April 2025 Auction

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9000 / Nine of Hearts

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2006, this was initially matured in hogshead prior to being finished in an American Oak sherry butt.

One of 210 bottles.

Karuizawa 1981 Wealth Solutions 35 Year Old 4 x 70cl / Ninja

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 is a special edition collection from Wealth Solutions, celebrating the ancient Japanese legend of the Ninja. The whiskies were originally bottled in 2017 as Noh single casks by Number One Drinks. Bottles from cask #4059 were also used by Wealth Solutions for its Shibari range. 

• Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #6183 / Forest Ninja , 56.5% 70cl
• Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #6183 / Mountain Ninja, 56.5% 70cl
• Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #4059 / Fire Ninja, 60.6% 70cl
• Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #4059 / Wind Ninja , 60.6% 70cl

Each bottle is presented in an ornate wooden box, alongside a small metal ornament.

One of just 17 sets.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry an eight-bottle shipping fee.

Hanyu 1985 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #1024 / The Joker 'Monochrome'

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

This is the final bottling in the series and is one of two Jokers released to complete the 58 bottle series; one in colour and one in black and white (monochrome).  This Monochrome Joker is arguably one of the rarest releases from Japan and is a fitting finale for this incredible series of whiskies.

The Monochrome Joker was distilled in 1985 and initially matured in a hogshead, before a second period of maturation in Mizunara oak cask #1024.  

One of 241 bottles.

Karuizawa 40 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #1650 / Platinum Geisha

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 is one of two sought after Platinum Geisha releases, which were available to purchase by winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange.

Matured for 40 years in sherry cask #1650, this bottle is number 086 of 227. 

Hanyu 1986 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #482 / Two of Hearts

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

Distilled in 1986 and bottled in 2009, this was matured in a hogshead before being finished in a Madeira cask. 

One of 309 bottles.

Karuizawa 38 Year Old Single Sherry Cask #4365 / Platinum Geisha

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 is one of two sought-after Platinum Geisha releases, which were available to purchase for winners of a ballot hosted by The Whisky Exchange. The whisky itself was matured for 38 years in single sherry cask #4365.

One of 137 bottles.

Karuizawa 33 Year Old Sherry Cask #3579 / Golden Geisha

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.

The two highly sought after Golden Geisha releases were available to purchase by winners of a raffle hosted by The Whisky Exchange.

This was aged for 33 years in single sherry cask #3579, before being bottled at cask strength. 

One of 129 bottles.

Yamazaki Age Unknown

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Selected from the finest barrels in the Yamazaki aging warehouses, this was produced in celebration of the life of Keizo Saji and his receipt of the Order of the Sacred Treasure. 

Bottled in 1989, the whisky is exclusively 25 years or older, but is otherwise 'Age Unknown', and drawn from the Yamazaki reserve stock. Some sources estimate the stock to be older than 30 years.

One of 300 bottles.

Hanyu 1985 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9109 / Queen of Diamonds

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

This Hanyu was distilled in 1985 and bottled in 2007. Initially matured in a hogshead before being finished in a French oak cognac cask. 

Bottle number 66 of 223.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #7427

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #7427 for 35 years.

One of 208 bottles.

Yamazaki 1984 Suntory Vintage Malt

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This whisky was distilled in 1984 and bottled in 2004.

Part of the Suntory Vintage Malt series that aimed to bottle a whiskies to be enjoyed by those with sentimental attachments to the years in which they were distilled.

Karuizawa 1974 Single Sherry Cask #673 / The Golden Age of Showa

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1974 and matured in single sherry butt #673. It was bottled in 2020 as part of The Golden Age of Showa series, which is comprised of vintages selected between 1971 and 1974.

One of 178 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a four-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #8287 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #8287 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2017.

One of 195 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1974 Single Cask #6115 / The Golden Age of Showa

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1974 and matured in single sherry butt #6115. It was bottled in 2020 as part of The Golden Age of Showa series, which is comprised of vintages selected between 1971 and 1974.

One of 242 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a four-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #3515 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #3515 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2016.

One of 160 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #2360 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #2360 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2016.

One of 226 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1973 Single Sherry Cask #8847 / The Golden Age of Showa

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1973 and matured in single sherry butt #8847. It was bottled in 2020 as part of The Golden Age of Showa series, which is comprised of vintages selected between 1971 and 1974.

One of 211 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a four-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Bourbon Cask 35 Year Old #8223 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single bourbon cask #8223 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2017.

One of 257 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #8090 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #8090 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2017.

One of 253 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #8081 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #8081 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2017.

One of 178 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #7413 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single sherry cask #7413 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2016.

One of 249 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Bourbon Cask 35 Year Old #6478 / Splendid Age

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.

Released in 2016 & 2017, the Splendid Age Collection from the legendary distillery consisted of a variety of different single cask bottlings. Each release included artwork with titles such as Izumi Shikibu, Iwahashi, Karakoto and Cherry Blossoms at Night in the New Yoshiwara. Each of the bottlings are presented in a well-crafted wooden box.

This Karuizawa was distilled in 1981 and matured in single bourbon cask #6478 for 35 years. It was bottled as part of the Splendid Age Collection in 2017.

One of 367 bottles.

Please note due to the size and weight of this lot, it will carry a two-bottle shipping fee.

Hakushu 1989 Single Sherry Cask #9O50021 / TWE

Hakushu was the third distillery built by Suntory, established in 1973 to shoulder some of the malt production burden for Yamazaki. The latter’s grain production had moved entirely to the new Chita distillery the year prior as well. Hakushu was built at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps, a location deliberately chosen by Suntory to provide a contrast to the style of spirit produced at Yamazaki. Interestingly, a second distillery was built in 1981 (referred to as Hakushu East) which has stills of varying shapes and sizes which are able to produce a wide range of distillate character. This is in contrast to the now-dormant old site (referred to as Hakushu West) which had 24 large stills identical in shape and size, but only capable of producing one particular style of distillate. The first Hakushu single malt was bottled in 1994.

This Hakushu was distilled in 1989 and matured in single sherry butt #9O50021. It was bottled in 2009 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of online sales at The Whisky Exchange.

Karuizawa 1973 Single Sherry Cask #4799 / The Golden Age of Showa

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 Karuizawa was distilled in 1973 and matured in single sherry butt #4799. It was bottled in 2020 as part of The Golden Age of Showa series, which is comprised of vintages selected between 1971 and 1974.

One of 103 bottles.

Highland Park 1955 Intertrade 30 Year Old Cask Strength / Nadi Fiori Collection - Signed

Highland Park was built by David Robertson all the way back in 1798. The distillery's relationship with blenders, Robertson & Baxter, saw it acquired by Highland Distillers in 1937, who were subsequently bought by Edrington in 1999, who run it today. The modern Highland Park single malt brand was first officially bottled in the 1970s, with the release of an 8 year old age statement, but distillery bottlings first appeared around the 1950s. The look of the brand has changed many times over the years, but its cult following and popularity has never diminished. It remains one of the most recognisable single malts in the world to this day.

This Highland Park was distilled on the 19th of November 1955 and matured for 30 years. It was bottled at cask strength on the 26th of November 1985 for Intertrade. This is also the highest-scoring Highland Park on WhiskyFun with 96 points.

Intertrade was established in Italy in the early 1980s by Nadi Fiori, the owner of the Taverna degli Artisti bar in Rimini. The company was a collaboration with beer distributors, the Turatello Brothers, and the Intertrade name appears on Fiori's bottlings up to around 1989. Fiori selected his whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail catalogue, but as a collector himself, and a contemporary of his fellow connoisseur countrymen, Silvano Samaroli and Ernesto Mainardi, he knew the importance striking label designs and requested many of his bottlings at cask strength. Whether under the Intertrade, Turatello or High Spirits banner, Fiori's bottlings are some of the most sought after on the market.

One of only 216 bottles.

This bottle is signed by Nadi Fiori.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #466 / Queen of Spades

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

This Hanyu was distilled in 1990, and bottled in 2009. Initially matured in a hogshead before being finished in a port pipe. 

One of only 737 bottles.

Hanyu 1986 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9033 / King of Hearts

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

The King of Hearts was distilled in 1986 and initially matured in a hogshead, then finished in a Pedro Ximénez butt. It was bottled in 2009.

One of 444 bottles.

Yamazaki Age Unknown

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The town of Yamazaki was chosen to be the site of Japan’s first commercial distillery due to its very ‘Scottish’ climate, and with it being an area where three rivers converge. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Selected from the finest barrels in the Yamazaki aging warehouses, this was produced in celebration of the life of Keizo Saji and his receipt of the Order of the Sacred Treasure. 

Bottled in 1989, the whisky is exclusively 25 years or older, but is otherwise 'Age Unknown', and drawn from the Yamazaki reserve stock. Some sources estimate the stock to be older than 30 years.

One of 300 bottles.

Karuizawa 1983 Single Bourbon Cask 30 Year Old #8606 / Geisha Label

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.

Ths Karuizawa was distilled in 1983 and matured in single bourbon cask #8606 for 30 years.

This was one of two bottles released alongside each other for The Whisky Show 2013, and exclusive to The Whisky Exchange.

Karuizawa 1983 Noh Single Sherry Cask 29 Year Old #5322

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 series features different masks used in Noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. This image features the mask of the Noh character, Doji, an innocent young boy with distinctively effeminate appearance.

This limited bottling was distilled in 1983 and bottled in 2013 after 29 years of maturation. Produced from a single sherry hogshead, cask #5322, which yielded only 205 bottles.

Hanyu 1988 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9108 / King of Clubs​

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

Distilled in 1988 and matured in a hogshead prior to being finished in an ex-Cognac cask, this was bottled in 2010. 

Bottle number 65 of 417. 

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9022 / Nine of Spades

Since its stills were turned off in 2000, Hanyu has become one of Japan's most sought after single malts. An economic recession at the turn of the millennium forced the distillery to shut its doors, and the remaining casks of its unblended whisky stock were purchased by Venture Whisky, a firm established by the Hanyu distillery founder's grandson, Ichiro Akuto, in 2004. In 2005 he bottled his first single casks under the Ichiro's Malt label. He later cemented his legacy with the opening of the acclaimed Chichibu distillery, but his finest achievement will surely always be considered to be the Hanyu 'Card' series. The bottles are a collection of 58 releases, each displaying one of 52 playing cards on the label, two jokers, and a second batch of follow up releases to the original 2005 Ace of Spades, Queen of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Jack of Clubs bottlings. Each unique in its own right, every one of these have become a true collector's piece and an important moment in the history Japanese whisky.

The Nine of Spades was distilled in 1990 and initially matured in a single hogshead. It was finished in a cream sherry butt, and bottled in 2010.

One of 584 bottles.