Bonhams: ‘Japanese whisky is taking over China’

Demand for Japanese whisky remains high and made up eight out of the 10 top lots sold at Bonham’s recent HK auction.

The debutante: Its first showing at auction saw this 1960 Karuizawa fetch over three times its estimate

The top-selling lot was a 50-year-old 1960 Karuizawa #3604 which at its debut at auction, went for over three times its estimate and sold for HK$490,000 (US$62,900) while a 42-year-old 1965 Karuizawa was snapped up for HK$232,750 (US$29,900).

Additionally a Scotch single malt, a 52-year-old 1950 Macallan Fine & Rare went for HK$208,250 (US$26,700) above its high estimate of HK$190,000 (US$24,380).

However, there was a strong presence of buyers from China and specifically, from its top-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The head of wine for Bonhams, Daniel Lam commented: “There is no doubt that Japanese Whisky is taking over China now. We have seen a lot of interest from mainland Chinese buyers and we are very delighted with the good results in what are challenging market conditions, demonstrating the strong demand for old and rare whiskies.

“As for old and rare scotch whisky, top brands such as Macallan and Highland Park are still very popular among the experienced drinkers. In the future, we will continue to promote the old and rare whisky in the region and hopefully more people will get the chance to know more about and taste all these extraordinary whiskies.”