The Pennsylvania Lottery has thrown a serious curveball into the bourbon world, and it’s generating quite a buzz – and a hefty price tag. The “Pennsylvania Whiskey Lottery” is offering the chance to win coveted bottles of Van Winkle Single Barrels, Buffalo Trace Antique 1st Edition, and E.H. Taylor Jr. 1826 Bourbon – but at a considerable cost. This ambitious venture, spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), is quickly capturing the attention of whiskey enthusiasts across the state and beyond, raising questions about the future of lottery gaming and the allure of rare spirits.
The Prize Pool & The Price Tag
The lottery, launched in late January 2026, is selling 10,000 tickets at a cool $100 each. The grand prize for each ticket includes a chance to win one of the highly sought-after bourbon bottles. These bottles – Van Winkle Single Barrels, Buffalo Trace Antique 1st Edition, and E.H. Taylor Jr. 1826 Bourbon – represent the pinnacle of small-batch American whiskey, and acquiring them through traditional channels often involves paying thousands of dollars. The drawing will take place on January 28th, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what could be, and setting the stage for a potentially dramatic moment in the world of rare spirits.
Why the Fuss? Rare Bourbon & High Demand
These aren’t your average bottles of bourbon. The Van Winkle Single Barrels, particularly the Winkle 2010 and 2011, are legendary for their incredibly low production numbers and cult following. The Buffalo Trace Antique 1st Edition, released in extremely limited quantities, is another highly prized bottle known for its intense vanilla and spice notes. And the E.H. Taylor Jr. 1826 Bourbon, a historic distillery revived, offers a unique blend with notes of cherry and oak, further increasing its desirability. The demand for these bourbons has consistently outstripped supply, driving prices to astronomical levels in the secondary market. The lottery provides a rare, albeit expensive, opportunity for enthusiasts to potentially own one of these iconic spirits, offering a pathway to a bottle that would otherwise remain an unattainable dream for most.
According to reports, including a detailed piece on Goerie.com, the lottery aims to raise revenue for the state’s alcohol beverage tax. This is a critical aspect, as the PLCB intends to use the proceeds to bolster the state’s revenue streams from alcohol sales. However, the primary draw is undeniably the chance to potentially acquire a bottle of exceptionally rare bourbon. The lottery isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about capitalizing on a fervent passion within the whiskey community.
The PLCB’s Perspective
The PLCB is positioning this as more than just a promotional gimmick. They’re explicitly stating that the proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to revenue generated from the alcohol beverage tax. As noted by BourbonBlog.com, the focus remains on securing excellent bourbon, and utilizing the lottery as a vehicle to do so. The PLCB has emphasized its commitment to offering high-quality spirits, justifying the premium price tag. This strategy aims to attract serious collectors and enthusiasts, solidifying Pennsylvania’s position within the premium whiskey market. The PLCB has also indicated plans for future iterations of the lottery, suggesting a potential long-term strategy for supporting both revenue generation and promoting Pennsylvania-produced whiskey.
A Word of Caution
Let’s be realistic – the entry fee is significant. At $100 per ticket, the investment is substantial. And while the odds of winning are undoubtedly slim – estimated at around 1 in 10,000 – the potential reward is considerable. A Van Winkle 2010 or 2011, for example, could easily fetch several thousand dollars on the open market. Before you invest $100, it’s crucial to acknowledge the substantial financial commitment and the low probability of success. Treat this as a speculative investment, rather than a guaranteed path to a coveted bottle.
Resources for More Information:
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Goerie.com:
[https://www.goerie.com/story/news/state/2026/01/13/pa-whiskey-lottery-van-winkle-buffalo-trace-eh-taylor/88144336007/](https://www.goerie.com/story/news/state/2026/01/13/pa-whiskey-lottery-van-winkle-buffalo-trace-eh-taylor/88144336007/)
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Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board:
[Insert Official PLCB Website Here – Placeholder]
