A new auction record for any single bottle of Japanese whisky is set in Hong Kong again, merely seven months after its previous record made in early this year. The bottle of 50-year-old Yamazaki first edition was sold for nearly HK$2.7m (US$343,000), setting another new record for whisky at Bonhams Hong Kong.

Bonhams’ whisky sale started at 4pm and the focal point of the sale undoubtedly fell to lot no. 203 – 50-year-old Yamazaki first edition. The auctioneer opened the bidding at HK$1.5m and saw an intense bidding contest among bidders. People in the saleroom showed high confidence in the whisky market as many of them got their cellphones ready, for they knew the bottle of whisky was about to fetch a record-setting price.

What’s so special about this bottle of whisky? This oldest expression from the famous Japanese distillery, the whisky was matured in casks made from mizunara (Japanese Oak) before being bottled and released in 2005. Only 50 bottles were produced, making it one of the scarcest Japanese whiskies.

Started the bidding at HK$1.5m, the auctioneer received six bids and put the hammer down at HK$2.2m. It was sold for HK$2.695m after premium to an anonymous telephone bidder. The new price realised surpassed the old record set by the Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Aged 50 Years NV, which was sold for HK$2.33m at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in January.

The sale further establishes Bonhams’ dominance in the auction world for whisky. In May this year, a 60-Year-Old Macallan was sold for HK$8.63m, breaking the record for any whisky sold at auction. Bonhams is going to offer another bottle of Macallan whisky in Edinburgh in October. Please stay tuned for more updates!

The 60-Year-Old Macallan with label designed by Valerio Adami was sold for HK$8.63m at Bonhams in May

Most Expensive Single Bottle of Japanese Whisky

Yamazaki-50 year old. 1st Edition

Lot no.: 203
Released in: 2005
Distilled and bottled at Yamazaki Distillery
One of 50 bottles. In wooden presentation case. Engraved labelling. 700ml. Single Malt., 54% volume.
Estimate: HK$1,800,000 - 2,400,000 (US$229,338 - 305,784)
Hammer price: HK$2,200,000 (US$280,000)
Price realised: HK$2,695,000 (US$343,000)

Auction house: Bonhams Hong Kong
Sale: Whisky
Sale: 2018/8/17