at the standout bottles and category highlights from our June No Reserves III Auction.

Headline Bottles

We’ve got several remarkable bottles in this auction:

Buffalo Trace 'Old Fashioned Copper 1980' Bourbon (2016) | est. $12,000-$16,000

One of just 100 bottles from the inaugural OFC vintage, distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2016. The decanter replicates early 1900s packaging found in the distillery archives, paying tribute to the original Old Fashioned Copper Distillery founded by E.H. Taylor.

Buffalo Trace 'Old Fashioned Copper 1982' Bourbon (2016) | est. $12,000-$16,000

Released alongside the 1980 and 1983 vintages as part of Buffalo Trace’s historic OFC series. Just 50 bottles of this 1982 were produced, and many were donated to charity auctions, making it one of the rarest modern releases from the distillery.

Willett Family Estate 17 Year Bourbon 'Reid & Emerald' Private Barrel Selection (Barrel L10-7389) | est. $8,000-$10,000

A cult favorite among private barrel selections, this hazmat wheater was bottled at 17 years from 4/6/93 distillate. One of five barrels from the early “Reid & Emerald” series, it remains one of the most acclaimed high-proof Willetts ever released.

Bourbon Highlights

Colonel E.H. Taylor – There’s a trio of all-time greats in this week’s Taylor lineup:

• Old Fashioned Sour Mash, the first, one-off “limited release” Colonel E.H. Taylor bottled all the way back in 2011.
• Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, drawn from barrels exposed to the elements after a storm tore through Buffalo Trace
• 18 Year Marriage, blending three mashbills into the oldest Colonel Taylor ever released

Willett – Several legendary single barrels from the Family Estate program were up for grabs, including:

• High-proof classics from the “Dug’z & Willy’z” and “Reid & Emerald” selections. 

Old Fitzgerald – A strong showing of dusty bottled-in-bond examples, led by:

• An extremely clean 1-gallon 1971 6 Year with original cradle—an exceptionally rare large-format bottle, last produced before the U.S. switch to metric in 1980
• Two Stitzel-Weller era classics: the 10 Year Very Xtra Old and 12 Year Very Very Old. Each carries deep ties to Pappy and Julian Van Winkle, each of which offers a glimpse into bourbon’s golden age

William Heavenhill – Three early editions of the ultra-limited series, often considered distillery-only, though some batches—like #2—were also exported to Japan.

• The 1st Edition signed by Parker Beam
• The elusive 2nd Edition with export speculation
• The hazmat 4th Edition aged 15 years in oversized 65-gallon barrels

Scotch Highlights

Port Ellen - Nestled on the southern shores of Islay, this once-humble distillery rose to near-mythical status following its closure in 1983. In the years since, its limited stock has become highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs, celebrated for its refined peat smoke, maritime character, and exceptional rarity. Recognizing its iconic legacy, Diageo announced in 2017 that Port Ellen would be revived—bringing new life to one of Islay’s most storied distilleries. Some Port Ellen highlights from this auction:

• The 16th Release: a 37 Year cask strength bottling from 1978
• Two 32 Year Limited Editions from the 15th and 12th Releases, distilled in 1983 and 1979
• A 21 Year Maltings bottling tied to the distillery’s operational legacy

Macallan – The Macallan is a prestigious Speyside single malt Scotch, renowned for its rich, smooth character and sherry cask maturation, crafted with uncompromising quality since 1824.

• The legendary 1958/59 25 Year Anniversary Malt and the classic 30 Year Sherry Oak
• The Cask Strength Red Label, bottled at full proof and known for its rich sherry profile

Arberg – Ardbeg Scotch is a legendary Islay single malt known for its intense peat smoke, bold flavors, and cult following, crafted on the rugged southern coast of Islay since 1815.

• The Signatory Vintage 30 Year, bottled in 1997, alongside the rare 30 Year Old & Rare Platinum Selection from 1973
• Two sherried 700 ml bottlings: the 1976 single cask (1999) and a hand-bottled distillery release

Rare Finds and Good Values

W.L. Weller 10 Year 'Centennial' Bourbon (BHC, Louisville): Not many people realize that the blend known as "Poor Man's Pappy"—made by mixing Weller Antique (7yr, 107pf) and Weller 12 (12yr, 90pf)—is actually based on a historic bourbon forum's attempt to recreate Weller Centennial. There are no Van Winkle or Pappy releases anywhere close to the blended specs of ~10 years old and 100 proof. But Weller Centennial? Right on the dot.

J.W. Dant Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon (1964, 4/5 Quart): Distilled at the historic Gethsemane Distillery (DSP-KY-47) in Nelson County, Kentucky—an iconic site that operated from 1872 until its closure in 1961—and bottled at DSP-KY-1, the Bernheim facility (Heaven Hill).

Smooth Ambler 9 Year 'Old Scout' Bourbon '1789b Root Beer' Private Barrel Selection: Founded by bourbon aficionados Reid Bechtle and Emerald Adair, 1789b is an invitation-only group limited to just 70 members. By intentionally excluding industry professionals, such as distillers, retailers, and bloggers, the group fosters a truly independent and enthusiast-driven community, united by a shared passion for exceptional bourbon.

Rare Character 9 Year 'Brook Hill' Bourbon 'Silver Dollar' Private Barrel Selection: This pick comes from The Silver Dollar—one of Louisville’s most cherished restaurants—and highlights Brook Hill, an emerging brand gaining attention.