LOUISVILLE, KY (November 24, 2025) – Legacy de Forge, a new global e-commerce platform powered by BlockBar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles, today announces it will host an online auction offering the opportunity to purchase one rare barrel of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. The winning bidder will join the Sazerac Barrel Select team for a private barrel selection experience, with proceeds supporting the White Oak Initiative’s (WOI) vital work to protect and restore America’s white oak forests.
Founded in 2017, WOI was established as an advocacy group and catalyst for sustainable oak forest management, with a focus on white oak regeneration. This work is critical to the bourbon industry, as not only tradition, but federal law requires that bourbon be aged in new, charred oak barrels, with white oak being the most common. In support of this mission, Sazerac aims to honor bourbon’s heritage while helping safeguard its future by auctioning a single barrel of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. – a tribute to Taylor’s enduring legacy of integrity and innovation.
“Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.’s pioneering vision continues to inspire and guide our industry today,” said Elizabeth Wise, Chair of the White Oak Initiative and Chief Global Government Affairs Officer for Sazerac. “Much like white oak saplings that grow straight and tall to eventually be transformed into bourbon barrels that add flavor and color to our uniquely American spirit, Taylor had foresight and purpose. Through this auction, we’re honoring Taylor’s standards for excellence while supporting the White Oak Initiative’s critical work to ensure bourbon’s future.”
The auction winner will receive:
- A private barrel selection experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery for the winner and seven guests;
- Personalized bottles from the selected Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. single barrel, along with the barrel itself;
- A VIP, behind-the-scenes tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery;
- A one-night stay in Stagg Lodge for the winner and seven guests, including a dinner with a private chef.
“The future of America’s bourbon industry is inseparable from the future of its white oak forests,” said Jason Meyer, Executive Director, White Oak Initiative. “This auction celebrates that connection and the shared commitment of partners like Sazerac to ensure white oak continues to thrive for generations to come.”
The auction began on November 21 at 10am ET. All bids must be received by 11:59pm ET on December 1. Bidding begins at $20,000, and those participating may bid as many times as they want. Those looking to participate in the auction must have a registered account on Legacy de Forge. To create an account and participate, please visit legacydeforge.com/release.
About the White Oak Initiative
Founded in 2017 by the University of Kentucky, the Dendrifund and the American Forest Foundation, the White Oak Initiative brings together industries, universities, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, private landowners, conservation organizations and trade associations that are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests as well as the economic, social and environmental benefits they provide. To learn more about the White Oak Initiative, visit whiteoakinitiative.org.
About Sazerac
With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers and communities around the world.
Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.
Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Hawk’s Rock Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.
