Best Of The West Live Auction (November 13, 2026 5:30 PM PT)

Circa 1868–1873, applied top, 12". First variant. Without a doubt, this is the most famous of all the Dr. Henley's products. This is the earliest variant of the I.X.L. Bitters, lacking the circle around "I.X.L.," and is highly sought after by collectors for the wild colors and glass crudities in which it is often found. Introduced during the late 1860s, the I.X.L. Bitters would become Henley's flagship product and one of the best known California bitters of the nineteenth century. Today it remains a cornerstone bottle in advanced Western bitters collections and is eagerly sought whenever a quality colored example comes to market.

Description & Condition: Medium yellow olive. Heavy whittle. Minor 3/16" chip on the upper edge of the lip. An outstanding example in a very rare color.

Min. Bid $4,000 - Est. $8,000–$12,000