Asia ‘whisky boom’ boosts Zachys’ profits

New York auction house Zachys has achieved sales of more than $28 million in the first half of 2015 due to Asia’s unquenched thirst for whisky.

Zachys’ profits are up 27 per cent from last year because of Asia continuing to lead whisky and fine wine sales in the first half of this year, says the New York auction house. \

Zachys’ May event in Hong Kong saw 12 bottles of 1989 Pétrus selling for $63,226 as well as two bottles of Karuizawa 45 year old fetching $30,000 in the June sale.

The “landmark” La Paulée February auction in New York which focused on rare Burgundy vintages also realized $7.5m over 1,500 lots with DRC’s 165 lots going for $1.9m.

Zachys’ President, Jeff Zacharia said: “We’re delighted to have started out 2015 with a bang. With our multi-vendor sales in Hong Kong and in New York, our key offerings such as the cellar of Frank Komorowski, and our domaine-direct sales, we are truly the go-to auction house for all consignors big and small.

“Our sales cater to the wide breadth of tastes of our clients internationally, and our auctions are considered must-attend fine wine events.”