October 2018 Auction

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 143.

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 1974 Single Cask 40 Year Old #4560 / Blue 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 \"Blue Geisha\" was bottled after 40 years of maturation in a single sherry butt #4560.

One of only 192 bottles. 

Presented in a beautiful hard wooden lockable cases.

Karuizawa 1974 Single Cask 40 Year Old Cask # 3626 / Gold Geisha

A very exciting bottle of Karuizawa which is heads and tails above many of the rest.

Aged for an impressive 40 years, the 'Gold Geisha' bottling was distilled in 1974 and bottled in 2014, presented in a beautiful hard wooden lockable case.

This stunning whisky is the last cask from the 1974 vintage of Karuizawa, cask #3626 which yielded only 392 bottles.

Karuizawa SMWS 132.1-6 Collection 6 x 70cl

The complete collection of the highly desirable SMWS Karuizawa bottlings:

• Karuizawa 1984 SMWS 28 Year OId 132.1 59.9%: 'Secret Moonlight Garden Dram'. Distilled on 30th August 1984 and bottled as a 28 year old, matured exclusively in a single refill ex-Sherry Butt yielded 229 bottles.
• Karuizawa 1991 SMWS 22 Year Old 132.2 62.4%: 'Stunning Panaorama of Exotic Fruits'. Distilled on 4th September 1999 and bottled as a 22 year old in 2013. A single refill ex-Sherry Butt yielded 355 bottles.
• Karuizawa 1993 SMWS 20 Year Old 132.3 61.1%: 'Dark, Mysterious and Seductive'. Distilled on 21st July 1993 and bottled as a 20 year old in 2013. A single refill ex-Sherry Butt that yielded 344 bottles.
• Karuizawa 1996 SMWS 17 Year Old 132.4 61.2%: 'Stunning Panaorama of Exotic Fruits'. Distilled on 4th September 1999 and bottled as a 17 year old in 2013. A single refill ex-Sherry Butt yielded 346 bottles.
• Karuizawa 1999 SMWS 14 Year Old 132.5 58.6%: 'Sweet and Darkly Beguiling'. Distilled on 25th June 1999 and bottled as a 14 year old in 2013. A single refill ex-Sherry Butt yielded 495 bottles.
• Karuizawa 2000 SMWS 12 Year Old 132.6 63%: 'Nite Nurse Nipped by Piranhas'. Distilled on 31st December 2000 and bottled in 2013 this 12 year old Karuizawa was matured in a refill ex-Sherry Butt yielding 553 bottles.

Please note there will be a charge for shipping six bottles. 

Karuizawa 1967 Single Cask 45 Year Old #2725 / Aqua of Life

A spectacular Karuizawa from one of the rarest vintages, this is a 45 year old that spent it's years maturing in Sherry butt #2725

This is pretty much as good as Karuizawa gets!

Bottle number 304 of only 310 produced.

Karuizawa 1984 Single Cask 30 Year Old #5347 / Geisha Label

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 1984 and bottled after 30 years of maturation.

Produced from single Sherry cask #5347.

This bottle is one of a pair which were released for The Whisky Exchange's 2014 Whisky Show; the other bottle being a single Bourbon cask #8897 which features a mirror-image label.

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1981 Noh Single Cask 31 Year Old #4333 / Belgium Exclusive​

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 series features different masks used in Noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. This image features the mask of the Noh character, Shiwa-jō, a revered elderly gentleman nearing deity status.

This limited bottling was distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2013.

Produced from single cask #4333, which yielded only 94 bottles.

This was released as an exclusive to Belgium only.

Bottled at cask strength.

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.

The two highly sought after releases 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 17 of 225. 

Bottled at cask strength.

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #527 / Ten of Diamonds​

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

Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2011. 

First matured in a hogshead and then finished in an American oak puncheon. 

Bottle number 322 of 585. 

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

The Six of Clubs release within Ichiro's Malt's legendary 'Card' series, 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 29 of 597. 

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.

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 54 of 592.

Karuizawa Cask Strength 1st-4th Release 4 x 70cl

This cask strength series of Karuizawa was exclusively released to the Taiwanese market. Included here are all four releases.

The cask strength series is a blend of sherry casks from 1999 and 2000, all bottled at 61.7%. 

This lot has a 4 bottle shipping fee.

Karuizawa 1977 Single Cask #3584 / Geisha Label

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 1977 and bottled in 2011.

Produced from a single sherry butt, cask #3584, which yielded only 169 bottles.

Bottled at cask strength, Taiwan exclusive.

Karuizawa 35 Year Old Single Cask #7417 / Water 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 35 year old was bottled in 2015.

Produced from single cask #7417, which yielded only 473 bottles.

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 35 Year Old #226 / Battle of Kawanakajima

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 #266, which yielded only 102 bottles.

Bottled at cask strength, this is part of a series of a set of two Battle of Kawanakajima releases. The Battle of Kawanakajima is a work of classical Japanese literature, and has inspired numerous artworks based around its themes, including that used on this label, by Edo era painter, Utagawa Hiroshige.

Presented in a stunning lock and key presentation box.

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.

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. 

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. 

Hibiki 30 Year Old / Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition

The Kacho Fugetsu Hibiki 30 year old is at the pinnacle of the Hibiki range and a prefect example of their appreciation of the beauty of Japanese nature. The special limited release was exclusive to travel retail in 2015.

Hibiki 30 year old is a very popular and stunning blend produced by Suntory. Here is a just a snapshot of its accolades:

• 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

Karuizawa 1964 Wealth Solutions 48 Year Old Miniature

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 September 1964 and bottled December 2012

Produced from single cask #3603

Bottled at cask strength for Wealth Solutions, Poland

Lot includes booklet.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #1305 / Five of Diamonds​

A single cask #1305 Hanyu, bottled within the Ichiro's Malt 'Card' series of whiskies.

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

Bottle number 45 of 652.

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%.

Karuizawa 30 Year Old Single Cask #4201 / 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 their 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.

Cask #4201 was matured for 30 years until bottling in 2015, limited to only 358 bottles.

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #405 / Six of Hearts​

Part of the legendary 'Card' series from Ichiro Akuto.

Distilled in 1991 and bottled 2012 from cask #405

The first cask was a hogshead before being re-racked into an American Oak Puncheon.

This is bottle number 428 of 564 bottles.

Karuizawa 1982 Noh Single Cask 29 Year Old #8529 / TWE Exclusive​

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 series features different masks used in Noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. This image features the mask of the Noh character, Shikami, a violently malicious spirit.

This limited release was distilled in 1982 and bottled in 2012 after 29 years of maturation.

Produced from single bourbon cask #8529, which yielded only 411 bottles.

This release was an exclusive for The Whisky Exchange.

Karuizawa 1980 Noh Cask Single Cask 32 Year Old #3565

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

This series features different masks used in Noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. The masks here are photographed by Shinji Aoki with the permission of the Kamiasobi troupe.

This is a single cask distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2013.

Cask #3565 was a sherry butt that yielded 335 bottles.

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\".

Russian import, this is bottle number 9143. 

Highland Park 1958 40 Year Old

A legendary 40 year old Highland Park released alongside branded decanter and a book which celebrates Highland Park and Orkney.

This magnificent whisky is presented in a hardwood case.

Bottle number 428 of 665 produced. 

This lot has a 2 bottle shipping fee. 

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 33 Year Old #136 / Artifices Series #009 Warren Khong

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

This limited release was distilled in March 1981 and bottled in July 2014.

Produced from single ex-sherry cask #136, which yielded an unspecified number of bottles.

This release features the print #060: Artifices 009 by renowned artist, Warren Khong.

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1980 Single Cask  34 Year Old #6476 / Artifices Series #014 Warren Khong

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 March 1980 and bottled in July 2014

Produced from single cask #6476.

Selected by La Maison du Whisky, France, the label on this bottle displays artwork by Hong Kong artist Warren Khong.

Bottled at cask strength.

Karuizawa 1984 Single Cask #3663​

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 1984 and bottled in 2013.

Produced from first fill sherry cask #3663.

Bottled at cask strength.