The most expensive Japanese whiskies
There are few reasons why people may want to buy a ridiculously expensive whisky. For some, it’s a status symbol. For others, an investment. For whisky aficionados, an expensive bottle may be the pride of their collection.
Whatever the reason, the cost and demand for premium whisky is only growing higher. The latest record was an eye-watering £848,750 ($1.01 million) for a Macallan whisky, distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986.
The cost of an auctioned whisky will mostly depend on three factors: its vintage, its rarity and uniqueness. The record breaking Macallan bottle was valued so high as it’s artwork was designed by Peter Blake, the artist who famously designed the album art for the Beatles album, Sgt’s Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*. This whisky was only gifted to a few of the distillery’s most exclusive clients and few are thought to still be in existence.
So about Japanese whisky? Well, as every business studies student knows, the higher the demand, the higher the price. With the surging popularity of Japanese whisky growing around the world, its no surprise the there are some hella expensive whiskies to choose from (if you have the coin). Here are a few:
Yamazaki 50 Year Old Single Malt
At the time of writing, this is the most expensive Japanese whisky to be sold at auction. The limited edition bottle sold for an outstanding $343,000 (around £269,000). This is considered to be the oldest expression of Yamazaki whisky. It was part of a limited run of 150 bottles and this is rumoured to be only 50 bottles in existence today.
A very, very lucky few have sampled what is probably the oldest and rarest Japanese whisky. It is said to have a sandalwood and incense nose, an incredible rich and honey-sweet palate with a varied fruit and Maderia wine finish.
Note: If you are a proud owner of this vintage and are in desperate need of a drinking buddy, please visit my contact page.
52 Year Old Karuizawa
The previous UK record breaker it thought to be the 1960 52 Year Old Karuizawa, ‘The Archer’. This remarkable Japanese whisky sold for £100,100.
The small Karuizawa distillery started production in 1956 in the Nagano prefecture in Japan but stopped operation in 2011. There are now only a few limited casks, privately owned.
The Archer was distilled in 1960 in an ex-sherry cask, which only created 41 bottles. Each bottle has its own name and katabori netsuke (carved charm). This level of uniqueness has accelerated the whisky’s rarity and value. The inner box is a traditional-style Japanese puzzle box, made in England. You can visibly see the love and attention the Karuizawa have given to its design and I love it.
Karuizawa Collections
If you are looking for something a little more affordable, you can invest in some beautiful Karuizawa collections. Fans of the Karuizawa style, will love the Karuizawa Geisha collection. The complete series is made up of 27 bottles of Karuizawa expressions, aged from 29, 30, 31 and 50 years.
The Murasaki Geisha is probably the most popular bottle in the series. ‘Murasaki’ means purple in Japanese and is also the name of a the eleven-century novelist, Murasaki Shikabu (the Tale of Genji). Despite the tiny 2 year difference, the Karuizawa Murasaki Geisha 29 and 31 year old sisters have very distinctive flavours. The younger geisha sibling has a balanced and fresh fruity flavour, while the older, wiser 31 year old has a more subtle fruit palate.
The Karuizawa Honor Sumo collection comprises of three sherry butt’s from 1981, 1982 and 1983. Their design features Sumo prints by renowned Ukiyo-e artist Hachisuka Kuniaki. The whole collection was bought at auction for £17,100.
It’s fun to talk about the most rare and expensive whiskies. But it’s a shame most of these bottle will never be truly enjoyed for their true purpose – the taste!
For those that may never come close to theses extraordinary bottles, remember that your purchases, although less expensive, keeps distillers going. Your continued support means future generations will enjoy drinking whisky made with love, care and tradition.
Explore further into the world of Japanese whisky and read my blog and Japanese whisky reviews here.
*Their best album, in my humble opinion.
