Boston – This month Bonhams Skinner will present Whiskey Archives: The Lone Star Collection, a special single owner sale featuring a diverse and cohesive range of whiskeys that survey the world of whiskey over the past four to five decades. With more than 400 lots – over half offered without reserve – this wide-ranging showcase of rare whiskeys and fine spirits will be available to bid online this September 18-30.

Sourced by a seasoned and respected former executive at one of the world's largest spirits distribution operations, this archive was assembled over the last forty years with meticulous care and deep expertise. Drawing on unparalleled access, many of the bottles within the sale were directly procured from distilleries and distributors around the globe firsthand, including rare acquisitions from 14 of the 19 Scottish distilleries that were mothballed or demolished in the 1980s, including Convalmore, Brora, Dallas Dhu, and Port Ellen.

"There are collections that preserve history, and then there are those that rescue it – The Lone Star Collection does both," commented Sean Purce, Senior Specialist, Fine Wines and Rare Spirits at Bonhams. "It's an immense privilege to bring a collection that's level of depth is just as unparalleled as its size and scope to market, as well as to engage with a cellar that reflects decades of thoughtful collecting, including spirits from Scottish distilleries that no longer exist. Bottles like these, once destined to fade into obscurity, now have the chance to be rediscovered and appreciated anew."

One of the major standouts within the collection includes an ultra-premium bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Years Old, estimated at $24,000 – 32,000. Distilled in the spring and fall of 1989 and bottled after 25 years of ageing, this bottle comes from the oldest barrels ever bottle from the Van Winkle family distillery. Housed in a handcrafted wooden case with a Glencairn crystal decanter, this bottle is 283 of just 710 produced.

An additional standout in the sale is the Bowmore Fino Cask 37 Years Old, 1964, estimated at $16,000 – 20,000. Distilled on November 5, 1964, one of the most significant dates in Bowmore's history, this spirit was laid down in Fino sherry casks and matured for 37 years before its release in 2002. With only 300 bottles produced, it remains one of Bowmore's most limited releases and is presented in its original wooden case with a brass plaque.

With estimates ranging from the low hundreds to $32,000, the collection presents an extraordinary range of whiskies, rums, and brandies from every major region, at every price point, and in remarkable quantities.

Additional highlights include:

• Michter's Single Barrel 25 Years Old, estimated at $9,000 – 12,000.

• The Balvenie Vintage Cask, 1964, estimated at $4,400 – 5,550.

• The Yamazaki Sherry Cask, 2016, estimated at $3,200 – 4,200.