Pennsylvania Whiskey Lottery Opens With Rare Pappy, Buffalo Trace Bottles

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is rolling out a trio of limited lotteries that give locals a rare shot at some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the country. In total, 1,434 bottles are up for grabs, featuring heavy hitters from the Van Winkle Collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and E.H. Taylor lineup.

Here’s how it works:
Pennsylvania residents and licensees have until 5 p.m. Friday to enter. It’s one entry per household, per lottery—no repeats, no do-overs. Each lottery stands alone, and winners can buy only one bottle per lottery.

What’s on the table:

• Van Winkle Collection (1,062 bottles):
  The crown jewel is the 23-year Pappy Van Winkle priced at $449.99, with just 42 bottles available. The most widely available option is the 12-year Van Winkle Special Reserve at $149.99, with 773 bottles.

• Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (324 bottles):
  All bottles are $149.99 and include Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (168 bottles), plus George T. Stagg and William Larue Weller, with 60 bottles each.

• E.H. Taylor Lottery (48 bottles):
  A small but mighty release of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Limited Edition Bottled-in-Bond, also priced at $149.99.

Important details to know:

• You need an active FWGS.com account with billing info already on file—no changes after registration closes.

• If payment doesn’t go through, the win is forfeited.

• Winners must pick up bottles in person with valid photo ID at their selected Fine Wine & Good Spirits store. No proxies, no exceptions.

The lotteries are open to Pennsylvania residents and licensees 21 and older with a verified Pennsylvania billing address and a selected store location. For bourbon fans, this is about as close as it gets to hitting liquid gold.