September 2016 Auction

Mortlach 75 Year Old Gordon and Macphail

At a stunning 75 years old this incredible Mortlach is the oldest whisky ever bottled. Released by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Generations range, the whisky was distilled on 17th November 1939 and matured in a single first-fill Sherry butt before being bottled at cask strength in 2015. 

The precious liquid is presented in a handcrafted crystal teardrop-shaped decanter, which features 75 multilevel cuts in the glass representing the 75 years of maturation. Accompanying the decanter is a white presentation plinth, two crystal glasses and specially commissioned book, all packaged within a luxury Aniline leather travel bag. 

With only 100 decanters released for sale this could easily be named the world's most exclusive single malt whisky.

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #8354 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2014, limited to only 175 bottles.

At only 175 bottles this is by far the rarest of the Samurai range. 

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #3656 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2014, limited to only 260 bottles.

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

A blended malt of Chichibu and Hanyu created as part of Ghost Series. 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 the 3rd of 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. All the original procedes from this bottling were used for Japanese children's charities. 

This is bottle number 12 of 26 bottles. 

Highland Park 1964 / Orcadian Vintage 

A truly remarkable Highland Park, distilled in 1964 this is the oldest release as part of their 'Orcadian Vintage Series'.

Released in 2009 this was a vatting of two hogsheads, casks #8737 and #8738 yielded only 290 bottles.  

The presentation as always with Highland Park is spectacular, a hard wood case with a silver Highland Park amulet logo inlay and a stunning black glass bottle.

Macallan 1945 Speymalt Gordon and Macphail

A spectacular release from Gordon and Macphail, Macallan distilled in 1945 and bottled in 2013 - 68 years old and at this age it takes the mantle for being the oldest bottle of Macallan ever released!

A truly remarkable bottling from G&M presented in an elegant wooden presentation case.

Please note minor scratch to box.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask #6355 / Only 97 Bottles

One of the three bottles which make up the iconic 1980/1981/1982 Samurai Set.

Distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2015 after maturing in a single Sherry Butt. Cask No. / 6355

One of only 97 bottles.

Karuizawa 1970 Geisha Single Cask #6227

A Single cask release from Karuizawa distilled in 1970 and matured in single sherry butt until being bottled in 2012. 

This is bottle number 148 of 433. 

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #3620 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2015, limited to only 280 bottles.

Macallan Cask 888

Limited to a very exclusive 720 bottles, the exclusive Cask 888 was bottled from a single sherry-seasoned cask on the 8th August 2008 (08.08.08).  To continue with the theme of this bottle, the strength is 48.8%.

The decanter has been created by the cosmetic glass manufacturer Stolzle Flaconnag. For its part, Lalique displayed its latest collection, Le Noir Crystal especially for the launch of Cask 888.

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Cask Single Cask #3139 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2014, limited to only 494 bottles.

Karuizawa 1977 Single Cask #3584

Featuring the image of a Geisha, this Karuizawa single cask was exclusivley for Taiwan. 

Distilled in 1977 and bottled in 2011 after being matured sherry butt 3584.

Bottle #77 of 169

Karuizawa 1980 Single Cask #8317 / Only 89 Bottles

One of the three bottles which make up the iconic 1980/1981/1982 Samurai Set.

Distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2015 after maturing in a single Bourbon Cask. Cask No. / 6355

One of only 89 bottles.

Hanyu 1988 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #7100 / Eight of Clubs​

Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2011 from cask number 7100. 

Initially matured in hogshead prior to being finished in American oak puncheon.

Bottle number 201 of 561.

Please note condition of bac label as shown

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #3622 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2015, limited to only 332 bottles.

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9100 / Five of Hearts​

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2008. 

Originally bottled in a hogshead then finished in a French oak Cognac cask. 

Bottle number 113 of 326.

Please note the condition of the labels.  

Karuizawa 30 Year Old Single Cask #3619

This is a single cask 30 year old Karuizawa bottled for Kinlonz Culture of Hong Kong. 

Matured in sherry cask #3619. 

One of 282 bottles. 

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

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 99 of 576.

Glenmorangie 1978 Pride

Distilled in 1978 this was matured for 19 years prior to being moved to Premier Grand Cru Claret wine casks for an additional 15 years, making this the longest \"finish\" a Glenmorangie has received. 

Presented in crafted presentation case and a Litre Baccarat decanter. 

This is Dr Bill Lumsden's Pride... a whisky master at the top of his game. 

One of only 700 bottles.

Please note condition of lot as shown.

Please note due to the weight of this item it equates to two bottles for shipping.

Karuizawa 1991 Geisha Single Cask #259 / One of 85 Bottles 

A new single cask release from Karuizawa distilled in 1991 and matured in single sherry butt before being bottled in 2016

This is one of 85 bottles.

Yamazaki 25 Year Old

A limited edition of around 100 bottles celebrating Japanese hospitality. This whisky has been matured for 25 years in the finest Oloroso sherry casks.

The seal on the bottle is a Mizuhiki, a five corded knot symbolising the joining of hands.

Karuizawa 1984 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 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2015, limited to only 358 bottles.

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #3622 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2015, limited to only 332 bottles.

Bowmore 1964 Duthie for Corti 22 Year Old

Distilled in 1964, this hails from the era of epic Bowmores. 

Bottled in 1986 by R.W Duthie & Co of Aberdeen, this was for the Corti Brothers of Sacramento. 

Yamazaki 1986 Owner's Cask Mizunara Butt #6G5029

Single cask Yamazaki's are very rare and hard to find these days.

This single cask was distilled in 1986 and matured in a Mizunara butt #6G5029 until bottling in 2006. This was bottled for the 50th Anniversary of La Maison Du Whisky. 

Bottle number 214 of 405.

Karuizawa 1980 Golden Samurai

Distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2015, this was a Dream Dram at the Whisky Exchange Whisky Show in London 2015. 

Rather than being put on general release this was made available to attendees of the show (The Whisky Exchange is the retail arm of Speciality Drinks who are the sole distributor of Karuizawa in the UK). The attendees entered a raffle with the lucky few purchasing the bottle.

The front label depicts a Golden Samurai and the rear label tells the following tale : \"On the Nakasendo trail from Kyoto to Edo, when the shogun wielded real power in Japan, there was a place for Samurai Warriors, feudal lords and their servants to stop and take stock of their journey. A place to gather and unwind, to celebrate and steel themselves for the journey ahead. That place was Kaurizawa.\"

Macallan 1964 Anniversary Malt 25 Year Old 

A stunning example of Macallan 25 year old, bottled as an 'Anniversary Malt' with the classic wooden box.

Distilled in 1964 and bottled in 1989. 

Please note condition of the labels. 

Karuizawa 1983 Single Cask #2656

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

Distilled in 1983 and bottled 29 years later from single sherry cask #2656 in 2012. 

Bottle number 330 of 589. 

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #7963 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2014, limited to only 437 bottles.

Karuizawa 1984 30 Year Old Single Cask #7857 / 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 in 1984 and matured for 30 years until bottling in 2014, limited to only 508 bottles.

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%.