Japanese whisky reigns at Zachys’ HK auction

Bidders fought intensely over 217 bottles of rare Japanese whisky which altogether fetched over HK$4 million (US$500,000) at Zachys’ recent May auction held in Hong Kong.

Held at the Mandarin Oriental on 29-30 May, the sale attracted more than 300 unique bidders feverishly vying for the 1,400 lots which included Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and high end Scottish and Japanese whisky.

Altogether realising over HK$54m (US$6.7m) and traditionally seen as the most successful sale in Hong Kong for the New York auction house, the May sale continued its theme of offering premium collections of old world wines with 12 bottles of 1989 Petrus from ‘The Chairman’s Collection’ fetching far over the high estimate of HK$420,000 (US$54,000) at HK$490,000 (US$63,202).

A rare 45-year-old whisky from closed-down Japanese distillery, Karuizawa (pictured) also sold for HK$232,750 (US$30,000) – above its high estimate HK$100,000/ ($13,000).

President of Zachys, Jeff Zacharia said: “This May Hong Kong Auction finished our last live sale of the season and it was a smashing success. Over 300 bidders competed for these fine and rare wines during the two days sale. On Saturday, ‘The Chairman’s Collection’ led the line.

“This was an unbelievable collection of mainly Bordeaux in original wood cases and mostly bought from Zachys. Then the special attention was given to the 152 lots of Japanese whisky. Every lot was sold with many selling well over their estimates. All aspects of the sale were very strong with the whisky being the new and exciting part. The sale was a huge success.”

Elliot Faber, Hong-Kong based senior whisky advisor for Zachys Asia, added: “The spectacular sale of the Japanese single malt whiskies proves that connoisseurs are always seeking new taste and diversity in libations to expand their collections. We will continue to bring niche wines and spirits to quench their thirst for nouveau drinking experiences.”