BONHAMS HONG KONG SETS

NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORD

FOR A BOTTLE OF JAPANESE WHISKY

A Unique Yamazaki 50-Year-Old, Created for Club Natsume

Achieves HK$8,250,000 (US$1,050,000)

 Karuizawa 52-Year-Old Cask #5627, 1960 – Treasure Ship

Sells for HK$6,250,000 (US$797,000)

Sharon Chan hammering down the Yamazaki 50-Year-Old – Exclusively Created for Club Natsume to set a new world auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky

Yamazaki 50-Year-Old Exclusively Created for Club Natsume

Hong Kong — Bonhams set a new benchmark today at The Legendary Japanese Whisky sale, where a unique Yamazaki 50‑Year‑Old created exclusively for Club Natsume soared to HK$8,250,000 (approx. US$1,050,000), nearly doubling its high estimate (estimate: HK$2,800,000 – 4,200,000) and setting a new world auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky. Alongside the Karuizawa 52‑Year‑Old Cask #5627, 1960 – Treasure Ship, which realised HK$6,250,000 (approx. US$797,000; estimate: HK$2,200,000 – 3,200,000), the two rare ultra-aged bottles together achieved HK$14.5 million. Bonhams now holds the top three prices ever achieved at international auction for a bottle of Japanese whisky, affirming its unrivalled leadership in the category.

The Yamazaki 50-Year-Old ignited fierce competition in Bonhams’ Hong Kong saleroom. After intense bidding by three determined collectors in the room and on the phones, the bottle achieved a record-breaking HK$8,250,000. The spirited contest eclipsed the previous record of HK$6,200,000 (approx. US$790,000), set at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2020 for a Yamazaki 55-Year-Old, underscoring strong demand for ultra-rare Japanese whiskies.

Amayès Aouli, Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Bonhams, comments: “Breaking the world record for a Japanese whisky at auction is an important milestone. I would like to thank our passionate bidders, the consignor and all the Bonhams teams involved. It is also another powerful signal of Bonhams’ commitment to shaping the future of fine wine and spirits auctions. We are not simply responding to market demand; we are redefining it through expertise, authenticity and a truly international platform. This record underscores our ambition: to be the trusted global reference in our field and to keep elevating the category to new heights.”

(Left) Karuizawa 52-Year-Old Cask #5627, 1960 – Treasure Ship; (Right) Yamazaki 50-Year-Old Exclusively Created for Club Natsume

Among the rarest Japanese whiskies in existence, the Yamazaki 50‑Year‑Old is the distillery’s second‑oldest expression, released only in 2005, 2007 and 2011. This singular example stands apart for its exceptional provenance: created exclusively for Club Natsume in Nagoya to commemorate the club’s 50^th anniversary, distinguished by a washi label and signed by Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

The Legendary Japanese Whisky sale followed the “white-glove sale” of Masterpiece Cellar of a Prescient Collector – Finest & Rarest Wines earlier today. In a packed saleroom, all 350 lots were sold for a total of over HK$23 million (approx. US$2,930,000), surpassing the pre-sale high estimate.

Building on these two successful live auctions, three online sales are also underway. Icons of Elegance: The Private Wine Collection of Marie‑France Van Damme (closing on 3 June), Wine Icons from Distinguished Private Collections (closing on 4 June), together with A Dialogue of Time: Finest and Rarest Spirits (closing on 4 June), offer collectors further opportunities to acquire exceptional bottles.

About Bonhams

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world’s leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.

With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind — from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.

Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.

For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com. Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious.  

We all have it – that one Tasting Note that’s just a bit out there, but also perfectly encapsulates your experience of the whisky:  “New cotton clothes and holding a glass of white wine, we perused a flower shop’s wares,” or “Fat peat smoke, anchovy paste, medicinal tinctures, iodine, malt vinegar and freshly dried laundry by the sea.”

Intrigued? These Tasting Notes are from our June Outturn, which is live NOW. 

We’re continuing with the roll out of the Society’s new flavour profiles. The original twelve flavour profiles have evolved into eight mouthwatering categories – each with a new name, colour and character. This is a refinement and a refocus on flavour based on our historical archive of Tasting Notes and member feedback. Discover more here.

More of the new profiles will be introduced over time as we slowly retire the old profiles.

HARMONIOUSLY BALANCED

CASK NO. 26.228

AGE:  14 years

CASK:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

TROPICAL PARADISE BEACH BAR VIBES

CASK NO. 71.116

AGE:  14 years

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead

DELIGHTFUL DEVELOPMENT

CASK NO. 5.139

AGE:  11 years

CASK:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

TAKING TAFFY TO SICILY

CASK NO. 112.135

AGE:  9 years

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

DECADENT DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

CASK NO. 39.281

AGE:  17 years

CASK:  1st fill hogshead heavy char #4

RUFTY TUFTY

CASK NO. 53.506

AGE:  11 years

CASK:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

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BROWSE APRIL 2026 OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Murray McDavid

Dumbarton 60 Years Old ULTRA

ABV: 42.3% 70 cL

After years in the making, we are proud to introduce NECTERE – the latest addition to the Lindores Abbey core range, and the first bottle to feature our updated design.

NECTERE is our fully Sherry-matured single malt: rooted in place, shaped by history, and brought to life by the people who make it. The name comes from the Latin conectere – to link, to bind, to connect. It unites the pioneering craft of the monks who first distilled at Lindores Abbey in 1494 with the living tradition of Sherry production in Jerez. And yes, it delivers what the name promises: pure nectar.

THE CASKS
Nectere is matured exclusively across four classic Sherry styles – Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Amontillado and Palo Cortado. Each contributes its own layer of character: dark fruit, warm spice, nuttiness and depth that only the finest Sherry wood can give. Using all four together in a single expression is uncommon in the industry. Finding the balance between them is the craft.

THE LIQUID
Mahogany in colour. The nose opens with sweet treacle, red apples, vanilla custard cream and cinnamon. On the palate, mellow molasses, chocolate raisins, nutty macaroons, toffee and warming spices unfold with a velvety, beautifully balanced complexity. The finish is long and creamy, with nutmeg and cinnamon lingering at the back of the palate.

PRE-ORDER TODAY!
Nectere launches in the UK on Thursday 25th June. You can pre-order your bottle today, and it will be shipped to you on launch day!

We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.

With thanks,
The Lindores Abbey Distillery Team

PRE-ORDER YOUR BOTTLE

How Innovation Built Modern Scotch Whisky

When people think about Scotch whisky history, they often focus on tradition. But the industry we know today was shaped just as much by innovation. In our latest article, we explore how 19th-century advances in distillation, blending, maturation and transport transformed Scotch from a local product into a global industry. Featuring insights from whisky writer Dave Broom and historian Iain Russell, it’s a fascinating look at the commercial and technological forces behind the rise of Scotch.

📖 Read the Post

The Good Dram Show – Episode 635 ‘White Peaks x Spirit of Yorkshire’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show, in which I’ll be taking a look at some new releases from Derbyshires White Peak distillery and the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 635 – White Peaks Distillery x Sprit of Yorkshire. Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

 Featuring

White Peak Distillery Wireworks Heritage Chevallier 57.3%

White Peaks Distillery Wireworks Caduro 46.8%

White Peaks Distillery Wireworks Caduro X 46.8%

www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

Spirit Of  Yorkshire Filey Bay Flagship Marrying Strength 50.1%

Spirit Of Yorkshire Filey Bay Orange Wine Barrique 46.2%

Spirit Of Yorkshire Filey Bay Special Release – Porter Cask #2 51.4%

spiritofyorkshire.com

WOVEN ACCELERATES INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION FOLLOWING AWARD-WINNING START TO 2026 

Independent blender doubles down on its commitment to flavour as refreshed core range expands into four new markets

Edinburgh-based whisky maker Woven has secured four new international distribution partnerships across France, Italy, Spain and New Zealand, marking a significant step in the brand’s global expansion.

The announcement marks a major breakthrough in Woven’s international growth strategy, underpinned by rising global demand for flavour-driven, accessible whisky. Each market has been selected based on clear indicators of this demand, alongside a shift toward flavour and value, and an openness to new whisky propositions.

The announcement is bolstered by recent recognition at the World Whiskies Awards, where WXC – a collaborative spirit drink created with London’s Assembly Coffee – was named World’s Best Flavoured Whisky 2026, providing further validation of Woven’s focus on flavour-led innovation as it enters new territories.

Nick Ravenhall, Managing Director of Woven, said:  “We’re new into these markets, but the drinker we’re built for is already there. They get it instantly, and right now they’re hugely under served by the category. That’s the opportunity.

“The whisky industry has traditionally been led by heritage and prestige. That still matters in the right context, but it’s no longer enough on its own. We’re not seeing people walk away from whisky, we’re seeing them get more selective. Propositions that stack up on flavour and value are finding their audience. Those that don’t are sitting on shelves. Right now, the whiskies delivering on flavour and value – often blends – are the ones winning that race.”

Recent figures from the Scotch Whisky Association reflect that shift. While single malt exports fell 6% to £1.6bn in 2025, blends remained stable – a sign that value and drinkability are holding firm as priorities change.

Woven’s approach is deliberately less traditional, treating whisky as a creative category rather than a fixed set of rules. Its core range spans four categories of blended Scotch, world blends, blended malt and flavoured whisky, allowing the brand to compete across multiple segments as it expands internationally. The portfolio is designed to let drinkers move freely across styles, without gatekeeping or the fear of doing it wrong.

Pete Allison, Co-Founder and Whisky Maker, said: “At one of our recent events, someone told me they loved our premium whisky Superblend, but couldn’t have it as their go-to because of the price. From that conversation, we spent three months sourcing components from around the world to meet that drinker exactly where they are. Whisky is great at selling just-out-of-reach aspirations, but we wanted to meet people right now. That was the moment our new house pour, Woven Whisky, was born.”

France and Italy represent large, established markets where Woven is now scaling beyond early specialist listings. Spain is one of the few European markets in growth, with export values up 6% in 2025, while New Zealand offers a highly engaged consumer base open to challenging traditional whisky norms.

L’Explorateur du Goût will handle France, where Woven has spent two years building awareness through La Maison du Whisky, before expanding into the premium on-trade and independent retail. Compagnia dei Caraibi will represent the brand in Italy, Wkyregal in Spain and Highland Fern in New Zealand respectively.

Woven’s full range is now available across France, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand. For more information please visit www.wovenwhisky.com.

ABOUT WOVEN

Woven are independent whisky makers based in Leith — the town where blending was built. Rather than build a distillery, they treat the world’s 2,000 distilleries as a palette, sourcing from makers who share their obsession with flavour. What makes Woven different is what happens between sourcing and blending — they intervene, cultivate, and raise flavour in the cask before a drop goes into the blend. The result is an evolving collection of whiskies that couldn’t exist anywhere else. 

June 2026 Releases from Chorlton Whisky

Greetings from a cold and miserable Chorlton! Flaming June? Flaming Nora more like. (What a terrible intro!). Maybe we’ll find more sense and a bit of sunshine in a few new bottlings though:

Right, here I go wandering around the underbelly of the Industrial Revolution for the occasion of this 10-year-old Clynelish! This is the first (named) Chorlton Clynelish, and not the last. Happy days.

On the nose this starts off beautifully fresh, coastal and very gently waxy, with funky fruits popping through.I get beach sand, pineapple cubes, tangerine peel, orange Chewits, condensed milk and some herby olive oil. In the background there’s this little thread of menthol and something phenolic. Lovely stuff.

On the palate: waxy citrus, sea water, rose petals, mango – very Clynelish. I also find light herbal touches, and again a slightly phenolic and peppery feeling – almost like someone teaspooned the cask with a bit of Talisker. (They didn’t.) The development is on more citrus, caramel, soot, salt and touches of stone fruit in the finish. It takes a bit of water beautifully.

It’s genuinely heartening that Clynelish’s current production is so good. This is top-notch stuff, with great texture and character, and both the fruity and coastal aspects of the spirit in full flow.

(Rumours that the chap on the label is a cousin of Hector McDram cannot be substantiated at this point.)

This first-fill bourbon hogshead produced 317 bottles at 59.0%, and they are available for £65 each.

Next up we have a 27-year-old Glen Garioch. I wouldn’t like to speculate about the tussle on the label here, but it seemed appropriate for a big old boisterous dram!

So, on the nose: baled hay, shredded wheat, milk chocolate, gloopy olive oil, hazelnuts, dried up honey, lemon jelly – really quite complex! There are little bits of something sooty and oily in the background, and some awesome flashes of tropical fruit if you give it a few minutes in the glass.

On the palate: powerful, waxy and slightly tarry, with lemon drops, cough mix, eucalyptus, peach crumble and resin. The development is on dark chocolate buttons, rosemary and green fruits, before a gently mineralic finish. With some water added – lemons and oranges, earth and soft honey.

I don’t know if this makes any sense, but this feels to me like an old peated whisky, just stripped of the smoke. All the tertiary stuff is there. In any case, it’s fascinating, complicated in a Old Highlandsy sort of way, and just great fun to drink.

This second-fill barrel produced 167 bottles at 58.2%, and they are available for £165 each.

Lastly we have a 15-year-old Aultmore, bottled just days shy of 16yo due to a leaky cask. Aultmore tends to be sherried, but it can work a treat in bourbon, viz:

So it’s bright and fruity on the nose – honeydew melon, lime & honey, dandelions, vanilla slice, pine bark and branches, and peach tea. Nice! With a bit of water – soft and custardy, with a few sultanas popping up.

The palate is malty and sweet, with maple syrup and shortbread cut through with lemongrass, lime leaves and spearmint. It develops on muffins and brioche, still balanced by lime, with lovely little touches of red fruits in the aftertaste (dried cranberry muffins perhaps).

This is just super-tasty. I love the leafy citrus balancing out the sweetness. Happily we got some of it into bottles before it all ended up on the floor!

This refill barrel produced only 160 bottles at 58.1%, and they are available for £75 each.

Admin

There’s been a big spike in shipping prices lately (mostly fuel surcharges due to the situation in Iran) so I have had to increase rates slightly. Apologies. I’ve absorbed as much of the increase as I can, and I hope to reduce charges again when/if normality resumes.

If you ever want me to hold onto bottles to combine with future orders to save on delivery, then just let me know. Such things can be arranged.

And…

…that’s it for now. I hope you find a bottle from this trio has tickled your fancy, and I remain available via all the usual channels if I can be of any assistance.

Cheers!

David

We all have it – that one Tasting Note that’s just a bit out there, but also perfectly encapsulates your experience of the whisky: “A splash of white vermouth and strawberry bonbons bobbing in chai tea,” “Thick tannins marched in carrying liquorice torpedoes and old saddles,” or even: “Sooty, grassy and enticingly dank on the nose, this came across like a great barbecue accompaniment.” Intrigued? All of these Tasting Notes are from our June Outturn, which is live NOW.

On that less traditional note, this month we’re encouraging you to try your whisky in a cocktail. Add some soda water and ice to your whisky for a highball, batch something up for a barbecue, or head to our Members’ Rooms for the team’s own take on summer cocktails. It’s just one more way to experience the good stuff and the power of flavour.

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video