BONHAMS UNVEILS EXCEPTIONAL WHISKY SALE IN HONG KONG THIS MAY

Unique Yamazaki Whiskies Exclusively Blended For

Famed Kyoto Michelin-Star Chef Kenichi Hashimoto

A set of Yamazaki Genmu and Hitomi (4 bottles). Estimate: HK$300,000 – 500,000 (From left) Yamazaki-Green Hitomi, Yamazaki-1991-Black Hitomi-Cask #1S70427, Yamazaki-Genmu, Yamazaki-Genmu Premium Red Edition

16 May 2024 | HONG KONG

Finest and Rarest Whisky (5pm)

Hong Kong – Bonhams is set to kick off its spring sales season in Hong Kong with two exciting auctions – Finest and Rarest Whisky to be held on 16 May 2024. Taking centre stage at the Finest and Rarest Whisky sale is a set of Yamazaki Genmu and Hitomi (HK$300,000 – 500,000), exclusively blended for Michelin-star chef Kenichi Hashimoto by Seiichi Koshimizu, former Suntory’s chief blender.

“This season, we have curated exceptional auctions in Hong Kong, highlighting the remarkable diversity and depth of our spirit offerings,” said Amayès Aouli, Bonhams Global Head of Wine and Spirits.

“The spotlight of our whisky sale is on the unique Yamazaki Genmu and Hitomi set, including the ultra-rare Genmu Premium Red Edition. An epitome of culinary and whisky craftsmanship, they are not only masterworks by two connoisseurs of taste, but also embodiment of a close bond and admiration between Hashimoto and Koshimizu.” 

FINEST AND RAREST WHISKY

Four bottles of Yamazaki-Green Hitomi, Yamazaki-1991-Black Hitomi-Cask #1S70427, Yamazaki-Genmu, Yamazaki-Genmu Premium Red Edition will be auctioned as a set for the first time, carrying an estimate of HK$300,000 – 500,000.

A Fusion of Refined Palates

Kenichi Hashimoto, owner and chef of the famed Michelin-star Kaiseki restaurant Ryozanpaku in Kyoto, Japan, and Seiichi Koshimizu, former Suntory’s chief blender, have shared a close friendship for years. Thanks to a gift from Koshimizu, Hashimoto was introduced to the captivating world of whisky, which led him to embark on the creation of Whisky Kaiseki—an exquisite fusion of Japanese whisky and cuisine. So exquisite is his culinary sensibility that, as soon as Hashimoto began his tasting journey, he discovered an extraordinary and distinctive mix of flavours with Sherry and Mizunara casks. Mesmerised, Hashimoto approached Koshimizu with a request. Despite nearing retirement, the legendary master blender was so inspired that he decided to craft a unique Japanese whisky exclusively for his friend, resulting in the creation of Yamazaki Hitomi. This victorious collaboration prompted Hashimoto and Koshimizu to explore new horizons, culminating in the birth of Genmu Premium Red Edition in 2012. Limited to a release of just 40 bottles, it features a blend of six handpicked, extremely rare Yamazaki single malts. 

Japanese whisky highlights:

• A set of Yamazaki Genmu and Hitomi (4 bottles). Estimate: HK$300,000 – 500,000
• Karuizawa-29 year old-#8897-Aika Geisha; Karuizawa-30 year old-#5347-Aika Geisha, a set of 2 bottles. Estimate: HK$250,000 – 350,000
• Yamazaki-1984-The Peninsula-#WM0044. Estimate: HK$120,000 – 160,000

In addition, the sale also features an exciting array of Scotch whisky:

• The Macallan-72 year old-Genesis in Lalique. Estimate HK$380,000 – 580,000

• Johnnie Walker 1805-The Celebration Blend. Estimate: HK$80,000 – 120,000

 Bonhams Hong Kong Saleroom, 20/F, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong 

Upcoming Wine & Spirits Sales Worldwide 

16 May | Finest and Rarest Whisky (Hong Kong)

20-29 May | Finest Whisky and Spirits (Scotland)

3-13 June | Rare Spirits (US)

21 June-3 July | Finest Whisky and Spirits (France)

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement. More information here.

In 2023, Bonhams achieved 14% growth with $1.14 billion in turnover. Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.

More information and highlights can be found HERE

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