DEO Diageo Plc

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Whiskey aficionados should mark their calendars for Dec. 9 for the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind collectable piece of Kentucky bourbon history when the only known barrel of Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old Whiskey will go up for auction through Christie's Auction House. The barrel was distilled and aged at The Stitzel-Weller Distillery outside of Louisville, famous for producing some of the most sought after whiskeys in the world. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Robin Hood, New York's largest poverty-fighting organization.

Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old contains bourbon distilled at The Stitzel-Weller Distillery before its shut down in 1992. This rare 24-Year-Old whiskey was barreled on Nov. 22, 1991 and is 93.4 proof. This fine spirit begins with notes of well-aged cedar, campfire and soft leather. The finish includes sweet notes of vanilla bean, light caramel and raisin. A precious 34 bottles of Blade and Bow 24-Year have been waiting years to be enjoyed, so it's important to sip slowly and responsibly. The lot up for auction contains all 34 750 ml. bottles, artfully displayed in beautiful Blade and Bow bottles, as well as the barrel the bourbon was aged in. Blade and Bow donated the complete lot to nonprofit Robin Hood, who has consigned the auction and will receive all proceeds.

Adult bourbon aficionados wishing to participate in the auction can attend in person at Christie's New York Auction House located at 20 Rockefeller Plaza or make bids online or via telephone.  The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9.  Those unable to attend in person can visit the Christie's website for more information, to register in advance of the auction or bid in advance through absentee ballot. More details on registration and bidding are here. Learn more about Robin Hood and their programs here.

"Stitzel-Weller is a Cathedral of Bourbon where some of the country's most respected bourbons were distilled and aged," said Brand Director Jeff Parrott.  "This lone barrel of Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old contained whiskey distilled by the many legends who have called Stitzel-Weller home. We think it's a great opportunity to share a piece of bourbon history with our fans. We're thrilled the proceeds will be going to such a noble cause of community building, benefitting New Yorkers in need."

"This is a chance to own your very own barrel of bourbon heritage," said Noah May Christie's Wine Specialist. "Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old is a complement to our rare offerings and we're honored to be a part of history in the making."

About Blade and Bow
Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.  Blade and Bow whiskey's two flagship variants are, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

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About Christie's
Christie's, the world's leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in 2015 that totalled £4.8 billion / $7.4 billion. Christie's is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. 2016 marks Christie's 250^th anniversary. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Christie's has a global presence with 54 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

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SOURCE Blade and Bow