Bourbon bottles signed by Pope Francis and football star Tom Brady will soon be up for grabs.
Lexington’s Father Jim Sichko, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, is partnering with Sotheby’s NY to auction the rare signed bottles.
Willett Bourbon Bottles
Widely known and respected for random acts of generosity and kindness, Fr. Jim is partnering with Sotheby’s New York to auction two limited-release Willett Distillery bottles that he had signed by Pope Francis in May 2024.
Additionally, a third rare bottle of Willett signed by former professional football quarterback Tom Brady will be auctioned.
The money raised from the sale of the one-of-a-kind bottles will go to three Kentucky nonprofits and one Texas nonprofit.
The bottles will be in the Sotheby’s New York Whisky & Whiskey auction taking place on December 7.
Bidding is available online now and culminates with a live sale Saturday, Dec. 7 at noon EST.
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.
“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,” said Fr. Jim Sichko. “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.”
Supporting Multiple Charities
As a Papal Missionary of Mercy and Diocesan Evangelist, Fr. Jim brings bourbon to Pope Francis when he visits.
A gift of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon to Pope Francis eight years ago received national attention.
“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 sale will benefit the following Lexington nonprofits: Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic, Diocese of Lexington – Preaching/Giving Ministry of Fr. Jim Sichko, and PAWs 4 the Cause.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the following Texas nonprofit: Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, TX.
Additionally, 15 non-signed bottles of the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” will be available in Central Kentucky at Ernie’s Spirits in Lexington (five bottles) and Jillian’s Bourbon & Bling in Richmond (10 bottles).
The stores will set the bottle prices with earnings going to the stores, not to charity.
