Bonhams has announced a partnership with Buffalo Trace for the launch of Eagle Rare 30 Year Old, the oldest age-stated Bourbon release from the Kentucky-based distillery.

Headlining the online auction of the World’s Most-Awarded Distillery’s rarest and most highly coveted American whiskeys, the sale will feature the first and second bottles ever produced of Eagle Rare 30 Year Old, alongside a range of individual lots and curated collections from across the Eagle Rare portfolio.

The auction presents a rare moment for collectors, as ultra-aged Bourbon is exceptionally uncommon. In Kentucky’s challenging climate, very few barrels survive to reach 30 years of maturation, making Eagle Rare 30 Year Old a significant milestone for both Buffalo Trace Distillery and American whiskey.

Created to explore whether extended ageing could elevate Bourbon in the same way it does in more temperate climates such as Japan, Scotland and Ireland, Warehouse P produces whiskey that matures more evenly over time. This has resulted in Eagle Rare 25 and 30 Year Old, two expressions that redefine the category’s potential.

Distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery since 1989, Eagle Rare has become one of its most celebrated and sought-after collections, spanning the classic 10 Year Old through to the rare 25 Year Old and newly introduced 30 Year Old. These age statements are more commonly associated with Scotch whisky than Bourbon.

Comprising 15 lots in total, bottle highlights from the auction of the World’s Most-Awarded Distillery’s rarest and most highly coveted American whiskeys include:

• The first bottle of Eagle Rare 30 Year Old, plus a private single-barrel tasting experience for up to five people featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbons, hosted at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY) or Buffalo Trace London (Covent Garden). Estimate: £7,500–£10,000

• Complete Eagle Rare collection: 10, 12 and 17 Year Old (3 × 700ml), Double Eagle Very Rare 25 Year Old, and the second bottle of 30 Year Old (3 × 750ml, in presentation cases). Includes a one-night stay at Stagg Lodge, the distillery’s VIP lodge. Estimate: £20,000–£30,000

• One bottle each of Eagle Rare 10, 12 and 17 Year Old (700ml), plus an Eagle Rare 10 single barrel selection experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY) or Buffalo Trace London. Estimate: £7,000–£10,000

• One bottle of Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 700ml). Estimate: £800–£1,300

• Six-bottle case of Eagle Rare 12 Year Old (6 × 700ml). Estimate: £700–£1,000

• Six-bottle case of Eagle Rare 10 Year Old (6 × 700ml). Estimate: £200–£400

Commenting on the announcement, Amayès Aouli, Global Head of Bonhams Wine & Spirits, said: “The global teams at Bonhams are honoured to partner with such an iconic name as Buffalo Trace on this exclusive auction launching Eagle Rare 30. Distilled in the experimental Warehouse P, where time and environment are pushed to their limits, this remarkable whiskey represents the pinnacle of the Eagle Rare collection. It also highlights the strength of our global platform, with events across three continents in Bonhams salerooms, culminating in our online auction.”

The Bonhams online auction of the World’s Most-Awarded Distillery’s rarest and most highly coveted American whiskeys will run from April 24th to May 8th via bonhams.com.