April 2025 Auction

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 25th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-fifth edition, featuring the print Shimomeguro.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 24th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-fourth edition, featuring the print Ushibori in Hitachi Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 22nd Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-second edition, featuring the print Tama River in Musashi Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 36th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirty-sixth edition, featuring the print Fine Wind, Clear Morning.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 31st Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirty-first edition, featuring the print A View of Mount Fuji Across Lake Suwa, Shinano Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 30th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirtieth edition, featuring the print Umezawa in Sagami Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 29th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-ninth edition, featuring the print Fujimi Field in Owari Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 28th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-eighth edition, featuring the print Sundai, Edo.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 27th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-seventh edition, featuring the print Barrier Town on the Sumida River.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 26th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the twenty-sixth edition, featuring the print Inume Pass in Kai Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength Sherry Butt 5th Batch

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling consists of spirit from the distillery's final years of production, matured in sherry wood and bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength Sherry Butt 4th Batch

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling consists of spirit from the distillery's final years of production, matured in sherry wood and bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength Sherry Butt 8th Batch

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling consists of spirit from the distillery's final years of production, matured in sherry wood and bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 34th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirty-fourth edition, featuring the print Mount Fuji from the mountains of Totomi.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength Sherry Butt 6th Batch

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling consists of spirit from the distillery's final years of production, matured in sherry wood and bottled at cask strength.

Ardbeg Lord of the Isles 25 Year Old

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

A highly sought after and iconic Ardbeg, released between 2002 and 2007. These are named after the 'Lord of the Isles' who ruled the Western Isles and parts of Argyll between the 12th and 15th Century. 

Kyoto Ki Noh Bi Ex-Karuizawa Cask Dry Gin 4th Edition / Bar High Five

This gin is extra special as it was matured in ex-Karuizawa sherry casks, marking the first-ever collaboration between Japanese whisky and Japanese gin. The Kyoto Distillery’s “Ki Noh Bi” Dry Gin is also the first Japanese gin to collaborate with the Noh Theatre, like the legendary Karuizawa distillery did before it. Noh is one of Japan’s traditional performing arts.

The 4th Edition was exclusive to the Bar High Five in Tokyo, Japan.

One of 374 bottles.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 33rd Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirty-third edition, featuring the print Hodogaya on the Tokaido.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 35th Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirty-fifth edition, featuring the print Ejiri in Suruga Province.

Karuizawa 1999-2000 Cask Strength 32nd Edition

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited bottling is part of a series of multi-vintage Karuizawa from the distillery's final years of production, each bottled at cask strength and labelled with a different image from the Fugaku Sanjurokkei or 36 Views of Mount Fuji print series. The series of Japanese woodblock prints were created by artist Katsushika Hokusai in the 1830's, and proved so popular that an additional 10 views were added shortly afterwards. 

This is the thirty-second edition, featuring the print Sunset across the Ryogoku bridge from the bank of the Sumida River at Onmayagashi.

Ardbeg 1975 Douglas Laing 29 Year Old / Old and Rare

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

This whisky was distilled in 1975 and aged for 29 years.

Douglas Laing & Co was established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, affectionately known as “FDL.” The company started out as a blending business, but over time their focus shifted towards independently bottlings single malts. Fred died in 1982, leaving the business to his two sons, Stewart and Fred Jr, who eventually carved it up in 2013, with Stewart leaving to establish Hunter Laing. Fred Jr and his daughter Cara now run Douglas Laing, which continues to bottle single malt and has also revived its blending business. Additionally, the company has recently moved into distilling as well, announcing plans to construct the new Clutha distillery in Glasgow, and taking over Strathearn in Perthshire in 2019.

This is part of the premium Old & Rare series. Launched in 2001, it was bottled by Douglas Laing until 2013 when the brand became part of the Hunter Laing portfolio instead.

One of 145 bottles.

Auchentoshan 1973 Sherry Cask 32 Year Old

Famed for its exclusive use of triple distillation, Auchentoshan is based on the outskirts of Glasgow and was owned for the duration of the 1960s by Tennents brewery. They sold it to Eadie Cairns at the end of the decade, who upgraded the site and began officially bottling it as a single malt. The distillery passed through the hands of Morrison Bowmore before becoming part of the Beam Suntory table today. Unusually, none of the Auchentoshan output is reserved for blends, meaning there has been a wealth of distillery bottled single casks and independent releases throughout the years.

This Auchentoshan was distilled in March 1973 and matured in a pair of sherry casks for 32 years. It was bottled in July 2005.

One of 480 bottles.

Komagatake 1988 Single Cask 29 Year Old #480 / Shinanoya 10th Anniversary

Japan's highest distillery, Shinshu was built by the whisky division of the Hombo Shuzo Co, known as Mars, in 1985. It is located in Miyada, a village in the Nagano Prefecture, and operated for seven years before being mothballed in 1992. Despite being relatively succesful in their native market, Mars had not had the success of its competitors Nikka and Suntory on the global stage, and the struggling Japanese whisky market at the time forced the company's hand. In the subsequent years however, things began to improve, and Shinshu distillery was eventually re-opened in 2011. Mars bottles its single malt under the Komagatake brand, and have also opened a sister distillery called Tsunuki to provide for its popular blends.. 

This Shinshu was distilled in 1988 and matured in single cask #480 for 29 years. It was bottled in 2017 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Shinanoya.

Ardbeg 2000 Single Oloroso Cask 21 Year Old #1565

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

This whisky was distilled on 23rd May 2000 and aged in single refill Oloroso sherry cask #1565. It was bottled in March 2022 and resulted in 555 bottles.

Karuizawa 17 Year Old to 31 Year Old

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This rare Karuizawa is presented in a crytsal decanter produced by the original owners of Karuizawa, Mercian Wine Company. The whisky is matured between 17 and 31 years of age and a combination of peated and unpeated spirit.

Ardbeg 1965 Gordon and MacPhail 17 Year Old / Mario Rossi Import

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

A very old vintage of Ardbeg bottled by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Connoisseurs Choice series.

Distilled in 1965, matured for 17 years and imported to Italy by Mario Rossi Jr.

The Connoisseurs Choice label is one of the most recognisable independent bottlings on the market. It was initially created for renowned Italian importer, Edoardo Giaccone in the early 1970s, but became a mainstay of the core Gordon & MacPhail portfolio in 1979.

Ardbeg Uigeadail 4.5 Litres

The Uigeadail was introduced in 2003, pronounced [oog-a-dal], and takes its name from a nearby Loch from which the distillery sources water. Over 20 years on, this is still a legendary expression and a staple of the distillery's core range.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

This lot will include a six bottle shipping fee.

Komagatake 1991 Cask Strength 28 Year Old

Mars Whisky is the whisky-producing subsidiary of Hombo Shuzo, a renowned shochu producer in Japan. Founded by Kiichiro Iwai, the company opened its first distillery, Shinshu, in 1985. Iwai is famed for being the man responsible for dispatching Masataka Taketsuru to Scotland, and it is no coincidence that the Shinshu stills are similar to those at Longmorn, also replicated by Taketsuru at his Yoichi distillery. Shinshu was closed in 1992 due to lack of demand, but the fortunes of Japanese whisky soon turned, and Mars Whisky re-opened it again in 2011, and established second distillery called Tsunuki in 2016. Nowadays it is one of the major players in the Japanese whisky market, bottling a number of sought after blends, as well as their single malt brand, Komagatake.

28 year old whisky from the Shinshu Mars distillery, matured in American white oak cask #160.

One of 352 bottles.

Ardbeg 1998 Single Oloroso Cask 22 Year Old #51

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

This Ardbeg was distilled in January 1998 and matured in single second-fill Oloroso cask #51 for 22 years. It was bottled in July 2020.

One of 546 bottles. 

Ardbeg 1998 Single Oloroso Cask 22 Year Old #51

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

This Ardbeg was distilled in January 1998 and matured in single second-fill Oloroso cask #51 for 22 years. It was bottled in July 2020.

One of 546 bottles. 

Ardbeg 1975 bottled 1999

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

The lack of depth in the Ardbeg warehouses following the Glenmorangie takeover in 1997 made finding a core-range for the distillery a challenge. Their first age-statement was a generous 17 year old, and the 1975 vintage was bottled between 1998 and 2001.

Arran The Explorers Series Volume 1-4 

Although the Isle of Arran was once a hot-bed of distilling activity, there were no distilleries on the island for the majority of the 19th and 20th centuries. Isle of Arran Distillers opened their first distillery in 1995, and it quickly became a firm favourite. They bottled its first single malt in 1998, a limited edition 3 year old in a glass decanter. The distillery also produced a peated single malt called Machrie Moor, however an experimental second distillery on the other side of the island, called Lagg, is now the site of all the company’s peated production. As of 2019, the distillery was renamed Lochranza, however its single malt brand is still known by the old name, Arran.

• Arran 20 Year Old The Explorers Series Volume 1 / Brodick Bay 49.8% 70cl
• Arran 21 Year Old The Explorers Series Volume 2 / Lochranza Castle 47.2% 70cl
• Arran 21 Year Old The Explorers Series Volume 3 / Kildonan and Pladda Island 50.4% 70cl
• Arran 23 Year Old The Explorers Series Volume 4 / Drumadoon Point 49.5% 70cl

NOTE: This lot will include a four-bottle shipping fee.