Two casks from the legendary and now-closed Japanese distillery Karuizawa recently sold at Christie’s London for a combined total of £4,250,000 – marking the highest-ever wine and whisky price for two related lots in the house’s history.
Distilled in 1999 – the final year before the distillery ceased production – Casks #6195 and #888 were offered from the private collection of whisky expert and collector Sukhinder Singh. They are currently housed in Mr Singh’s Tormore distillery in Speyside.
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The offering represented an exceptionally rare opportunity for collectors to acquire Karuizawa in its purest form: entire casks, each yielding approximately 420 bottles, and the chance to shape their future maturation, bottling and release.
Full casks of Karuizawa are almost never offered at auction. Revered for their remarkable depth, distinctive sherry influence, and rarity, Karuizawa whiskies have achieved cult status among collectors worldwide, with individual bottles regularly setting record prices.
Following the sale, the successful bidders have the opportunity to collaborate with Kandoblanc, a whisky brand and creative studio.
Adam Bilbey, global head of wine and spirits at Christie’s, said: “The excitement in the room for the sale of these two extraordinary Karuizawa casks was palpable as they quickly found new custodians.
“Full casks of Karuizawa are rarely offered at auction, and their provenance from the private collection of Sukhinder Singh – one of the most respected figures in the world of rare whisky – made this an especially compelling offering.
“It was wonderful to see such strong enthusiasm from collectors. This is a project that Christie’s has been honoured to be involved with, and it is particularly thrilling to see the hammer come down on these record-breaking lots in our brand-new rostrum designed by Sir Jonny Ive for our 260th anniversary.”
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