Exclusive Japanese Whisky Auction

Yamazaki 50 Year Old

Whisky Auctioneer are delighted to present this spectacular expression of Yamazaki 50 year old at auction. Once considered the pinnacle of Japanese whisky production, this bottle is now accepted as being one of the most desirable and sought after in the world. 

The first edition of this iconic bottle became the most valuable Japanese whisky ever sold at auction when it sold for over £250,000 in August 2018. This is the third release, and is one of only 150 bottles unveiled in 2011.

Matured in the finest Japanese mizunara oak casks, the 50 year old is thought to be the oldest expression available from the distillery, which was established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii.

The etched bottle is topped with Japanese washi paper, and tied with scarlet and gold cord. 

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9001 / 1st Jack 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 is the original Jack of Clubs bottling from 2005. Distilled in 1991 and matured in a hogshead before being moved into a American oak sherry butt for a second maturation period.

Bottle number 5 of 124.

Karuizawa 1965 Wealth Solutions 50 Year Old #2372 / Haiku - One of 24 bottles

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This 50 year old was distilled in December 1965 and bottled in January 2016 after maturing in ex-Sherry cask #2372 (The same cask was bottled by La Maison du Whisky).

Haiku is a Japanese poem. Each bottle has it's own unique Haiku written by nineteenth century poetry master Masaoka Shiki, as well as representative imagery. Each poem represents a period of the solar year, the 24 stages of the annual cycle of life in nature of Japan..

Presented in an impressive black oak wood box, which has been coloured using an ancient Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban.

One of only 24 bottles.

Hanyu 1988 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9417 / Three 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.

Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2007, this was originally matured in a hogshead and then finished in a bourbon barrel.

Bottle number 240 of 273.

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 matured in a hogshead before a second period of maturation in a Mizunara cask #1024.  This is bottle number 98 of 241.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9500 / Two 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 2000 and bottled in 2007, this was matured a in a hogshead before being finished in a Japanese Mizunara oak hogshead.

Bottle 98 of 318.

Karuizawa 1964 Single Cask 48 Year Old #3603 / Wealth Solutions

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This limited release was distilled on the 1st September 1964 and bottled on the 24th December 2012 after 48 years of ageing.

Produced from single sherry cask #3603, which yielded only 143 bottles. This bottle number 95.

This release was an exclusive bottling for Wealth Solutions of Poland.  The box is constructed from Polish black fossil oak.

This extremely rare 1964 single cask is arguably one of the most sought after Karuizawa whiskies ever released and is always highly contested.

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 50 Year Old Single Cask #6223 / Aqua of Life

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This limited release 50 year old was bottled in 2018.

Produced from single cask #6223, which yielded only 248 bottles.

Bottled at cask strength, and presented in an impressive wooden display case. 

Karuizawa 1965 Single Sherry Cask #8852 / Streams of Time

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This spectacular release was bottled in 2017 after over 50 years of maturation. 

One of only 150 bottles. 

Hanyu 1985 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9308 / 2nd Ace 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.

Perhaps the second most talked about bottle within the series, the Ace of Spades was originally released in 2005 and comes from a traditional oak cask that was re-racked into a single Spanish oak sherry butt #9308. This is the second bottling, released in 2006.

Distilled in 1985 and bottled as a 21 year old, this highly sought after edition was limited to only 300 bottles, this is bottle number 127.

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 169 of 223.

Karuizawa 37 Year Old Sherry Cask #4056 / Pearl Geisha

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This is the 2018 release of The Pearl Geishas which was exclusively produced for The Whisky Exchange.

Matured for 37 years in Sherry cask #4056.

Bottle number 52 of 72.

Karuizawa 1981-1983 Honor Sumo Collection / 3 x 70cl

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

Three bottles dedicated to the martial art of Sumo. Three single sherry butts from 1981 (#818), 1982 (#4971), and 1983 (#3408) with labels displaying Sumo-related prints by Ukiyo-e artist Hachisuka Kuniaki.

Bottled in 2013 at cask strength, all three bottles are numbered as 238. Only 320 of each vintage were produced.

This lot contains an attractive black gloss display, with matching artwork.

Please note that there will be a shipping charge for 3 bottles associated with this lot.

Karuizawa 1965 Single Bourbon Cask 50 Year Old #8636 

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

A brand new release from La Maison Du Whisky. A 1965 vintage Karuizawa matured in a bourbon cask. 

This is bottle number 112 of 199 bottles.

Karuizawa 1965 Single Bourbon Cask 50 Year Old #8636 

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

A brand new release from La Maison Du Whisky. A 1965 vintage Karuizawa matured in a bourbon cask. 

This is bottle number 49 of 199 bottles.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9523 / Ace 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 2000 and bottled in 2012, this was initially matured in a traditional hogshead before a second maturation in a Mizunara puncheon.

Bottle number 473 of 503.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7000 / Three 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.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2007, this was originally matured in a hogshead and then finished in a new American oak hogshead 

Bottle number 288 of 354.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask #158 / Sakura Cask - Only 45 Bottles

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This limited release was distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2012.

Produced from single sherry cask #158, which yielded only 45 bottles. This is Bottle No.4

This release is special for its double-nomenclature, both derived from the Japanese Cherry Blossom: The tree's Japanese name \"Sakura\" is the name given to this bottling, with its Latin name \"Prunus Serrulata\" giving itself to the name of the German importer and retailer, Prineus.

Bottled at cask strength.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7002 / Jack 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.

Distilled in 1990, this was matured in a hogshead before being moved into a new American oak hogshead for a second maturation period. It was then bottled in 2007. 

Bottle 79 of 349.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9102 / 2nd Queen 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.

This is the second release of the the Queen of Hearts, distilled in 1990 and bottled this time in 2006.

Matured in a traditional hogshead before a second period of maturation in a french oak cognac wood, cask # 9102.

This bottle is number 48 of 324.

Karuizawa 38 Year Old Sherry Cask #4348 / Pearl Geisha

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This is the fifth release in the Geisha series, and was available exclusively to clients of FINE+RARE. 

Matured for 38 years, this is one of 172 bottles filled from sherry cask #4348.

This is bottle number 164.

Yamazaki 1984 Single Cask #WE2007

A stunning circa thirty-four year old single cask Yamazaki, distilled in 1984 and bottled in 2018.

Rumoured to be one of the last releases in the Suntory single cask series.

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki distillery 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.

The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Interestingly, not all of Suntory's whisky is matured at the distillery where it was produced. Larger casks such as butts and puncheons are kept at Yamazaki due to its warmer temperatures, whereas the colder climate at Hakushu distillery is better suited to Suntory's smaller casks such as barrels and hogsheads.

The majority of casks however are kept at Suntory's Ohmi Ageing Cellar, a vast warehouse situated forty miles northwest of Yamazaki. In addition to efficiently harnessing climatic conditions, this arrangement also prevents an entire distillery’s stock being lost in the event of a natural disaster – a serious possibility in an earthquake-prone area such as Japan.

Karuizawa 1967 Single Cask #6426 / LMDW

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

This limited release was distilled in 1967 and bottled on 17th August 2009 with a vintage label produced exclusively for La Maison du Whisky, France.

Single cask #6426 was split between this release, and a bottling for The Whisky Exchange's 10th Anniversary. 

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 33 Year Old Sherry Cask #3579 / Golden Geisha

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. They have released almost 300 single casks which are becoming increasingly rarer and rarer as demand soars.

The 2 highly sought after Golden Geisha releases were available to purchase by winners of a raffle hosted by The Whisky Exchange.

Aged for 33 years in sherry cask #3579, this bottle is number 72 of 129.

Bottled at cask strength.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #463 / Ten 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 2011 from single cask #463. This was matured in a hogshead and finished in a Madeira hogshead.

Bottle number 279 of 295.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9002 / Seven 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 1990 and bottled in 2007, this was originally matured in a hogshead then finished in an American oak Sherry butt. 

Bottle number 193 of 636. 

Hanyu 1985 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9004 / Ace 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 1985 and bottled in 2007, this Hanyu was initially matured in a traditional hogshead before a second maturation in a American oak sherry butt.

Bottle number 335 of 389.

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #371 / Five 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 1991 and matured in a hogshead #371 before being moved into a Mizunara hogshead for a second maturation period. 

Bottle 214 of 372.

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9802 / Four 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 1991 and bottled in 2007, this was matured in a hogshead and finished in a rum wood cask.

Bottle number 226 of 266.

Hanyu and Chichibu Ghost Series #8 / One of 26 Bottles

A blended malt of Chichibu and Hanyu created as part of the Ghost Series from Ichiro's Malt. This bottling was created by Ichiro Akuto for \"Spirits for small change\", a bi-annual charity event that focuses on whisky. This bottle was launched at the event held on 3rd July 2016.

Limited to only 26 bottles, two were opened and enjoyed at the event. One was raffled off and three were auctioned over the evening. The remaining 20 were sold at Malt City.

This is bottle number 26 of 26. 

Karuizawa Five Decades 1960 - 2000

One of the most exciting new releases of the past year. This very exclusive bottling of Karuizawa was launched at department store Isetan in Shinjuku.

The whisky contains a vatting of casks from five decades of Karuizawa, from the 1960s right up until the distillery's closure in 2000, only leaving out a very low period of production during the 1950s.  The last part of the story, the whisky was then transferred into an ex-Karuizawa cask for a number of years before being bottled in 2015. 

This delightfully engraved decanter is presented in a well crafted wooden box with keys included.

The guys at Nonjatta have commented on this bottle as Karuizawa's 'Swan Song'.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9020 / Six 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 2000 and bottled in 2007 from cask #9410. This was first matured in a hogshead before being re-racked into a fresh bourbon barrel for a second maturation period.

Bottle 162 of 277.