The oldest Japanese whisky in history is expected to be raised next month. A 55-year-old bottle of Yamasaki will headline bonham’s auction on August 21. It is expected to sell between H$580,000 and H $780,000, the amount of $74,834 to $100,639 in USD.
The whisky originally released this year through Suntory through a lottery system, only for others living in Japan, meaning that not everyone who wants to buy a bottle can do so. Only a hundred bottles of whiskey were made available.
Yamazaki, 55, originally distilled in the 1960s at Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first advertising whisky distillery. It was bred in 1960s Japanese Mizunara oak barrels and 1964 white oak barrels, which is the last year of the Tokyo Olympics.
The whisky distilled at 46% ABV and ‘has an intense reddish amber color with a complex nose of Starwood and sandalwood, rich in fruity fragrances with a sweet taste.
The bottle is dusted in gold and comes in a black Mizunara oak box with a Surge lacquer. The bottle’s mouth is wrapped in handmade Echizen Washi and tied with a traditional Kyoto braided cord.
“We are excited to be the first overseas auction space to offer this historic and incredibly popular bottle to the global public, who already have a strong appetite for Japanese whiskey,” said Daniel Lam, Director of Wines and Liquors in Bonhams, Asia. in a prayer. “One of the hundred that has been produced, this amber joy through one of the most prestigious whisky distilleries is as uncommon as its quality is unmatched.”
Auction and preview sessions will be conducted in accordance with existing COVID government rules in Hong Kong. Bonham notes that this includes the option of a “closed door” auction, where an auctioneer will be provided in the gallery. Offers will also be accepted online and set the phone, as well as mail auctions.
Beyond the 55-year-old Yamazaki, the auction has a number of other rare bottles that are a visit. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Macallan Lalique-55 years old. Estimate: 700,000 to 900,000 Hong Kong dollars
Karuizawa-1974-40 years- 4560-Blue Geisha and Karuizawa-1974-40 years- 3626-Gold Geisha. H $200,000 to H $300,000 (estimated)
Bowmore-1955-40 years old. Estimate: 150,000 to 200,000 Hong Kong dollars
Saburomaru-1960-55 years. Estimate: 70,000 to 90,000 Hong Kong dollars.
This, along with the Yamazaki-55 years, is the two oldest Japanese whisky ever held on the market lately.
A case from the 1999 DRC collection (12 bottles) from a personal collection in Hong Kong over 30 years old. Estimates of H$450,000 to H $550,000.
– Echezeaux, Henri Jayer 1995 (6 bottles). H $270,000 to H $360,000 (estimated)
The TASK DRC, 2003 – 2006 (6 owc bottles). Estimated at HK 160,000 to HK220,000
Grand Fine Champagne “Napoleon” Cognac-1811 (approximately 1.5 liters). Estimate: 50,000 to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars. Recently placed on the market for more than 40 years, this well-maintained bottle was purchased at what is believed to be the first wine auction in Hong Kong in March 1977 through Justerini and Brook Ltd, where British winemaster Michael Broadbent invited the auctioneer guest.
And if you’re looking for a more affordable bottle, Nikka recently introduced Nikka Days in the U.S., a Japanese whisky specially designed to enjoy every day, worth a visit.
Life is an adventure, and I’m always on the hunt for the next exciting journey. I’m a Lvl 1 Cicerone (beer sommelier) and spirits enthusiast based in San Francisco. I
Life is an adventure, and I’m looking for the next exciting trip. I am Cicerone Level 1 (beer sommelier) and spirits enthusiast founded in San Francisco. I have a whisky certificate from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy and have been writing professionally for over 15 years. Beyond Forbes, my paintings appear regularly in places like Fortune, Fast Company and Conde Nast Traveler. You can stick to what I’m doing now on Twitter @emily.