Bonhams Sets World Record for Japanese Whisky with HK$8.25M Yamazaki 50 Year Old Sale
Bonhams achieved a new world auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky at its Legendary Japanese Whisky sale in Hong Kong. A unique Yamazaki 50 Year Old created exclusively for Club Natsume sold for HK$8,250,000, nearly doubling its high estimate of HK$4,200,000. A Karuizawa 52 Year Old Cask #5627 from 1960 realized HK$6,250,000, bringing the two bottles to a combined HK$14.5 million. Bonhams now holds the top three prices ever achieved at international auction for Japanese whisky.
The Signal
The result signals sustained collector demand for ultra-rare aged Japanese whiskies and reinforces Bonhams' position as the leading auction house in the category. Global Head of Wine & Spirits Amayès Aouli noted that the record reflects the firm's strategy of redefining the market through expertise and an international platform rather than merely responding to existing demand. The sale followed a white-glove wine auction that sold all 350 lots above estimate for over HK$23 million.
- People: Amayès Aouli
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: Hong Kong
- Prices: HK$8,250,000, HK$6,250,000
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