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

Our collection schedule for May 2026 has now been finalised. Please complete the form HERE to  register your interest in our free collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 11th May 2026.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London. Although we do have four collection points in London. Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc. VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available

Local Heros Sweet Peat 46% 70cl

Part of the Local Heros trio of whiskies released by the team behind Coleburn Distillery’s revival, Sweet Peat is an intricate, surprisingly complex take on blended malt Scotch. In many ways it does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s a strikingly sweet expression with wisps of gentle smoke. But dig into it and it’s got depth, balance and elegance aplenty. Orchard fruits and boiled confectionery align with aromatic smoke and even a touch of incense. It’s the perfect whisky to sip while waiting for the Coleburn Whisky Resort project to take shape.

£52.50

Tasting notes:

Nose: Sweet Peat opens with traditional confectionery shop notes, backed by plums, orchard fruits, caramel and a subtly elegant earthy smoke.

Palate: Like a dessert trolley, fudge, honey and cake-like notes build on the palate, alongside marshmallow and gently floral incense. More of a bonfire-like smoke builds.

Finish: Long and balanced, with aromatic smoke drifting on.

Bowmore
34 Year Old · 1990 Vintage
70cl · 41.4% ABV

£649.95

This 1990 vintage Bowmore was initially matured in refill bourbon hogsheads before an enriching finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry octaves. The result is an elegant interplay of floral smoke, sea spray and salted peach, layered with mellow cigar leaf and clove. Coastal character meets refined sherry complexity in a beautifully poised 34-year-old Islay single malt.

Glen Scotia to bring new whisky festival to Luss this spring 

Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia is bringing the spirit of Scotland’s smallest whisky making region to Luss this spring with a new two-day whisky festival.

The ‘Glen Scotia Mini Malts Festival’ (16–17 May) is a smaller, more intimate counterpart to the distillery’s annual Campbeltown Malts Festival, a fixture in the global whisky calendar.

Attendees can enjoy Glen Scotia’s impressive portfolio of single malt whiskies while discovering how the distillery creates its signature character through a series of experimental tastings inspired by its latest releases.

Taking place at Luss Distillery – the newly opened state-of-the-art spirits destination of Loch Lomond Group (owners of Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Ben Lomond Gin) – the event is a more accessible alternative for those unable to make the trip to the “wee toon”, being located under an hour from Glasgow.

The venue will be transformed to create a mini Campbeltown, with a Glen Scotia pop-up bar offering drams of this year’s Festival Edition bottling and a selection of exclusive single cask releases from the Campbeltown Malts Festival in recent years, which are highly limited and much-loved drams selected by Master Blender, Ashley Smith.

There will also be two unique tasting sessions:

• A ‘Deconstructed Campbeltown Malts Festival Release 2026’ – an in-depth tasting exploring the individual components of the annual limited-edition festival release, unearthing its distinctive flavour profile and what makes it such a sought-after dram.
• The ‘Big Campbeltown Character Tasting’ – a chance to discover Glen Scotia’s signature style through a guided tasting of its hero 12 Year Old expression, highlighting its characterful tropical fruit and coastal spray flavours, and exploring the elements that give it its distinctive oily texture.

Master Blender for Glen Scotia, Ashley Smith, said:  

“Glen Scotia has established itself  on the global stage, but while our whisky is full of big character and big ambitions, our home and our people remain at the heart of everything we do, so it felt only right to offer a wee taste of the Campbeltown Malts Festival in our new Loch Lomond brand home. 

“Across the two days, attendees will have the chance to explore this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival limited-edition whisky, meet our small team of big characters, and enjoy an exciting flavour of the main festival’s atmosphere.”

For further information about Glen Scotia visit https://www.glenscotia.com/

Tickets for Glen Scotia’s Mini Malts Festival at Luss Distillery are available via https://lussdistillery.com/pages/seasonal-events

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods to create the subtly maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old single malt was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. Only seven months later, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2021.
• In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won ‘Best In Class’ in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2023, Glen Scotia won ‘Best Single Cask Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards for a single cask bottling distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years exclusively in a first-fill bourbon barrel.
• Later that same year, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old won a coveted Platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, which is awarded to the very few entries that receive a Double Gold medal for three consecutive years at the prestigious global event.
• In 2024, Glen Scotia received a number of prestigious awards across its range of single malt whiskies, including Platinum titles at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 for both Glen Scotia Victoriana and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old.
• In 2025, Glen Scotia was awarded several notable industry awards across its core range whiskies including Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum being named the best Campbeltown non-age statement whisky, as well as winning platinum accolades for Glen Scotia 15 and 25 Year Old, and gold for Glen Scotia Victoriana at the San Fransico World Spirits Competition 2025.
• That same year, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old was also awarded gold at the International World Spirits Competition.

STR Wine Cask

Single Malt

70cl · 56% ABV

£194.95

Founded in 2017, the Goalong Distillery is based in China’s Hunan Province, where a humid subtropical climate plays a key role in how the spirit matures. Using locally sourced grains such as barley, rice and wheat, the distillery blends traditional practices (like copper pot distillation and aging in oak barrels) with contemporary techniques. The region’s warmer conditions speed up the aging process, allowing the whisky to develop deeper colour and fuller flavours more quickly than those produced in cooler climates.

Vigorous

Single Malt

70cl · 40% ABV

£54.95

VIEW MORE GOALONG WHISKY

Blended 40 Years Old

Batch 3

This release, created by Living Souls, is batch 3 of their unique 40 Years Old blends. It was laid down to marry in 1998 in refill sherry butts and finished in ex-islay quarter casks. Smoky grilled BBQ aroma melds with bursts of juicy mango, pineapple, and citrus, complemented by soft vanilla and toasted coconut. Gentle smoke adds a savoury edge, grounding the tropical sweetness with a touch of fire and spice.

£126.00

Penderyn Icons Of Wales #14 – The Village Single Malt Welsh Whisky

£67.95

Penderyn Icons of Wales No. 14 celebrates the 2026 centenary of the village of Portmeirion – a unique and much loved coastal folly with a remarkable history.

Portmeirion was brought to life between 1925 and 1973 by the visionary Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Nestled along the rugged North Wales coastline, the village is a joyful celebration of whimsy and elegance, where every structure is meticulously composed to evoke timeless beauty and a sense of architecture dancing in harmony with the landscape.

Inspired by the dream-like Italianate landscape of Portmeirion, this limited edition Welsh single malt whisky was finished in Amarone wine casks, resulting in a delicate yet luxurious single malt that is non-chill filtered and natural in colour.

VIEW MORE

TASTING NOTES

On the nose, layers of ripe fruit and oak spice intertwine with whispers of vanilla and cocoa, followed by delicate honey and gentle toasted oak.

The palate unfolds luxuriously – velvety and full-bodied – revealing red berries, ripe plums, soft spice, and a honeyed sweetness touched by floral undertones.

A long, warming finish lingers with candied fruit, spiced oak, and a subtle trace of grape tannins – a graceful echo of fading light over the vineyards.

Where else can you get into releases from 14 different distilleries without needing to set foot on a ferry? Our May Outturn is live and with it 16 different single cask bottlings. Each of these bottles forms a part of our largest Creators Collection to date. This offers you the chance to build your own festival-themed Creators Collection with the flavours and regions that speak to you.

What are you into: flavour or regionality? The time to answer that question is now…but if you need a little bit more insight, we’ve asked around for some thoughts…

P.S. Don’t miss our ‘Heresy’ festival blend, The Five Regions. More on that next week, or if you can’t wait, it’s available now!…

TAKE ME TO THE BOTTLES

WATCH: FLAVOUR OR REGIONALITY?

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

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF THE JOHN G. CARLISLE CAFE

In celebration of the Distillery’s first permanent dining destination, Buffalo Trace invites guests to explore a three-week lineup of daily experiences

FRANKFORT, KY (April 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the grand opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe, a permanent dining destination located within the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse. Opening nearly one year after historic floodwaters impacted the Distillery, the John G. Carlisle Cafe is a testament to the Distillery’s resilience and enduring spirit of hospitality, inviting guests to gather and dine in a space that has been central to the Distillery for more than 90 years.

Primarily focused on lunchtime service, the 4,900-square-foot cafe offers seating for 70 guests with additional seats on the patio. The menu features made-to-order sandwiches, salads and desserts as well as Kentucky classics, including the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown. Buffalo Trace-infused flavors are incorporated into select cafe menu offerings, including bourbon bacon, barrel-aged coffee, bourbon-infused fudge topping and whipped cream, and more. Additionally, the John G. Carlisle Cafe will offer a rotating menu of select cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace spirits available for purchase, including a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, Wheatley Vodka Peach Mule and a Traveller Whiskey Lucky Penny.

Keeping with the Distillery’s motto, “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change,” the John G. Carlisle Cafe features historic artifacts that connect guests to the people and moments that have shaped the Distillery’s more than two centuries of history. On display is the only known bottle of Carlisle Whiskey, which has been preserved in the Distillery’s archives, along with rare photographs of the original Carlisle Distillery and images of employees using the Clubhouse dating back to the 1950s. Visitors who look closely may also notice a subtle yet powerful design element inside the cafe – the flood line marking the historic high-water level reached during the April 2025 flood.

“For years, guests have asked for a dedicated place to enjoy a meal while spending the day with us,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The John G. Carlisle Cafe is a meaningful addition to the Distillery experience, opening this historic space to the public for the first time and inviting visitors to slow down, settle in, and fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere that makes Buffalo Trace so special.”

In celebration of the John G. Carlisle Cafe’s grand opening, the Distillery is hosting a three-week lineup of daily offerings throughout May. Those visiting can enjoy:

• Monday (5/11, 5/18, 5/25): Kick off the week with Free Meal Mondays, complimentary for the first 100 guests (meal vouchers provided upon check-in).
• Tuesday (5/12, 5/19, 5/26): Explore Buffalo Trace Distillery history with From the Archives – an open house event from noon–2pm with Lead Archivist Nick Laracuente, featuring John G. Carlisle Cafe historical highlights and a curated archives display on the second floor of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
• Wednesday (5/13, 5/20, 5/27): Enjoy Whiskey Wednesdays with complimentary samples of a new, soon-to-be-announced release served all day. Bottles will also be available for purchase in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop (limited quantities available).
• Thursday (5/14, 5/21, 5/28): Connect with the Distillery’s craftsmen through Meet the Masters – a limited, one hour meet and greet opportunity happening inside the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
  • 5/14: Harlen Wheatley – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller
  • 5/21: Danny Kahn – Master Distiller & Distillation/Aging Operations Director
  • 5/28: Drew Mayville – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Blender
• Friday (5/15, 5/22, 5/29): Savor Freddie Fridays featuring complimentary Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda products available in the John G. Carlisle Cafe, plus special appearances by Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson.
• Saturday (5/16, 5/23, 5/30): Experience Sippin’ Saturday featuring seasonal, limited-time cocktails in the Carlisle Cafe from noon-2pm, plus a Buffalo Trace Bourbon-infused Rebecca Ruth’s chocolate pairing.
• Sunday (5/17, 5/24, 5/31): Delight in Grain & Glass featuring complimentary breakfast bites from 11am-noon, including complimentary tastings of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain.

“As we introduce the John G. Carlisle Cafe, our team is committed to delivering a terrific experience,” said Adams. “We encourage guests to plan extra time for their next visit and thank them for their patience as we welcome visitors into the space for the first time.”

Originally constructed in 1935, the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse was designed as a welcoming gathering place for meals, celebrations and community at the Distillery. Over the decades, the lower level served as a cafeteria, breakroom and company event venue, hosting everything from holiday gatherings to visits from national dignitaries. Today, that spirit of connection continues through the John G. Carlisle Cafe, named in tribute of the influential politician whose leadership helped secure passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

To honor Carlisle’s support of industry, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. built two distilleries in 1879 – one of which he named the Carlisle Distillery. Situated alongside Taylor’s O.F.C. Distillery, the Carlisle Distillery produced Kentucky River Whiskey and Carlisle Whiskey until Prohibition. Although the Carlisle Distillery was demolished in 1936, its legacy – as well as the legacy of the namesake – lives on in the reimagined space.

The John G. Carlisle Cafe opens May 11, 2026. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday from 11am – 3pm. For more information about the Carlisle Cafe, and the lineup of daily offerings, please visit buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/cafe.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.