NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A WHISKY SERIES
HANYU ICHIRO’S ‘FULL CARD SERIES’ WHISKY FROM
CLUB QING SOLD AT BONHAMS HONG KONG FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF HK$11,890,360/ US$1,520,000
Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series whisky from Club Qing
(Four of the 54 bottles)
Today at Bonhams Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky sale in Hong Kong, the Hanyu Ichiro ‘Full Card Series’ whisky of 54 bottles sold for a sweeping combined total of HK$11,890,360/ US$1,520,000, setting a new world auction record for a whisky series. The legendary set was previously a two-time world-record setter for the most expensive series of Japanese whisky at auction, also established by Bonhams in 2015 (for HK$3,797,500) and 2019 (for HK$7,192,000) respectively.
Daniel Lam, Bonhams’ Director of Wine & Spirits, Asia, commented: “Today, Japanese whisky set a new market high point. We are thrilled to establish yet another world auction record with the Hanyu ‘Full Card Series.’ The bidding for the 54 lots was spirited and global, with strong participation from young collectors under 40 years old. This fully demonstrates the universal appeal of whisky, and the deep market appetite for what is now ready to be one of the most collectable categories for the next generation.”
Hanyu Distillery and the ‘Full Card Series’
Founded in 1941 by Isouji Akuto, a 19th generation descendant of a long line of sake brewers producing Scotch-style malt whisky, the Hanyu distillery ceased production in 2000. But not before Ichiro Akuto, grandson of Isouji, stepped in to secure the 400 premium whisky casks left from the distillery. An avid whisky lover like his grandfather, Ichiro personally selected the prized amber liquid to be bottled for each ‘card’ released between 2005 and 2014, ensuring that the Hanyu legend lives on.
The Club Qing Collection
On offer this time was the reputable collection from Club Qing, a world-acclaimed whisky bar in Hong Kong specialising in Japanese whisky and rare old Scotch whisky, founded by Mr. Aaron Chan in 2015. Over the past five years, this collection has been admired as a centerpiece in the bar and a destination piece by thousands of whisky aficionados from around the globe.
Mr. Aaron Chan formed his collection over a decade prior to the bar’s opening, sourcing each of the 54 bottles – including many ultra-rare first-editions – globally before they became available in the auction market.
Quick stats:
Hanyu Ichiro’s ‘Full Card Series’ whisky from the Club Qing Collection
· All 54 lots 100% sold
· Combined total: HK$11,890,360/ US$1,520,000
· Pre-sale total estimate: HK$6,380,000-9,780,000
· Four first-edition bottles far exceeded expectations:
o Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-King of Diamonds, 1 of 124 bottles Sold for HK$ 620,000. Estimate: HK$ 300,000 – 500,00.
o Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Jack of Clubs, 1 of 124 bottles Sold for HK$ 744,000. Estimate: HK$ 250,000 – 350,000
o Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Queen of Hearts, 1 of 125 bottles Sold for HK$ 682,000. Estimate: HK$250,000 – 350,000
o Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Ace of Spades, 1 of 122 bottles Sold for HK$ 682,000. Estimate: HK$300,000 – 500,000
Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky Auction date: 20 – 21 NovemberAuction venue: Bonhams Hong Kong Saleroom, 20/F, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong
NOTES
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com
