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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Talisker 1957 Gordon and MacPhail Cask Strength / 53.5%

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland. As such, independent bottlings like this are scarce, and particularly sought after when they appear.

Gordon & MacPhail were granted a license by DCL to officially bottle Talisker single malt in the 1970s and 1980s. Although their access to casks of Talisker has dried up in recent years, these older releases are regarded as being of exceptional quality, and are highly sought after.

The distilleries in the DCL portfolio were always licensed to one of their blending companies, who often had their own single malt brands for them. As a result, those also licensed to Gordon & MacPhail (Linkwood, Mortlach and Talisker) were bottled using special labels, each recognisable by their uniform use of the eagle motif. When United Distillers succeeded DCL in the late 1980s, they returned the licenses to their distilleries. It was the success of the Classic Malts 10 year old that followed which spelled the end for Gordon & MacPhail’s supply.

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.

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.

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 1988 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7100 / Eight 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.

This Hanyu was distilled in 1988 and initially matured in a hogshead, then finished in American oak puncheon #7100. It was bottled in 2011.

One of 561 bottles.

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9302 / Eight 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.

The Eight of Diamonds was distilled in 1991 and initially matured in a hogshead, then finished in single Spanish Oloroso butt #9302. It was bottled in 2009.

One of 595 bottles.

Hibiki 30 Year Old

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. 

The 30 year old was first released in 1997, and although unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, this and a 21 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

Hibiki 30 Year Old

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. 

The 30 year old was first released in 1997, and although unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, this and a 21 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

Hibiki 30 Year Old

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. 

The 30 year old was first released in 1997, and although unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, this and a 21 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

Hibiki 30 Year Old

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. 

The 30 year old was first released in 1997, and although unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, this and a 21 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Last Drop 20 Year Old Japanese Blended Malt

They story of Last Drop Distillers began in 2007 when James Espey and Tom Jago, friends of 45 years, started a small blending company in London. The pair boasted a wealth of collected experience within the industry before they started the project. Espey had clocked up over 50 years in the drinks industry working for the likes of Coca-Cola and eventually become the chairman of Chivas Brothers, and Jago was the former head of innovations at International Distillers & Vintners (IDV), where he helped invent brands such as Baileys Irish Cream, Le Piat d’Or and what would eventually become Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The aim of their new venture was to focus on producing extremely limited, high-end blended Scotch, although the portfolio has since grown to include other whiskies, rum, cognac and wine. The very first release came in 2008. The company grew in 2010 when daughter Rebecca Jago joined, and she was followed by Beanie Espey in 2014. Then, in 2016 Espey and Jago agreed to sell their company to American drinks giant and Buffalo Trace distillery-owner, the Sazerac Company. In its relatively short history, Last Drop Distillers has enjoyed success with its modest but ever-increasing catalogue of releases, each of which are highly-regarded by collectors and experts alike.

This is a blend of Japanese single malts, including whisky from the legendary Hanyu distillery, from both its first and final vintages - 1980 and 2000. With the youngest component of the blend matured for 20 years, this was drawn from a single Mizunara oak cask. It was bottled by Last Drop Distillers in May 2021, as the brand's 30th release. Presented here in an elegant presentation box alongside a 5cl sample.

One of 180 bottles.

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

Hakushu 25 Year Old

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.

The 25 year old is incredibly rare and increasingly sought-after.

Hirsch Selection 13 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Lot #00-1 / Preiss Import

Hirsch Selection is a brand of American whiskey from Preiss Imports, an offshoot of the A.H. Hirsch Reserve name that they acquired from Gordon Hue. This 13 year old Kentucky rye was bottled at Old Commonwealth by Julian Van Winkle III and is the same liquid as the esteemed Van Winkle rye.

The rye is presumed to have been distilled at Medley in Owensboro, and acquired by Julian III through his connection to Stitzel-Weller, as United Distillers closed it down in the same year. 

This release was matured for 13 years in new charred American white oak cask #00-1 and bottled circa 2000 for Preiss Imports, California.

Talisker 1978 Samaroli Sherry Wood / Curved Distillery Label

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland. As such, independent bottlings like this are scarce, and particularly sought after when they appear.

A beautifully coloured bottling of Talisker from Silvano Samaroli, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 1992. This is part of series of classic labels, affectionately termed as the 'Curved Distillery Name' series, released between 1986 and 1992. This was one of the later releases, and one of the last where Samaroli was still in business with Aberdeen bottlers R.W. Duthie (their commitments to Cadenhead's were so time consuming by the early 1990s that this brought an end to the partnership).

Samaroli are perhaps Italy's most revered independent bottler of Scotch whisky. With an impeccable taste in single cask whiskies, and an eye for aesthetics (if not English spelling at times!), founder Silvano Samaroli is regarded by many as a visionary. Since his passing in 2017, the company has been run by his friend Antonio Bleve, who continues his tradition of high quality releases. Many of Silvano’s early bottlings occupy deserved spots on the pantheon of all-time whisky greats.

One of 1,572 bottles.

Hanyu Ichiro's Malt 'Card' / The Joker 'Colour'

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.

The 54th and final bottling in Ichiro's Card Series.

There are two Joker's released to complete the 54 bottle series, one in colour and one in Black and White.  This particular bottling is the Colour Joker, a vatting of 14 casks covering vintages from 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991 and 2000.  The casks used for this final bottling include a sherry butt, puncheon, hogshead, Cognac, chibidaru, Madeira hogshead and bourbon.

Only 3,690 bottles of this highly sought after whisky have been made available.

Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Arita Decanter 2008 Release

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since however have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited 21 year old release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is an Arita 2008 release, bottled \"for the year 2009.\"

Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Arita Decanter 2014 Release

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in recent years have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited 21 year old release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is the Arita 2014 release, bottled \"for the year 2015.\"

The Last Drop 1971 Scotch Whisky

They story of Last Drop Distillers began in 2007 when James Espey and Tom Jago, friends of 45 years, started a small blending company in London. The pair boasted a wealth of collected experience within the industry before they started the project. Espey had clocked up over 50 years in the drinks industry working for the likes of Coca-Cola and eventually become the chairman of Chivas Brothers, and Jago was the former head of innovations at International Distillers & Vintners (IDV), where he helped invent brands such as Baileys Irish Cream, Le Piat d’Or and what would eventually become Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The aim of their new venture was to focus on producing extremely limited, high-end blended Scotch, although the portfolio has since grown to include other whiskies, rum, cognac and wine. The very first release came in 2008. The company grew in 2010 when daughter Rebecca Jago joined, and she was followed by Beanie Espey in 2014. Then, in 2016 Espey and Jago agreed to sell their company to American drinks giant and Buffalo Trace distillery-owner, the Sazerac Company. In its relatively short history, Last Drop Distillers has enjoyed success with its modest but ever-increasing catalogue of releases, each of which are highly-regarded by collectors and experts alike.

This unusual blend is a vatting of over 40 single malts and single grains, all distilled in 1971. It was initially blended in 1983 as a 12 year old premium blend. A portion of this vatting was re-racked into Oloroso butts. In 1992 it was partially bottled again, and the remainder filled into nine American oak barrels. It was left for a further 24 years until the spirit had reached a total age of 45 years. It was bottled by Last Drop Distillers in June 2017, as their tenth release. Presented here in an elegant presentation box alongside a 5cl sample.

One of 1,352 bottles.

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

The Last Drop 50 Year Old Signature Blend

They story of Last Drop Distillers began in 2007 when James Espey and Tom Jago, friends of 45 years, started a small blending company in London. The pair boasted a wealth of collected experience within the industry before they started the project. Espey had clocked up over 50 years in the drinks industry working for the likes of Coca-Cola and eventually become the chairman of Chivas Brothers, and Jago was the former head of innovations at International Distillers & Vintners (IDV), where he helped invent brands such as Baileys Irish Cream, Le Piat d’Or and what would eventually become Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The aim of their new venture was to focus on producing extremely limited, high-end blended Scotch, although the portfolio has since grown to include other whiskies, rum, cognac and wine. The very first release came in 2008. The company grew in 2010 when daughter Rebecca Jago joined, and she was followed by Beanie Espey in 2014. Then, in 2016 Espey and Jago agreed to sell their company to American drinks giant and Buffalo Trace distillery-owner, the Sazerac Company. In its relatively short history, Last Drop Distillers has enjoyed success with its modest but ever-increasing catalogue of releases, each of which are highly-regarded by collectors and experts alike.

This is an impressive 50 year old blended Scotch whisky, dubbed the Signature Blend. It was bottled by Last Drop Distillers in 2021, and presented in an elegant presentation box alongside a 5cl sample.

One of 500 bottles.

Tobermory 1972 Moon Import 33 Year Old Private Stock

This is a rare single malt from the Isle of Mull's Tobermory distillery. Opened way back in 1798, it was originally known as Ledaig. It was dormant for the majority of the 20th century, shut down by DCL in 1930, and when it re-opened in 1972, it did so as again as Ledaig distillery. Its revival was only brief however, closing down in 1975. When the distillery was again re-opened in 1979, it was now known as Tobermory. Its production in former years had generally been peated whisky like this, and the single malt was still bottled under the brand name of Ledaig. The newly revived company began producing non-peated as well, for the provision of a blended malt which they marketed under the Tobermory name. Burn Stewart discontinued the blend when they took over in 1993, opting to continue the production of both styles as two distinct single malt brands. The un-peated single malt took over the Tobermory name, while the traditional peated style fittingly retained the historic Ledaig name.

This is one of the legendary 1972 vintages from Ledaig (despite being labelled as Tobermory). It was aged 33 years and bottled by the distillery from Mongiardino's private stocks.

Moon Import was founded by Pepi Mongiardino in 1980 and he bottled his first whisky in 1982. Always beautifully labelled, Pepi is acclaimed for designing the packaging for Moon Import bottles himself, often using images found in old books. These iconic designs, coupled with the quality of the liquid saw Moon Import steadily grow in popularity. The company is still going strong, and their early releases are some of the brightest gems in any whisky collection.

One of 960 bottles.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'The Game' #1302 / Shinanoya

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.

This is an exclusive bottling from Japanese food and spirits importer, Shinanoya. This is the fifth release in their acclaimed \"The Game\" series which contains Hanyu from the final year that the distillery was producing.

This was finished in Mizunara Wood 

One of 299 bottles.

Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Kutani Decanter 2005 Release

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since however have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited 21 year old release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is the Kutani 2005 release.

Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Kutani Decanter 2004 Release

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since however have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited 21 year old release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is the Kutani 2004 release.

Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Arita Decanter 2009 Release

Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. The venture was hugely successful, and the company was renamed Kotobukiya in 1921, which built its first distillery three years later, Yamazaki. The distillery produced both malt and grain whiskies which the company blended together, releasing its first Suntory White Label in 1929, the resulting popularity of which saw the firm renamed after it 1963. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year. Suntory today has a large stake in both the bourbon and Scotch whisky industry, but remains at the forefront of its native whisky market too.

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in recent years have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited 21 year old release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is the Arita 2009 release, bottled \"for the year 2010.\"

The Last Drop 50 Year Old Blended Grain

They story of Last Drop Distillers began in 2007 when James Espey and Tom Jago, friends of 45 years, started a small blending company in London. The pair boasted a wealth of collected experience within the industry before they started the project. Espey had clocked up over 50 years in the drinks industry working for the likes of Coca-Cola and eventually become the chairman of Chivas Brothers, and Jago was the former head of innovations at International Distillers & Vintners (IDV), where he helped invent brands such as Baileys Irish Cream, Le Piat d’Or and what would eventually become Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The aim of their new venture was to focus on producing extremely limited, high-end blended Scotch, although the portfolio has since grown to include other whiskies, rum, cognac and wine. The very first release came in 2008. The company grew in 2010 when daughter Rebecca Jago joined, and she was followed by Beanie Espey in 2014. Then, in 2016 Espey and Jago agreed to sell their company to American drinks giant and Buffalo Trace distillery-owner, the Sazerac Company. In its relatively short history, Last Drop Distillers has enjoyed success with its modest but ever-increasing catalogue of releases, each of which are highly-regarded by collectors and experts alike.

This is a blended grain whisky, distilled from corn, wheat and malted barley and matured for an impressive 50 years in bourbon casks. Drawn from a single cask, it was bottled by Last Drop Distillers in November 2022, as their thirty-first release. Presented here in an elegant presentation box alongside a 5cl sample.

One of 203 bottles.

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