Bonhams presents rare Macallan cask in HK

A cask of 30 year-old Macallan is the star attraction at Bonhams’ upcoming sale in Hong Kong, alongside many other rare Scotch and Japanese whiskies.

The spirit was distilled in May 1989 and has been in a Sherry hogshead ever since, never leaving the distillery.

As well as its perfect provenance it is apparently one of the oldest Macallan whisky casks currently available in the market and would yield a total of 261 bottles.

Its pre-sale estimate is HK$3.6 million to HK$4.6m (US$459,000 – US$586,500 / £355,000 – £450,000).

Daniel Lam, Bonhams’ director of Wine & Spirits, Asia, commented: “Whisky casks are trending because they offer much flexibility for collectors. Getting a good cask means that one can gain more quality bottles at a competitive price, or let it mature further to yield a higher value. The current 30 year Macallan cask is no doubt one of the finest of its kind available in the market yet.”

Other whisky highlights include a complete set of Macallan Strength Series bottles, the ‘Dreams’ series of malts from famed Italian importer and merchant Samaroli and a trio of Bowmore 1964 with Fino, Bourbon and Oloroso finishes.

Japanese whisky on offer includes 52 year-old Karuizawa 1960, a vertical series of Karuizawa from 1975-1996, Yamazaki 35 year-old and several lots featuring bottles from Hanyu Ichiro’s ‘Card Series’.