July 2022 Auction

Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #1683-13 / 2018 Release

This incredibly rare 1950 vintage Macallan was released in July 2019 only available from select luxury and specialist retailers in the UK.

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

Distilled on the 9th November 1950 and bottled over 67 years later on 19th October 2018 after maturing in a single American Oak first-fill Sherry butt #1683 (Ref: 2018/ASB-1683/13).

The Macallan Exceptional Casks series was relaunched in 2017. The range takes its name from a number of single cask bottlings Macallan released during the 1990s, which are often described as some of \"the greatest Macallan of them all.\"

One of 336 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 of 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 106.

Macallan 1949 Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

This was released by Macallan to commemorate the turn of the millennium. This whisky is among the most desirable and sought after whiskies on the market, and represents the most luxurious of Macallan, not only in presentation and quality, but also in rarity and age.

This whisky was highly rated by Michael Jackson, the late whisky connoisseur and author, and remains a proud accomplishment of then Master Distiller, David Robertson. Bottled in May 1999, this Macallan 50 years old was crafted by marrying 3 butts that were filled on the same day, 14th January 1949.

Brora Triptych 3 x 50cl

A spectacular release which was produced to celebrate the reopening of the Brora distillery in 2021.

Brora distillery (originally known as Clynelish) was built by the Duke of Sutherland in 1819. Prized by blenders, the distillery found itself in the hands of DCL in 1925 when they acquired shareholders, Ainslie & Heilbron and John Walker & Sons. DCL closed the distillery in 1967 after opening a new, larger Clynelish next-door, but re-opened the first site, now renamed as Brora the following year. Bottlings of the whisky it produced between then and its second closure in 1983 are now increasingly sought after. It was never bottled officially as Brora during its years of operation, and the Rare Malts Selection in 1995 were the first distillery bottlings to bear the name. In 2017 it was announced that Diageo planned to re-open this formerly lost gem, and the revived distillery filled its first casks on 19^th May 2021.

Titled Triptych, the set includes three malts which each represent a different and iconic style of spirit from the distillery. It includes:

• Brora 1972 48 Year Old The Elusive Legacy 42.8% 50cl
• Brora 1977 43 Year Old The Age of Peat 48.6% 50cl
• Brora 1982 38 Year Old Timeless Original 47.5% 50cl

The bottles are presented in an impressive wooden presentation case which includes three weighty decanter stoppers for each of the bottles. It also carries a small book which details each of the whiskies in this beautiful release.

One of 300 sets.

Due to the size and weight of this item, it will include a sixteen-bottle shipping fee.

Yamazaki 1993 Single Sherry Cask #3T70070 / LMDW

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki 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. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

Single cask Yamazaki are very rare and hard to find these days. This one was distilled in 1993 and matured in a single sherry butt #3T70070 until bottling in 2012 for La Maison du Whisky in Paris.

Ardbeg 1959 Cadenhead's 25 Year Old Sherry Wood

Wm. Cadenhead are Scotland's oldest independent bottler, operating for over 175 years, but perhaps none of their bottlings are as sought after as these 'dumpy' style bottles. These were produced with brown glass and an iconic black label (white for the occasional grain whisky), with each distillery given its own letterpress font in homage to William Cadenhead's early career in the printing business.

This whisky was distilled in December 1959 and aged for 25 years before being bottled in May 1985.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The lack of demand in the period prior to this, thankfully, saw a lot of casks sold to independent bottlers, many of which have gone on to become legendary releases.

The rising demand for its product in the 1970s meant that Ardbeg was forced to stop using its own malted barley, instead buying it in from the neighbouring Port Ellen maltings. The result was a change in the style and profile of the distillery's whisky, and pre-1974 vintages such as this are incredibly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Karuizawa 1984 Single Cask 30 Year Old #5347 / Whisky Show 2014 Geisha Label

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed  in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited release was distilled in 1984 and bottled after 30 years of maturation.

Bottled 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.

Karuizawa 1984 Single Cask 29 Year Old #8897 / Whisky Show 2014 Geisha

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited release was distilled in 1984 and bottled after 29 years in single Bourbon cask #8897.

This bottle is one of a pair which were released for The Whisky Exchange's 2014 Whisky Show; the other bottle being a single Sherry cask #5347 which features a mirror-image label.

Bottled at cask strength.

Glenlivet 1943 Gordon and MacPhail 70 Year Old Private Collection

The following lot is for an extraordinary decanter from Scottish independent bottler, Gordon and MacPhail.

Well-known as the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, for many years ‘Glenlivet’ was a byword for quality, with many single malts using the Glenlivet suffix in an attempt to reap the benefits of associating themselves with the Banffshire distillery. Indeed, owners Pernod-Ricard now put a heavy focus on the brand being ‘The Glenlivet’, encouraging their consumers not to accept any imitations. Glenlivet is in a long-running battle with Glenfiddich for the title of best-selling single malt, with both now selling over a million cases a year. George Smith secured a license to legally distil at Glenlivet in 1824, and it remained family-run until 1978 when Seagram bought a controlling stake in what had by then become The Glenlivet Distilleries Ltd, and counting assets such as Glen Grant, Benriach and Longmorn among its portfolio. When Seagram collapsed in 2001, Pernod-Ricard acquired its sizeable Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky division, with Glenlivet the crown jewel in an empire rivalled only by Diageo.

Gordon & MacPhail are one of the largest and most recognisable whisky companies in the world. Although they began distilling at the newly refurbished Benromach distillery in 1998, for most of their history they were an independent bottler. Their labels are recognised by whisky lovers the world over, and their licensed bottlings from distillery's like Macallan and Talisker in the 1970s and 1980s, when the companies were not bottling themselves, are a huge part of the success of those distillers today.

This whisky was distilled on 14th January 1943 and aged in single first-fill ex-Sherry hogshead #121. It was bottled on 11th June 2013. Decanter 41 of 42.

Released in extremely small numbers, this beautiful decanter contains some of the rarest stock in the company’s portfolio. Displayed in a well-crafted wooden box and is accompanied by a book which details the whisky. The design of the box is a tribute to the river Tay, as is the gold detailing on each bottle. The box is also crafted from wood from the Tayside area.

Also included:

• Glenlivet 1943 Single Cask #121 Press Pack Sample 49.1% 1cl

Due to the weight and size of this lot, it will include a six bottle shipping fee.

Macallan 1976 Fine and Rare 29 Year Old

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

The Fine and Rare Series of whiskies was launched in 2002, designed to represent the very best vintages and whisky that Macallan had to offer, dating back as far as 1926.

This was distilled in 1976 and bottled in 2006 from Spanish oak sherry butt #11354.

• Unique code: efd6n6
• Signed and dated by A. Murray on 3rd September 2007

Yamazaki 1984 25th Anniversary

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki 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. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This 1984 vintage was bottled in 2009 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Yamazaki single malt brand.

Prima and Ultima First Release 8 x 70cl

This was part of the inaugural Prima & Ultima range from Diageo, launched in 2020. Meaning \"the first and last,\" the series featured eight whiskies selected by Dr Jim Beveridge OBE, with 238 complete sets made available.

Contains:

• Cragganmore 1971 48 Year Old 43.7% (One of 352 bottles, aged in a first-fill ex-Sherry butt).
• Port Ellen 1979 40 Year Old 51.2% (One of 436 bottles, aged in a refill European oak butt).
• Caol Ila 1984 35 Year Old 50.8% (One of 499 bottles, aged in a refill European oak butt).
• Singleton of Dufftown 1988 30 Year Old 48.8% (One of 469 bottles, aged in refill American oak casks).
• Talisker 1988 31 Year Old 51.4% (One of 721 bottles, aged in refill American oak casks).
• Lagavulin 1991 28 Year Old 50.1% (One of 1,013 bottles, aged in refill American oak casks).
• Clynelish 1993 26 Year Old 49.8% (One of 941 bottles, aged in refill American oak casks).
• Mortlach 1994 25 Year Old 55.1% (One of 389 bottles, aged in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez cask and oloroso- seasoned European oak butt).

Yamazaki Suntory Pure Malt 25 Year Old 1998

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki 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. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This whisky has been aged for 25 years and was bottled in 1998.

One of 1,200 bottles.

Glenfiddich 50 Year Old 1st Edition

This famous bottling of Glenfiddich was bottled in 1991 and limited to an incredible 500 bottles. In the early 1990s 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.

Glenfiddich was an early advocate of the single malt Scotch category, and their faith is rewarded today by being one of the best-selling Scotch brands in the world. The distillery was built by William Grant in 1886, distilling its first spirit on Christmas day the following year. Today it is still part of the family-owned, William Grant & Sons. They became the first distillery to actively market their single malt brand in 1963, and were the first to open their facility to visitors. Glenfiddich was an important trailblazer in the whisky industry, who's contribution cannot be forgotten. The scale of their operation today is a testament to this.

This release was restricted to only nine casks laid down in the 1930s, one cask for each of William Grant's nine children who helped build Glenfiddich distillery into the success that it has become today. The casks, four distilled in 1937, and five in 1939, were vatted on 4th April 1990 in single cask #3034 and married for one year before being bottled on the 26th July 1991.

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

Bottle number 132 includes a certificate, stating that the owner of the bottle is to be appointed as a Freeman of Glenfiddich distillery.

Macallan 1946 Select Reserve 52 Year Old

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

Bottled in the late 1990s, the Select Reserve were an early precursor to the Fine & Rare series, launched in 2002.

A truly stunning bottle of Macallan, distilled in 1946 and matured for over half a century until bottling. 

Prima and Ultima Second Release 8 x 70cl

This the second Prima & Ultima range from Diageo, released in 2021. Meaning \"the first and last,\" this series features eight whiskies selected by Diageo Master Blender, Maureen Robinson.

Contains:

• Auchroisk 1974 47 Year Old 48.7% (One of 382 bottles, single refill European oak butt).

• Talisker 1979 41 Year Old 47.5%  (One of 556 bottles, refill American Oak hogsheads).

• Brora 1980 40 Year Old 49.4% (One of 505 bottles, American oak).

• Linkwood 1981 39 Year Old 52.9% (One of 701 bottles, 4 new American oak casks which were PX Oloroso seasoned).

• Convalmore 1984 36 Year Old 48.6% (One of 647 bottles, taken from three American Oak hogsheads).

• Lagavulin 1992 28 Year Old 47.7% (One of 1,081 bottles, 5 freshly charred American oak hogsheads).

• The Singleton of Glendullan 1992 28 Year Old 60.1% (One of 420 bottles, Initially kept in refill wood, before double-maturing in two small ex-Madeira barriques for another 14 years).

• Mortlach 1995 25 Year Old 52.4% (One of 454 bottles, taken from a single 1995 Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso seasoned European Oak butt).

Karuizawa 1981 Noh Single Sherry Cask 31 Year Old #4676

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtaain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

It is amazing that we still see single casks of Karuizawa being released, this 1981 vintage was bottled in 2012 as a 31 year from a sherry cask.

Only 186 bottles were produced.

Karuizawa 1977 Noh Single Sherry Cask 32 Year Old #4592

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

A fantastic and very limited Noh bottling of Karuizawa, distilled in 1972 and bottled 32 years later from single sherry butt #4592 in 2010.

One of 190 bottles.

Bowmore 1965 Single Cask 42 Year Old #811 / Premier Range - One of 57

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

This incredible single malt was distilled in 1965 and aged in single hogshead #811 before being bottled on 29th January 2008.

One of just 57 bottles produced exclusively for World Duty Free.

Johnnie Walker The Directors Blend Collection Limited Edition 6 x 70cl with Box

Never available at retail, this collection was only given to very important Diageo types. Very few bottles made it to the secondary market and collectors have fought to get hold of this essential part of Walker history.

Incredibly rare, this is the complete 6 bottle collection consisting of annual releases between 2008 and 2013, each with their own unique, presentation, design and character, yet all unmistakably Johnnie Walker.

• 2008 Release: ​​This grain whisky celebrates sweetness as the biggest component of any Blended Scotch.
  One of 450 bottles
  46%
• 2009 Release: A celebration of smokiness. This release contains Islay single malt whisky.
  One of 504 bottles
  43%
• 2010 Release: The rich smell of Autumn Fruit, focussesed around the fruity flavours found in Johnnie Walker blends, using a generous number of sherry casks. This bottle features one of 6 different screenprinted labels by artist Lewis Moberly.
  One of 450 bottles
  65%
• 2011 Release: The effect of Wood on Whisky with packaging displaying the rich colour of oaked whisky glorified through luxurious minimalism and delicate detailing. Featured in Ian Buxton's book, 101 Legendary Whiskies You're Dying to Try But (Possibly) Never Will.
  One of 504 bottles
  46%
• 2012 Release: Celebrating the aroma of Fresh Fruits. Instead of using the label to describe the contents of the bottle, LOVE design agency chose to use it to celebrate the recipient of the Blend, drawing inspiration from Johnnie Walker’s ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy.
  One of 504
  43%
• 2013 Release: Celebrating Malt and the deep resonance that aged Malts bring to the blend. Declared by Dave Broom to be one of the best whiskies of 2013.
  One of 588
  46%

The lot is presented with just one of 15 boxes produced for the 2011 release.

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

Macallan 1946 Select Reserve 52 Year Old

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.  

Bottled in the late 1990s, the Select Reserve were an early precursor to the Fine & Rare series, launched in 2002.

A truly stunning bottle of Macallan, distilled in 1946 and matured for over half a century until bottling. 

Hanyu 1986 Ichiro's Malt 'Card' #9418 / King 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 1986 and placed into hogshead cask #9418, this was bottled in 2007 after finishing in bourbon wood. 

Bottle number 52 of 271. 

Karuizawa 1971 Single Cask #6878

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed  in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This limited release was distilled in 1971 and bottled 15th January 2008 from single cask #6878.

Karuizawa 1981 Single Sherry Cask 35 Year Old #6412 / Fazzino

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

An impressive 2017 bottling, distilled in 1981 and matured exclusively in sherry butt #6412.

The box and bottle bear artwork by renowned 3D artist Fazzino.

One of 505 bottles. 

Karuizawa 1980 Noh Single Sherry Cask 32 Year Old #3565

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the town of Miyota on the southern slopes of Mount Asama. It began production the following year, producing single malt for the Ocean blends from Daikoku Budoshu. Initially it was difficult for the distillery to obtain malt, but a lift on import restrictions in 1958 meant the distillery was able to experiment with the production of a Speyside-esque product, importing the same golden promise barely used at Macallan, and sherry casks. The subsequent quality of output saw it appearing in Japan as a single malt for the first time in the 1980s. Sadly, the Japanese whisky market was not strong at the time, and Karuizawa was closed in 2001 by owners, Mercian, and eventually dismantled. Its legacy is lives on however, with its still relocated to other distilleries in Japan, but predominantly in the hugely sought-after single cask releases that began to appear in 2007, from independent bottler, Number One Drinks. It is now one of the most prestige single malts on the planet, the reverence for which only grows as the remaining stock continues to thin.

This series features different masks used in Noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts. A single cask distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2013, sherry butt #3565 yielded 335 bottles.

Macallan Edition  No.1-6 Collection Case 6 x 70cl

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

This is the complete set of the Edition series which came to an end in Autumn 2020.

• Macallan Edition No.1 - A Taiwan and American exclusive, this is the first 'Edition' release which has been matured in 58% Butts, 23% Hogsheads and 19% Puncheons. 48%
• Macallan Edition No.2 - The second release is a collaboration between Bob Dalgarno and the Roca Brothers who run the world famous El Celler De Can Roca Restaurant in Catalonia, Spain. 48.2%
• Macallan Edition No.3 - Released in 2017, this third edition has been created in conjunction with Roja Dove, a highly respected 'nose' in the perfume industry. No. 3 is a blend of 3 types of cask bottled at 48.3%
• Macallan Edition No.4 - The 2018 release  was intended to celebrate the design and craftsmanship involved in the new Macallan distillery which opened that year. Packaged in green to evoke the turf covered roof of the spectacular new site. 48.4%
• Macallan Edition No.5 - Released in 2019, Edition No.5 was a collaboration with the Pantone Color Intitute and celebrated the natural colour of Macallan. 48.5%
• Macallan Edition No.6 - The final edition takes inspiration from the landscape around the distillery. The liquid has been matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned casks - a select combination of first and second fill American and European Oak. 48.6%

These bottles are presented in a wooden case with 2 branded glasses, Macallan scented candles and information booklets.

This lot will include a ten bottle shipping fee.

Yamazaki 25 Year Old Limited Edition

A limited edition of around 100 bottles celebrating Japanese hospitality.

Suntory’s flagship distillery, Yamazaki 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. In its early days, Yamazaki produced both malt and grain for Suntory's blends, but the opening of the Chita distillery in 1972 allowed the company to focus on its single malt brand. It is now one of the world's most desirable. The first spirit ran from the stills in 1924, on 11th November at 11:11am.

This whisky has been matured for 25 years in the finest Oloroso sherry casks.

The limited edition bottling is decorated with a five-cord 'Mizuhiki', which symbolises the joining of hands and hearts of the giver and recipient. The Paulownia wooden case is also decorated using traditional Washi paper, depicting the bamboo forests of Yamazak.

Macallan Archival Series Folio 1

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

Released in 2015, this is the first edition of this limited release from Macallan, which recreate the old advertising styles of used by the distillery.

Presented with a book, and in a beautifully designed book-shaped tin.

Bowmore 40 Year Old

Islay’s oldest working distillery, Bowmore was established in 1779 and is now regarded as one of the most popular malts not only on Islay, but in the whole of Scotland. The distillery was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963, ushering in an era of iconic single malts, including the legendary Black Bowmore, credited by many as the genesis of whisky collecting, bottled in 1993. The distillery was bought under the control Suntory the year after (they had been stakeholders since 1989), and it remains one of the most collectible brands in Scotch whisky today. Bowmore is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries to use its own floor maltings, providing them with 40% of their requirements.

This whisky was aged for 40 years. 

One of 161 bottles.

Macallan Distil Your World London 

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

This limited-edition release has been produced by Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner alongside the Roca brothers of the world-famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca of Girona, Spain. The restaurant opened in 1986 and since then has twice been named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine. Altho the Roca brothers have never felt the need to open more restaurants in different locations, they do occasionally take their cuisine on tour via temporary \"pop-ups\". Some of these locations have included the city of London to which this release is dedicated to.

The whisky has been aged in six first-fill European oak Oloroso seasoned casks and bottled at cask strength. The bottle is presented in a stunning display case which features a 3D triangular design and a hidden compartment containing a book which details the release.

One of 2,000 bottles which originally went on sale in Autumn 2020.

Macallan Distil Your World London 

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

This limited-edition release has been produced by Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner alongside the Roca brothers of the world-famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca of Girona, Spain. The restaurant opened in 1986 and since then has twice been named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine. Altho the Roca brothers have never felt the need to open more restaurants in different locations, they do occasionally take their cuisine on tour via temporary \"pop-ups\". Some of these locations have included the city of London to which this release is dedicated to.

The whisky has been aged in six first-fill European oak Oloroso seasoned casks and bottled at cask strength. The bottle is presented in a stunning display case which features a 3D triangular design and a hidden compartment containing a book which details the release.

One of 2,000 bottles which originally went on sale in Autumn 2020.

Macallan Distil Your World London 

It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

This limited-edition release has been produced by Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner alongside the Roca brothers of the world-famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca of Girona, Spain. The restaurant opened in 1986 and since then has twice been named best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine. Altho the Roca brothers have never felt the need to open more restaurants in different locations, they do occasionally take their cuisine on tour via temporary \"pop-ups\". Some of these locations have included the city of London to which this release is dedicated to.

The whisky has been aged in six first-fill European oak Oloroso seasoned casks and bottled at cask strength. The bottle is presented in a stunning display case which features a 3D triangular design and a hidden compartment containing a book which details the release.

One of 2,000 bottles which originally went on sale in Autumn 2020.