Exclusive Japanese Whisky Auction

Hanyu 1988 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9003 / 2nd King 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 is the second King of Diamonds release, bottled in 2006. It was distilled in 1988 and matured in a hogshead prior to being finished in an American oak Sherry butt. 

Bottle number 298 of 555. 

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9030 / Four 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 2000 and matured in a hogshead before being moved into a Pedro Ximenez sherry butt for a second maturation period. 

Bottle 440 of 546.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #525 / Seven 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 and bottled in 2012, this was matured first in a hogshead then finished in a Cognac cask. 

Bottle number 162 of 348.

Hakushu 1993 Single Bota Corta Cask #3C40792

Hakushu is Suntory's other excellent distillery which is often over-looked for Yamazaki. This Hakushu was distilled in 1989 and matured in European Oak Sherry Butt #9W50004

Matured at the Ohmi Aging Cellar.

Bottle number 77 of 453.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7004 / Seven 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 2008, this was originally matured in a hogshead and then finished in a refill American oak Hogshead. 

Bottle number 342 of 345. 

Hibiki 17 Year Old Egret White Heron Beckons

Hibiki 17 year old is a very popular and stunning blend produced by Suntory.  

This special edition is presented in a hand painted bottle that depicts an Egret, which is a type of heron native to Japan. In Japan this bird is the epitome of elegance, a good fit for Hibiki. 

Limited to only 2000 bottles.

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 2009 from cask #9020. This was first matured in a hogshead before being re-racked into a cream sherry butt for a second maturation period.

Bottle 311 of 597. 

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 originally matured in a hogshead and then finished in a cream sherry butt. 

Bottle number 154 of 584. 

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. 

Bottle number 599 of 737. 

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9301 / Eight 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 2008, this was originally matured in a hogshead then finished in Spanish oak sherry butt. 

Bottle number 24 of 629.

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.

Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2011 from cask #7100, this was initially matured in hogshead prior to being finished in American oak puncheon.

Bottle number 435 of 561.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #527 / Ten 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 1990 and bottled in 2011. This was first matured in a hogshead and then finished in an American oak puncheon. 

Bottle number 261 of 585. 

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9303 / Eight 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 1991 and bottled in 2008, this was initially matured in hogshead prior to being finished in a Spanish Oloroso sherry butt.

Bottle number 512 of 617.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9032 / Ten 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.

The Ten of Clubs was distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2008 from single cask #9032. Matured in a hogshead and finished in a Pedro Ximenez sherry butt. 

Bottle number 398 of 576.

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #405 / Six 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 1991 and bottled 2012, the first cask was a hogshead before being re-racked into an American oak puncheon.

This is bottle number 429 of 564 bottles.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9601 / Five 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 Five of Spades was distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2008. Originally matured in a hogshead then finished in an American oak refill sherry butt. 

Bottle number 469 of 632.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #60 / Four 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 matured in a hogshead before being moved into a Japanese oak Mizunara puncheon for a second maturation period, prior to being bottled in 2010.

Bottle 118 of 570.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #465 / Three 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 2010, this was matured initially in a hogshead before being finished in a port pipe.

Bottle number 564 of 807.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #1305 / Five 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 Five of Diamonds was distilled in 2000 and matured in a hogshead before being moved into a Sherry butt for a second maturation period. 

Bottle number 360 of 652.

Hibiki 30 Year Old

A popular and stunning blend produced by Suntory. Here is a hint of its success:

• International Spirits Challenge Trophy 2004 
• International Spirits Challenge Trophy 2006 
• Word Whisky Awards 2007 - World's Best Blended Whisky 
• International Spirits Challenge Trophy 2007 
• Word Whisky Awards 2008 - World's Best Blended Whisky 
• International Spirits Challenge Trophy 2008

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. 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.

There are two Joker's released to complete the 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 were made available.

Hanyu 1988 Full Proof 'Nice Butt' Single Cask #9307

A 1988 vintage Hanyu, bottled for Full Proof Europe with their usual, unusual label.

This is a single cask from the closed Japanese distillery, bottled in 2008.

Number 309 of 534 bottles. 

Hanyu 1988 Full Proof 'Big Butt' Single Cask #9306 

A single cask release, bottled for Full Proof in The Netherlands and bearing an unusual label design.

Bottle 192 of 200 drawn from a \"big butt.\"

Hakushu 25 Year Old

The very rare Hakushu 25 Year old... Jim Murray gave it 93 out of 100 and said \"a malt which is impossible not to be blown away by\".

Hakushu was built in 1973 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. 

This age statement was discontinued as of June 2018.

Bottle number 6603. 

Hanyu 1990 Full Proof 'The Wave' Single Cask #9305 / Batch II

A single cask release for Full Proof from the closed Japanese distillery, Hanyu. 

Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2009, this is the second batch of The Wave bottlings.

Bottle number 24 of only 200. 

Hakushu 25 Year Old

The very rare Hakushu 25 Year old... Jim Murray gave it 93 out of 100 and said \"a malt which is impossible not to be blown away by.\"

Hakushu was built in 1973 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. 

This age statement was discontinued as of June 2018.

This is bottle number 6792. 

Hakushu 25 Year Old

The very rare Hakushu 25 Year old... Jim Murray gave it 93 out of 100 and said \"a malt which is impossible not to be blown away by\".

Bottle number 6379. 

Hanyu 1988 Full Proof 'Nice Butt' Single Cask #9307

A 1988 vintage Hanyu, bottled for Full Proof Europe with their usual, unusual label.

This is a single cask from the closed Japanese distillery, bottled in 2008.

Number 27 of 534 bottles. 

Hanyu 23 Year Old Ichiro's Malt Cask Strength​

Another stunning bottle from Ichiro Akuto's Ichirio's Malt.  

This is a vatting of whisky distilled in 1985 and 1986, fully matured in sherry casks before bottling at full strength 23 years later.

Hanyu 1990 Full Proof 'The Wave' Single Cask #9305 / Batch I

A single cask release for Full Proof of the closed Japanese distillery Hanyu. 

Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2009 from cask #9305. This is the second of two batches of 200 bottles.

This is bottle number 57.

Hibiki 17 Year Old 6 x 70cl

A well-aged, popular, and stunning blend produced by Suntory.

Suntory announced in May 2018 that the 17 year old would be discontinued.

This lot includes a six bottle shipping fee.

Hibiki 12 Year Old Egret Packaging

Hibiki 12 Year Old is the younger edition of this very popular range of blended whisky produced by Suntory, almost certain to contain whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu. 

This comes in a limited edition box depicting an Egret (meaning Crane in English).