The world of bourbon is not just about enjoying a fine spirit but also about uncovering rare and intriguing bottles with unique histories. One such bottle, The Olde Ingledew Whiskey, stands out for its age and mysterious past. This whiskey, carbon-dated to have been produced between 1763 and 1803, was bottled in the 1860s by Evans & Ragland in Georgia. It later became part of the collection of banking magnate John Pierpont Morgan before passing through several notable hands, including presidents and high-ranking officials. In 2021, it sold at auction for $137,000, but its true value lies in its captivating story.

The Origins and Legacy of The Olde Ingledew Whiskey

This ancient bourbon has roots that stretch back centuries, making it a treasure trove of history. Initially identified as bourbon from the mid-18th to early 19th century, it was eventually bottled in the 1860s by a company in LaGrange, Georgia. Its journey began when it entered the prestigious cellars of J.P. Morgan, one of America’s most influential financiers. The bottle's significance grew as it passed through the hands of historical figures, adding layers to its legacy. Each owner contributed to its storied past, making it more than just a drink but a piece of living history.

Upon its discovery, experts tested and carbon-dated the bottle, confirming its authenticity and age. The process revealed that this bourbon had been produced sometime between 1763 and 1803, making it one of the oldest known spirits. Bottled in the 1860s by Evans & Ragland, it found its way into J.P. Morgan's possession. Morgan, who lived from 1837 to 1913, acquired three bottles during his visits to Georgia, where he owned property. His son inherited these bottles after his death and gifted them to important figures, including Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, along with James Byrnes, a prominent political figure. This lineage adds depth to the bottle's narrative, transforming it into a symbol of American heritage.

The Modern Discovery and Mystery of Ownership

In 2021, this historic bottle resurfaced, bringing its remarkable story to light once again. Discovered by Rex Woolbright while sorting through his late uncle's estate in South Carolina, the bottle's origins were traced back to its original bottlers and owners. Woolbright's research uncovered a 1978 newspaper article that detailed how the whiskey had once belonged to J.P. Morgan. From there, it passed through various hands, eventually landing in the Drake family home. When the bottle finally went up for auction at Skinner, it sold for $137,000, marking a significant moment in bourbon history.

The bottle's modern-day journey began when Woolbright unearthed it among his late uncle Logan Drake's belongings. Intrigued by its potential significance, he delved into research, discovering a 1978 article from LaGrange, Georgia, which confirmed the bottle's connection to Morgan. After Morgan's death, his son distributed the bottles to notable individuals, including Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, as well as James Byrnes. Byrnes later gifted the third bottle to his friend Francis Drake, where it remained until Woolbright's discovery. Despite its sale at auction, the identity of the new owner remains unknown, adding a layer of mystery to its already rich history. While tracking rare bourbon bottles can be an exciting endeavor, the whereabouts of this particular bottle remain elusive, preserving its enigmatic allure.