BONHAMS HONG KONG TO AUCTION

TWO RARE ULTRA-AGED JAPANESE WHISKIES

 A Unique Yamazaki 50-Year-Old,

Exclusively Created for Club Natsume

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

The Oldest Karuizawa Ever Released

Hong Kong — On 30 May 2026, Bonhams Hong Kong will present The Legendary Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 50-Year-Old – Club Natsume & Karuizawa 52-Year-Old Cask #5627, 1960 – Treasure Ship, bringing to market two of the most coveted names in Japanese whisky.

Leading the sale is a unique Yamazaki 50-Year-Old created exclusively for Club Natsume — one of the rarest iterations of the distillery’s second-oldest expression — offered alongside the oldest Karuizawa ever released from the now-closed iconic distillery. Defined by extraordinary age, rarity and impeccable provenance, the pair marks a significant chapter in the story of Japanese whisky.

“We are honoured to be entrusted with two whiskies of such rarity and significance,” said Terrence Tang, Bonhams’ Head of Wine & Spirits, Asia. “It is not often that two whiskies of this calibre come to auction together; each marks an important moment in the development of Japanese whisky. Their presence underscores Bonhams’ leadership in the global rare wine and spirits market and forms part of an exceptional line-up of five fine wine and spirits auctions this season.”

Yamazaki 50-Year-Old

Exclusively Created for Club Natsume

Estimate: HK$2,800,000 – 4,200,000

 The Yamazaki 50-Year-Old ranks among the rarest Japanese whiskies in existence. 

Only three official 50-year-old editions were released by the distillery — in 2005, 2007 and 2011 — and they remain the distillery’s second-oldest expression, surpassed only by the 55-Year-Old, which achieved HK$6,200,000 at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2020, setting the auction record for a single bottle of Japanese whisky.

Even among these ultra-limited releases, this particular bottle stands apart as a truly singular example, having been produced exclusively by Suntory as a custom bottling for Club Natsume in Nagoya, Japan, with a unique washi label distinct from the three other commercial Yamazaki 50-year-old releases. Founded by Fumie Kase, Club Natsume was a prominent private members’ venue within Nagoya’s business and political circles. As a longstanding patron, Suntory created the bottling as a token of appreciation to commemorate the club’s 50^th anniversary.

The bottle was subsequently signed by Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo (福與伸二), further underscoring its exceptional provenance.

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

The Oldest Karuizawa Ever Released – One of Only 41 Bottles

Estimate: HK$2,200,000 – 3,200,000

The Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627 stands as the oldest Karuizawa whisky ever bottled. Only 41 bottles were produced. Since the famed distillery ceased production in 2000, Karuizawa has become one of the rarest and most sought-after names in Japanese whisky.

Among the 41 bottles — each distinguished by a hand-carved antique netsuke (根付) suspended from the neck — the “Treasure Ship” edition is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the series. This particular bottle was the star of the show when it was unveiled at Whisky Live / Tokyo International Bar Show 2013, instantly capturing the attention of the whisky world.

This edition reflects the meticulous craftsmanship associated with the brand. Created by the Scottish design agency Contagious, each element of the package was carefully crafted. The label was handmade by papermaker Norito Hasegawa and embellished by master calligrapher Soji Nishimoto. The bespoke wooden case, inspired by traditional Japanese puzzle boxes, was crafted by a British cabinetmaker and inlaid with wood from the original sherry cask. 

About The Bonhams Network  

Bonhams is a world-renowned heritage auction house founded in 1793. Backed by its global network of auction houses spanning the UK, UK, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Bonhams offers the widest range of collecting categories at all price points. The auction house is internationally recognized for its leadership in Fine Art, Collector Cars, Luxury, and Iconic Private Collections, supported by flagship locations in London, New York, Paris, and Hong Kong.

Renowned for its bespoke client service, exceptional expertise, and dedication to local market relationships, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually across more than 60 specialist categories, uniting collectors and connoisseurs around the world.

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com