November 2018 Auction

Karuizawa 1965 Single Sherry Cask 50 Year Old #2372​ 

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 special release from La Maison Du Whisky, this vintage Karuizawa was distilled in 1965 and matured in a sherry cask. 

This is bottle number 26 of 300 bottles.

Highland Park 50 Year Old 75cl

One of the most talked about releases of recent years, this 50 year old is the oldest whisky bottled by Highland Park.

This incredibly rare bottling of Highland Park was bottled from a combination of five refill casks from 1960.  The casks were married together to 'harmonise' their flavours before being bottled, a process Highland Park calls 'cask harmonisation.'

The bottle has been designed by New York based Jeweller Maeve Gillies, who grew up in Edinburgh.  The bottle which is created from hand-crafted sterling silver is inspired by the forces of nature and in particular the sea, using her jewellery making expertise the bottle features a metallic 'net' design, a piece of Orkney sandstone carved with the Highland Park logo and a hidden silver replica of the Rose Window from St Magnus Cathedral.  

One of only 275 bottles produced.

This is a 75cl variant.

Glenfiddich 50 Year Old

This famous bottling of Glenfiddich was bottled in 1991 and limited to an incredible 500 bottles. In the early 1990's one of these bottles officially became the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction selling for 99,999,999 Lira in an Italian charity auction.

The release was restricted to only nine casks laid down originally in the 1930s, one cask for each of William Grant's nine children who helped build Glenfiddich distillery in the 1880s.  After laying undisturbed, these nine casks were bottled on the 26th July 1991 and presented in a handmade oak box with a brass plaque.

Each bottle was signed by former Chairman Alexander Grant Gordon, who is also the great-grandson of the company's founder.

Bottle number 228 includes a certificate, stating that the owner of the bottle is to be appointed as a Freeman of Glenfiddich distillery.

Karuizawa 29 Year Old Sherry Cask / Murasaki 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.

One of two highly sought after 'Purple Geisha' released in 2018 by Elixir distillers. This particular single cask has been matured for over 29 years in a single sherry cask.

Bottle number 14 of only 60.

Glen Cawdor 1964 Samaroli / Springbank

A legendary bottling from the great Silvano Samaroli.

The Glen Cawdor name was in part borrowed by Silvano Samaroli from Shakespeare; Castle Cawdor of course being the setting for MacBeth. Samaroli used the Glen Cawdor name to disguise the the real name of certain distilleries, most commonly Springbank. When researching this bottle you will notice that some retailers and auctioneers refer to this as a Springbank, while if you look elsewhere you would read it is actually from Glen Ord. Emmanuel Dron, Samaroli's great friend has speculated that Silvano mis-remembered this bottles as the 1962 Glen Ord he bottled for the LELE restaurant. Either way, we don't think it matters. All that matters is that it is an exceptional bottling from an exceptional bottler.

Samaroli is 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!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

Distilled in 1964 and bottled in 1983 from a single sherry cask by R.W. Duthie.

Bottle number 353 of 360.

Glen Garioch 1971 Samaroli Sherry Wood Full Proof

This is one of Silvano Samaroli's earliest forays into the realm of independent bottling, following his successful collaboration with Cadenhead's in 1979. This was bottled in the same year. As an official Italian distributor for Glen Garioch, Samaroli had great access to top quality casks and it shows here.

Glen Garioch was a peaty single malt in the 1970s, and this is considered one of the finest examples of balancing the strong characters produced by peat and sherry casks, along with another Samaroli classic, the Laphroaig 1967.

This is the first of two 1971 vintage Glen Garioch released by Silvano, bottled at full proof. The second was single cask homage to this, bottled much later in 1997 at a lighter 43%.

Bottle number 1851 of 2280 produced.

Karuizawa 1978 Single Cask 35 Year Old #8383 / Wealth Solutions

Karuizawa produced outstanding whiskies, many of which have received international acclaim. 

This is a single cask release from a single ex-bourbon cask #8383, distilled in December 1978 and bottled in July 2014.

Titled Koishikawa-Kōrakuen, this was named after am 17th century garden in the Tokyo. Work on the garden was begun by Mito Yorifusa in 1629 and was completed by his son Mito Mitsukuni. The garden was cretaed on the advice of Chinese scholar Zhu Shun Shui, and incorporates elements of Japanese and Chinese culture.

The bottle, produced by Wealth Solutions features a depiction of the garden gilded on it.

This is one of just 24 bottles.

Karuizawa 1980 Single Cask 35 Year Old #8283 / Moon Above the Sea at Daimotsu Bay

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 bottling was distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2015 at an impressive 35 years old..

Produced from single bourbon cask #8283, which yielded only 401 bottles.

Bottled at cask strength, this is stunning bottling presents  Moon above the Sea at Daimotsu Bay, part of theTsukioka Honen's \" One Hundered Aspects of the Moon series on the box and label art

Presented in a stunning lock and key presentation box.

Karuizawa 35 Year Old Bourbon Cask #8518 / Emerald 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 another sought after single cask release from Elixir Distillers, the bottling arm of London's The Whisky Exchange. Here's what they had to say:

\"The distinctive emerald labels combine beautiful Japanese art forms with complex hot foil and intricate embossing embellishments, giving the bottles a sculptured finish. They were designed by The Whisky Exchange’s creative director Raj Chavda, who is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Art.\"

Number 3 of only 265 bottles drawn from single Bourbon cask #8518. Released in February 2018.​

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #371 / Five of Clubs​

A single cask Hanyu, bottled within the Ichiro's Malt 'Card' series of whiskies.

Distilled in 1991 and matured in a hogshead #371 before being moved into a Mizunara hogshead for a second maturation period. 

Bottle 30 of 372.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 35 Year Old #171 / Eight Headed Dragon

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 bottling was distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2016 at an impressive 35 years old..

Produced from single sherry cask #171, which yielded only 530 bottles.

Bottled at cask strength, this is one of several 35 year old releases depicting Japanese mythology on their labels. The Eight Headed Dragon on this label is borrowed form the cover of a popular series of stories published by Hasegawa Takejiro in the 18th century. The dragon is named Yamata no Orochi.

Presented in a stunning lock and key presentation box.

Karuizawa 31 Year Old Sherry Cask #3667 / 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.

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

Aged for 31 years in sherry cask #3667 this bottle is number 209 of 225. 

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1981Single Cask 35 Year Old #7427 / Snow Scene

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 bottling was distilled in 1981 and bottled after 35 years in the cask.

Cask number #7427 yielded only 208 bottles.

Presented in a striking blue box which depicts The Tale of Genji in Snow Scenes by Edo era Ukiyo-e artist, Utagawa Hiroshige.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 35 Year Old #164 / The Great Battle of Yashima

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 new impressive bottling, bottled last year 2016.  Distilled in 1981 and matured exclusively in sherry butt #164.

The box represents half of a scene from The Great Battle of Yashima.

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

A single cask Hanyu, distilled in 1988 and matured in a hogshead prior to being finished in an ex-Cognac cask and bottled in 2010. 

This is the King of Clubs face card in the legendary series of Playing Card bottlings by Ichiro's Malt.

Bottle number 270 of 417. 

Glen Grant 27 Year Old Samaroli Sherry Wood / Silver Cap

The Silver Cap series from Samaroli are some of the most highly prized bottles in history. They were all bottled in 1982, and alongside this 27 year old Glen Grant is a Legendary 1966 vintage Tormore, and the 1967 Laphroaig, considered by many to be the finest whisky ever bottled.

It is not stated on the label, but this is a 1955 vintage, and was bottled by R.W. Duthie on behalf of Samaroli. They were long time partners until the early 1990s.

Samaroli is 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!), he is regarded by many as a visionary. Many of his bottles now occupy deserved sports on the pantheon of whisky greats.

This is bottle 99 of 120.

Glenfiddich 1964 Hart Brothers 48 Year Old / Dynasty Decanter

A very rare, independently bottled Glenfiddich. 

Distilled on 15th September 1964 and matured in a first fill Sherry Hogshead for over 48 years before being bottled in Glasgow on the 10th October 2012.

Cask #10796. 

Bottle number 234 of only 300. 

Presented in an attractive glossy black presentation box and silver plated decanter. 

\"The Dynasty Decanter was created to commemorate the last seven independent monarchs of the ancient kingdom of Scotland.\"

Interestingly, the booklet accompanying the bottle suggests that 500 decanters were produced. We presume this is incorrect.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9032 / Ten of Clubs​

One of Ichiro's Malt's legendary 'Card' series bottlings from the lost Hanyu distillery.

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 296 of 576.

Glenfarclas 1952 Family Cask #1712 / Release I

The Family Cask range was launched early in 2007 with a cask for each year from 1952 until 1994.

This is the first release of the 1952 vintage, bottled on 30th November 2006 after maturation in plain hogshead #1712.

One of 110 bottles. 

Glenfarclas 1963 Family Cask #179 / William & Son Cabinet

A very exclusive item containing Glenfarclas 1963 Family Cask presented in a rifle and shotgun cleaning kit created by William & Son, London.

William & Son are crafters of shotguns and rifles and this kit has been created to their exceptional standards. 

The Glenfarclas Family Cask was distillled in 1963 and bottled in October 2011, matured in in Sherry Hogshead number 179. 

Only 20 of these stunning cabinets were produced.

Please note this item will have the postage charge of 4 bottles, due to the weight.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9030 / Four of Diamonds

A single cask #9030 Hanyu, bottled within the Ichiro's Malt 'Card' series of whiskies.

Distilled in 2000 and matured in a hogshead before being moved into a PX sherry butt for a second maturation period. 

Bottle 467 of 546.

Karuizawa 1972 Single Cask #7038

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 bottling was distilled in 1972 and bottled on 4th October 2011.

Produced from single cask #7038 and bottled at cask strength.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7020 / Three of Clubs

One of Ichiro's Malt's legendary 'Card' series bottlings from the lost Hanyu distillery.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2009. 

Originally matured in a hogshead and then \"double new wood\" finished in two subsequent new American oak puncheons.

Bottle number 517 of 592.

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9303 / Eight of Hearts

One of Ichiro's Malt's legendary 'Card' series bottlings from the lost Hanyu distillery.

Distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2008 from cask #9303. 

Initially matured in hogshead prior to being finished in a Spanish Oloroso sherry butt.

Bottle number 439 of 617.

Hibiki 30 Year Old / Suntory 1st Batch

Hibiki 30 year old is a very popular and stunning blend produced by Suntory.  Here is a hint of it's 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 

This elegant presentation is one of the earlier Hibiki 30 release from Suntory. The bottle is made from Kagami Crystal and is numbered 30598.

Glenfarclas 1955 50 Year Old / Bicentenary

A incredibly special bottle of Glenfarclas, selected by George Grant to celebrate the bi-centenary of the distillery's founder, and his great, great, great Grandfather, John Grant.

Only 110 were produced of this 50 Year Old, which comes in an attractive presentation box with certificate / scroll. Distilled on 30th September 1955 and bottled on the same day in 2005.

Bottle Number 105 of 110.

Hakushu 25 Year Old Limited Edition

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.\"

This limited edition bottling is decorated with a five-cord 'Mizuhiki', which symbolises the joining of hands and hearts of the giver and recipient. 

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 188 of 584. 

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #6432 / Samurai

Karuizawa distillery was the smallest distillery in Japan. The distillery was established in 1955  on the slopes of Mount Asama, an active volcano. Karuizawa was mothballed in 2000 and the remaining stocks were thankfully ‘saved’ by Ichiro Akuto.   

Karuizwa’s style was that of a certain Speyside whisky, they almost exclusively used Golden Promise barley imported from Scotland and primarily matured whisky in sherry casks imported from Spain. The key to Karuizawa’s success was the hidden earthiness and peatiness that gave many of their legendary single cask bottlings it’s unique character.

The water source used in production has flowed through the volcanic lava rock and soil that surround the distillery, giving it a unique mineral quality. This high quality led Karuizawa to be the first whisky exported out of Japan but ultimately led to their downfall, as both Japan and the world were not ready to accept such a high quality spirit which was not produced in Scotland. As a result, the distillery was not financially viable, which resulted in a great loss for whisky drinkers but produced an interesting rarity for whisky collectors.

Karuizawa is unique, there are so few releases in the last couple of years of this legendary malt.

Distilled 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2015, limited to only 404 bottles at 63.2%.

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

This is bottle number 64552.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7004 / Seven of Clubs​

A single cask release from closed Japanese distillery, Hanyu. This is part of the legendary Ichiro's Malt 'Card' series.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2008. 

Originally matured in a hogshead and then finished in a refill American oak Hogshead. 

Bottle number 13 of 345. 

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9020 / Six of Clubs

The Six of Clubs release within Ichiro's Malt's legendary 'Card' series: distilled in 2000, bottled in 2009 from cask #9020.

First matured in a hogshead before being re-racked into a cream sherry butt for a second maturation period.

Bottle 120 of 597.