Finest & Rarest Spirits | Premium Japanese Whisky Collection28 October 2026 • 12:00 PM HKT • Hong Kong
T
his Fall, Sotheby’s proudly presents our Live Spirits Auction - Finest & Rarest Spirits | Premium Japanese Whisky Collection, which brings together a remarkable assembly of Japan's most coveted whiskies, celebrating the craftsmanship, heritage, and rarity that have elevated Japanese whisky to global acclaim. Spanning iconic distilleries and vanished legends, the sale presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire bottles that define the pinnacle of collecting.
Leading the sale is an unprecedented highlight: the complete trilogy of The Yamazaki 50 Year Old, featuring the First Release (2005), Second Release (2007), and Third Release (2011). The 2005 First Release is among the rarest Japanese whiskies ever bottled, originally limited to only 50 bottles and largely distributed within Japan, while the subsequent 2007 and 2011 editions complete one of the most celebrated verticals in modern whisky collecting. The appearance of all three releases together represents an exceptionally rare occasion and a landmark offering for enthusiasts of Japanese whisky.
The Yamazaki section further showcases the breadth of Suntory's craftsmanship, including the highly sought-after Yamazaki 25 Year Old Mizunara Cask 2025 Release, vintage Owner's Casks, early Single Casks, offering a remarkable insight into the distillery's most collectible expressions. Alongside this stands an impressive selection of Hakushu and Hibiki rarities, highlighted by scarce 25 Year Old releases and an extensive group of beautifully crafted Kutani and Arita ceramic decanters that celebrate the intersection of Japanese whisky and traditional artistry.
A major strength of the sale lies in its exceptional representation of Karuizawa, the silent distillery whose remaining stocks continue to captivate collectors worldwide. At the pinnacle are two extraordinary 1960 vintages: the Karuizawa Prototype 47 Year Old Single Cask #5627, drawn from one of the distillery's most iconic casks, and the Karuizawa Prototype 48 Year Old Single Cask #4123, an ultra-rare cask which re-bottled under the supervision of former Karuizawa Master Distiller Osami Uchibori and accompanied by its original guarantee certificate.
These museum-worthy bottles are complemented by an extensive array of Karuizawa's most celebrated series, including Noh, Geisha, Mount Fuji, Samurai, Aqua of Life, Golden Dragon, Black and Blue Waves and numerous legendary single casks distilled from the 1960s through the final years of production.
The catalogue is further enriched by sought-after releases from Hanyu and Chichibu, featuring Ichiro iconic Card Series and Noh bottlings, limited single casks, exclusive private selections, and early Chichibu releases that document the rise of one of Japan's most influential modern distilleries. Rare expressions from Nikka, including Yoichi, Miyagikyo and Taketsuru, add further depth and historical significance to the offering.
Together, these bottles form a compelling celebration of Japanese whisky, from historically important pioneers and closed distilleries to modern masterpieces and legendary single casks. Whether pursuing the rarest trophies in the category or building a collection of enduring significance, collectors will find an exceptional concentration of rarity, provenance and craftsmanship throughout this sale.
