There are raffles, and then there’s the raffle. Each year, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) puts a collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon up for grabs, and every year it sells out. The 2025 edition, which launched on August 19, may be the most coveted yet—because this time the prize isn’t just six bottles of Pappy. It includes a rare Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye.
A Pappy Van Winkle Flight Worth More Than $15,000
The raffle package brings together a vertical of six Van Winkle expressions, each one personally signed by Julian Van Winkle III, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. Louisville bourbon authority Marc Abrams authenticated the lot and placed its value north of $15,000, though most collectors would call that conservative.
The lineup includes:
- Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (2023)
- Van Winkle 12 Year Lot B (2024)
- Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye (2024)
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year (2024)
- Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year (2023)
- Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year (2024)
“Having a complete collection by including the rye makes it truly a complete vertical,” Abrams said. “And the unbelievable value in having Julian Van Winkle signing each bottle sets this apart from other raffles.”
A Raffle That Gives Back
The rules are simple: 1,984 tickets will be sold, each priced at $100. The number is intentional, honoring 1984—the year RMHCK first opened its doors to families traveling to Louisville for pediatric medical care. All proceeds go directly to the charity, funding lodging and services that are free of charge for families during treatment.
Since the Pappy raffle began in 2019, it has raised nearly $2 million, translating into more than 16,000 nights of comfort for parents and children. “These six coveted bottles offered as a group go directly to support sick children and their families,” said RMHCK CEO Hal Hedley. “We are grateful to the many bourbon enthusiasts around the country who look forward to this event and support our organization.”
How to Enter
The drawing takes place at 11 a.m. EDT on October 16, with no need to be present to win. Bourbon fans can purchase tickets and learn more details at PappyRaffle.org
