Rare Japanese whiskies to go on sale in Edinburgh

Bonhams will offer a collection of rare Japanese whiskies at is next Edinburgh sale on 9 October, the largest collection Bonhams has yet offered in the UK.

The highlight of the sale will be a bottle of Karuizawa 50 year-old 1965 which has a pre-sale estimate of £23,000-£25,000.

Founded in 1956 but mothballed and finally closed in 2011, Karuizawa was the smallest distillery in Japan and produced what is now some of its most sought-after whiskies.

Other Karuizawa being offered at the sale include: two bottles of Noh 30 year-old 1977, three bottles of Single Cask 1969 and bottlings of 1970, 1980, 1982, 1983 and 2000 and two bottles of Yamazaki 1990.

Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh Martin Green said: “This important collection of Japanese whisky has been put together with great care by a European enthusiast.

“We have, of course, sold Japanese whisky very successfully in Bonhams Hong Kong for many years but this is the most comprehensive selection of Japanese whisky ever offered at a Bonhams sale in Edinburgh. It’s an exciting prospect and I am sure that collectors will respond enthusiastically.”

The sale on 9 September will also feature Scotch single malts as well, including a Macallan Lalique 50 year-old valued at £67,000-£93,000.