Auction Record for a Collection of Japanese Whisky

KODAWARI | The Greatest Japanese Whisky Collection

Achieves £1.8 Million / $2.2 Million

“I am delighted that we have broken the record for the most valuable collection of Japanese whisky ever sold at auction. The KODAWARI Collection was built tirelessly over many years by an extremely passionate and dedicated collector and it’s fantastic to have achieved such a fitting result for him and his bottles. With many of the rarest whiskies from Karuizawa, Hanyu and Yamazaki distilleries among others, it was a real honour to work on a collection of this calibre and bring yet another record-breaking collection to auction at Sotheby’s. The result far outweighs the previous record which is a testament to the quality and rarity of the KODAWARI collection and this is undoubtedly one of my career highlights so far.”

James Gray, Sotheby’s Whisky Specialist

17th NOVEMBER 2023 – Today at Sotheby’s in London, an auction record for a collection of Japanese whisky was achieved when KODAWARI | The Greatest Japanese Whisky Collection brought an overall total of £1,784,937 / $2,216,892.

Predominantly made up of single cask releases from the famed Karuizawa Distillery, which ceased production in 2000, many of which rarely come to auction, the four-hour sale drew spirited bidding in the room and on the telephones as well as online. The results were headlined by a bottle of Karuizawa 52 Year Old Cask #5627 1960, which sold for £300,000 / $372,600. One of only 41 bottles and the oldest Karuizawa to have been released, each is uniquely identified not by a bottle number, but by an individual character or katabori netsuke that was carved from the oak cask head of cask #5627.

The collection included in excess of 150 bottles of Karuizawa dating back to 1960, alongside rare whiskies from The Yamazaki, Hakushu, Yoichi and Hanyu distilleries. Among the top lots were a trio of Karuizawa distilled in 1965 and bottled for the 60th Anniversary of Parisian whisky shop, La Maison du Whisky, and a bottle of the Karuizawa Aqua of Life 45 Year Old, released for the Taiwanese market.

This year, 2023, marks the centenary of Japanese whisky – a spirit that 100 years ago was forged in the footprint of Scotch whisky, but nowadays very much has a unique standing in the whisky collecting world. Today’s sale was made possible by one collector’s foresight for the potential of Japanese whisky. Not only did the collector manage to obtain some of the rarest whiskies ever produced, he is also in the unique position of having tasted almost every single one of them, including the Karuizawa 1960. His passion overwhelmed any sense of trepidation when building the collection – when he began his foray into Japanese whisky, interest in the category outside of Asia was fairly non-existent, which is surprising given the exceptional quality of much of the malt whisky being produced in Japan. Although a ‘hidden gem’ in the West at the time, Japanese whisky was still fairly accessible. By the early 2010s, the whiskies had begun to appear regularly in Europe and the collector – a true enthusiast – started to swap and trade bottles with other like-minded individuals around the world to ensure his collection was as comprehensive as possible.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Our NOVEMBER 2023 Auction ENDS SOON!

Looking to expand your whisky collection? Head to our November auction to see what your missing!

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 28th November

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Macallan – 30 Years Old – 1974 Fine & Rare

This remarkable Macallan 1974 – Fine & Rare whisky was unveiled in 2004. On July 18, 1974, a solitary puncheon, Cask No. 929038, was filled and aged for an impressive 30 years before being bottled in 2004 at its natural cask strength, without undergoing chill filtration.

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November 2023 Auction // 24.11.23 – 04.12.23

Now Live: November Auction

A warm welcome to our November auction. Featuring almost 9,000 rare whiskies and fine spirits.

This month marks a historic moment as the Blair Castle whisky comes to sale. Believed to have been distilled in 1833, this whisky may very well be the oldest Scotch whisky in existence, with 24 bottles available. Bid on the Blair Castle bottles here.

Alongside this, we have an incredible auction of old & rare bottles, many seen for the first time at Whisky Auctioneer- from an extensive collection of over 300 lots of Ardbeg, to the iconic 2010 release Highland Park 50 Year Old. This is also the last opportunity to buy that special bottle before the festive season kicks off.

Browse almost 9,000 lots in our live auction.

Blair Castle Scotch Whisky

Discovered in the cellars of Blair Castle in Highland Perthshire, this month’s auction sees 24 bottles of what is thought to be the oldest Scotch whisky in the world come to auction. Believed to have been distilled in 1833, this is a historic moment for the Scotch whisky industry.

Discover single malts aged 40 years or above

Ardbeg Special Liqueur D&J MacEwen 1950s

Highland Park 50 Year Old 2010 Release

Strathisla 25 Year Old Intertrade Bicentenary Magnum 1.5 Litre

Dunkeld Archives Charity Bottles

Whisky Auctioneer is delighted to be supporting The Chapter House Museum Trust [also known as the Dunkeld Archives] by offering donated bottles in our November 2023 Auction to support their redevelopment project to create a first class, accessible heritage centre. The Chapter House Museum Trust is a recent recipient of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service and Dunkeld, one of the neighbouring towns to our Perth home, has a history stretching back to the Picts and includes many links to the whisky industry.

All of the proceeds from this lot, including Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s commission, will go to support their redevelopment project.

Next month marks ten years since we held our very first auction at Whisky Auctioneer. A lot has happened since then – the launch of our sister sites, Wine Auctioneer and Rum Auctioneer, as well as exciting projects, record-breaking auctions and global expansion.

While we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our journey so far, things can’t stay the same forever. That’s why we’ve refreshed our branding to better reflect the nature of Whisky Auctioneer in 2023. We’re really excited to share our new look with you, and are even more excited to see where it takes us in the next ten years. We hope you enjoy seeing it across our website, social media and emails too.

Interested in selling in our next auction? Fill out our Seller Form today.

Our November Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 3PM (GMT) Sunday 26^th November 2023

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Karuizawa – 50 Year Old (1965) Single Cask #3037 (50cl)

Caol Ila – 15 Year Old (The Manager’s Dram)

Macallan – 78 Year Old (The Red Collection)

Dalmore – 45 Year Old (2018 Release)

Macallan – 18 Year Old (1963 – 2023)

Port Ellen – 15 Year Old (1969) Gordon & MacPhail (75cl)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Our NOVEMBER 2023 Auction is now LIVE!

Looking to expand your whisky collection? Head to our November auction to see what your missing!

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 28th November

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Macallan – 30 Years Old – 1974 Fine & Rare

This remarkable Macallan 1974 – Fine & Rare whisky was unveiled in 2004. On July 18, 1974, a solitary puncheon, Cask No. 929038, was filled and aged for an impressive 30 years before being bottled in 2004 at its natural cask strength, without undergoing chill filtration.

Interested in Selling Whisky?

   We are already collecting for our next auction
🌍  Global Audience
✔    0% Sellers commission
💸   Fast Payment

📱   WhatsApp   +447908 704201
📞   Phone        +44 (0)1340 835445
📧   Email         info@speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

The Grand Whisky Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

There are 2600+ lots to browse and bid on this month with one of the highlights being the new Macallan Mexico!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T.+44 (0)1463 210 427 – sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

AUCTION ENDING SOON!

Our auction is almost at a close, finishing tonight, Sunday 19^th November from 8pm GMT.

Don’t miss out on your last chance to bid on some cracking drams………………….

………..including a selection of Macallan bottlings.

Maybe you prefer the lure of Dalmore? There are several bottles available to the highest bidders, including a distillery exclusive 17 Years Old bottled at cask strength after being finished in Californian Merlot Barrique barrels.

Released exclusively to visitors of the Speakeasy room in 2004, the Glenmorangie Speakeasy was distilled in 1991 and then botted at natural Cask strength and is one of several interesting Glenmorangie bottles on offer in this month’s auction.

Released in 1995, the Rare Malts range consisted of high quality malts of a good age, including those from closed distilleries. Bottled at varying Cask strengths, the range was hugely popular with whisky drinkers and collectors alike. This gorgeous bottle of Clynelish was distilled in 1972 and bottled around the mid 1990’s. Check out the other Rare Malts on offer in our auction this month as well!

Whatever your preference, we’ve got something we think will interest everyone and remember folks, if you want to place a cheeky late bid, you’ve got to be in it to win it! There’s still time to register at clickwhiskyauctions.com. Auction ends from 8PM GMT on Sunday 19^th November.

Our November Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 17th November until 3PM (GMT) Sunday 26^th November 2023

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Karuizawa – 50 Year Old (1965) Single Cask #3037 (50cl)

Caol Ila – 15 Year Old (The Manager’s Dram)

Macallan – 78 Year Old (The Red Collection)

Dalmore – 45 Year Old (2018 Release)

Macallan – 18 Year Old (1963 – 2023)

Port Ellen – 15 Year Old (1969) Gordon & MacPhail (75cl)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

There are 2600+ lots to browse and bid on this month with one of the highlights being the new Macallan Mexico!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T.+44 (0)1463 210 427 – sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK WHISKIES STAR IN BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

Left to right: Glen Scotia 2000-23-year-old-Cask-22/61-3. Estimate: £63,000-85,000 (HK$ 600,000-800,000).  Loch Lomond 2012-11-year-old-Cask #21/946-9. Estimate: £21,000-32,000 (HK$200,000-300,000)

Hong Kong – Two exceptional casks of distinctive single-malt whisky from renowned Scottish distilleries, Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond, will star in Bonhams Fine & RARE Whisky Sale at Hong Kong Admiralty on 17 November 2023.

Diego Lanza, Head of Whisky, Asia and Head of Sale for Whisky auctions in the UK and Europe comments, “Owning a cask from a distinguished distillery is every whisky connoisseur’s dream. While private and individual cask ownership is still relatively new, it is fast gaining momentum in the whisky world and beyond. It is a fantastic opportunity to own casks offered directly from the producers, providing impeccable provenance and outstanding storage and exclusive bottling customisation. This is a rare opportunity to acquire some exceptional Campbeltown and Highland Single Malts, owning your personal distillery bottlings.”

The 23-year-old single cask of Glen Scotia, distilled in 2000 and aging in a 1^st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask, at the Glen Scotia distillery, Campbeltown, Scotland, famed for its whisky-making, is offered with an estimate of £63,000-85,000 (HK$600,000-800,000). The purchase includes bottling and packaging costs, allowing you to brand and personalise your own whisky, together with distillery warehousing storage up to twenty years and an exclusive distillery experience, tour and tasting among many other benefits.

The 11-year-old cask of Loch Lomond single malt whisky distilled in 2012 and aging in a 1^st Fill Sauternes Cask, at the Loch Lomond Distillery on the Lomond Estate with an estimate of £21,000-32,000 (HK$200,000-300,000) is also offered with bottling and personalised packaging, together with storage up to fifteen years.  Since 1814, the Loch Lomond Distillery has been crafting the finest Single Malt Whiskies where craft and style are intrinsically linked. Collecting by casks offers a high degree of customisation in the bottling of the whisky, which is very rare, as well as the unique experience of collaborating directly with two very prestigious distilleries.

Left to right: Examples of customised bottling and packaging from the Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond distilleries.

Other whisky highlights in the sale include:

• The Macallan-52-year-old. 2018 Release. An exceptionally rare and limited release. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers, it is 116 of 250 bottles only. Estimate £42,000-53,000 (HK$400,000-500,000).

• The Macallan-78-year-old-The Red Collection. A peerless single malt whisky matured over 78 years. Bottled in 2020. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Estimate £68,000-90,000 (HK$650,000 – 850,000).

• Karuizawa-1969-50-year-old Cask, # 538. One of 347 bottles. This small Japanese distillery, which no longer exists, was known for producing whisky of the finest quality, noted for its floral scent and maturity. Estimate £32,000-42,000 (HK£300,000-400,000).

Highly prized whiskies will also be offered in the Bonhams Fine Whisky sales in both Paris and Edinburgh.

Highlights from the Whisky sale in Edinburgh running from 27 November-5 December (online) include some exceptional Macallan whiskies to include:

• The Macallan Lalique 50-year-old, distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers in Easter Elchies, Craigellachie and presented in its original case. Released in 2005, it is one of only 470 individually numbered decanters worldwide and the first decanter in the Lalique Six Pillars Collection. Estimate £75,000-90,000.

• The Macallan Anniversary Malt-25-year-old-1974. Bottled in 1999 and distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Ltd. Estimate: £2,500-3,500. 

• Sherriff’s Bowmore.  Distilled and bottled by Sherriff’s Bowmore Distillery Ltd, Islay. Estimate: £800-1,000

Highlights from the Whisky sale in Paris running from 8-18 December (online) includes some of the most collectable and highly respected malts in the world from the Bowmore Distillery, famed for its iconic spirits produced during the 1960s.

• Black Bowmore-42-year-old-1964. Estimate of €14,000-18,000

• White Bowmore-43-year-old-1964. Estimate of €13,000-16,000

• Gold Bowmore-44-year-old-1964. Estimate of €12,000-15,000

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.

There are 14 salerooms around the globe: UK: New Bond Street, London; Knightsbridge, London; Edinburgh. US: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Marlborough. Hong Kong: Admiralty. France: Avenue Hoche, Paris; Rue de la Paix, Paris. Belgium: Brussels; Denmark: Copenhagen. Sweden: Stockholm and Australia: Sydney.

With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60+ specialist areas.

In 2022, Bonhams held a number of important auctions and offered landmark single-owner collections, including the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Sir Terence Conran: The Contents of Barton Court, 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 Style and Substance: The Collection of George and Charlotte Shultz and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2022 included a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (Sold for US$4,185,000), a pair of blue and white octagonal candlesticks (Sold for HK$30,453,00/ US$3,911,913), La femme en rouge au fond bleu by Chaïm Soutine (Sold for £1,842,300/ US$2,236,940), and a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet (Sold for US$3,240,375).

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

The Bonhams Network

Bukowskis

Established in 1870, Bukowskis is the leading auction house in the Nordic region, offering fine art and collectables from their salerooms in Stockholm and Helsinki, as well as online. During the spring 2023 fine art season, Bukowskis sold 7 of the 10 most valuable artworks in Sweden and 32 lots above one million SEK –– while their innovative digital presence attracts over one million web users every month and 200,000 app users overall. Bukowskis offer more than 70,000 lots each year across Art, Works of Art, Design, Jewelry, Watches, Asian Works of Art, Carpets, Glass & Ceramics, and Silver.

Bruun Rasmussen

From its Copenhagen saleroom and online, Bruun Rasmussen sells more than 75,000 lots each year across categories from furniture, paintings and modern design to silver, wine and collector’s items such as books, arms and armour, stamps and coins.

Bonhams Skinner

Renowned New England auction house Bonhams Skinner holds some 80 auctions a year in 20 collecting categories – including Americana, fine art, collectables and wine, and ranging from fine violins to contemporary paintings – at its salerooms in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as on its highly effective digital platform for online sales.

Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr

Established in 1973, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is famous throughout the auction world for its high-profile single-owner sales. With salerooms in Paris and Brussels, it holds auctions in more than a dozen categories, including fine art, haute couture, Asian art, collectable cars, jewellery, watches and more.