If your bourbon collection is like mine, it might include some autographed bottles: various master distillers like Steve Nally, maybe Buffalo Trace icon Freddie Johnson, or even a random celebrity like William H. Macy.
Want to take your collection to the next level? How about an autographed bottle of Willet Bourbon signed by Pope Francis or NFL great Tom Brady? Have I got an auction for you.
Father Jim Sichko, a Lexington, Kentucky priest and “Papal Missionary of Mercy,” has put together an auction with Sotheby’s New York to raise money for four charities. Fr. Sichko had two limited release bottles from Willett Distillery signed by Pope Francis when he visited the Vatican in May. The third bottle was signed by Tom Brady.
Fr. Sichko made national news eight years ago when he took a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle to Pope Francis as a gift.
The three Willett bottles will be in the Sotheby’s New York Whisky & Whiskey auction Dec. 7. Bidding is available online now ending with a live sale on Saturday, Dec. 7 at noon EST.
“Bringing these exceptional Willett Distillery bottles to market is a privilege and a unique moment in collecting,” said Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist. “Each bottle embodies a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and spirituality that transcends the typical collector’s item, making them especially meaningful additions for those who value both the artistry of fine spirits and the spirit of giving.”
Proceeds from the bottle sales will benefit Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, Texas; and Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic, Diocese of Lexington, and PAWs 4 the Cause in Lexington, Kentucky.
The bottles signed by Pope Francis commemorate significant milestones in the Catholic Church, offering collectors a rare chance to acquire items that hold important historical and spiritual significance.
- The first bottle, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as the 266th Pope, displays the papal Coat of Arms. This 10-year-aged bourbon, distilled from Willett’s original recipe with a proof of 132.6, was produced in an extremely limited run of 149 bottles and is signed by Pope Francis.
- The second bottle celebrates the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and features the Official Jubilee sticker. Aged 10 years and bottled at 144.2 proof, this special edition is rarer still, with only 59 bottles made, and bottle number one is signed by Pope Francis. Tom Brady signed number 12, which was his jersey number.
(Source: Fr. Jim Sichko)
“It is incredibly rare to obtain a signature from the Holy Father. To my knowledge, this is the first time he has signed bourbon bottles. The addition of Pope Francis’ autograph on two rare bottles of Kentucky Brown Water - and one bottle signed by football icon Tom Brady - creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise money to support four deserving charities. Sotheby’s generosity in managing the auction will increase the incredible impact we can create.”
About Father Jim Sichko
Based in Lexington, Ky., Fr. Jim Sichko is a missionary for Pope Francis and travels the world doing various random acts of kindness. In February 2016, Pope Francis commissioned Fr. Jim as one of his Papal Missionaries of Mercy, of which there are only 1000 in the world and 100 in the United States. A popular author and speaker, Fr. Jim makes headlines for random acts of generosity and kindness including giving away thousands of dollars to people at grocery stores, on the streets and especially to those most in need. To learn more about Fr. Jim or reach out to him, please visit https://www.frjims.com/, Facebook, and Instagram.
