A rare bottle of Yamazaki No. 55 whisky is set to be auctioned as part of Bonhams’ “Whiskey Immortals: The World’s Most Coveted Spirits” series. The auction runs from May 31 to June 12 and highlights some of the world’s most prized spirits.
Limited Release and Record-Breaking Past Sale
Suntory first released 200 bottles of Yamazaki No. 55 in 2020. Of these, 100 bottles were reserved for the Japanese market. The remaining bottles were distributed to select international markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Taiwan.
In August 2020, Bonhams Hong Kong auctioned one bottle for HK$6.2 million (approximately US$795,000). This sale set a record as the most expensive Japanese whisky ever sold at auction.
A Whisky Steeped in History and Craftsmanship
The whisky was originally distilled by Suntory founder Shinjiro Fujii in 1960. It was aged in Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, a rare and highly prized wood for whisky maturation. In 1964, his son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, transferred the spirit into white oak barrels to continue its aging process.
The whisky is known for its complex aroma featuring sandalwood and ripe fruit. Its flavor is described as sweet with a subtle bitterness.
Elegant Presentation Reflecting Japanese Tradition
Each bottle of Yamazaki No. 55 is housed in a crystal decanter. The name “Yamazaki” is elegantly written in calligraphy on the bottle. The mouth is wrapped with handmade Echizen Washi paper and tied with Kyogumi knotted rope, a traditional Kyoto craft. The bottle is then presented in a custom gift box made from native Japanese Mizunara wood, coated with Suruga lacquer.
Comments from Suntory’s Fifth-Generation Chief Blender
Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s fifth-generation chief blender, collaborated closely with Fujii on the whisky’s development. He described Yamazaki No. 55 as “more like a Buddha statue: calm and mysterious, and it takes time to truly appreciate its inner beauty,” contrasting it with other aged whiskies he sees as works of art.
Auction Highlights and Market Context
The bottle featured in Bonhams’ upcoming auction is the first fully packaged Yamazaki No. 55 bottle to be sold in the US market.
Last year, Bonhams also introduced the “world’s rarest” Japanese whisky set, which included Ichiro Hanyu’s Malt Full Card Series.
However, Japanese whisky exports slowed for the first time in 2023, prompting questions about whether the global demand for this category has reached its peak.
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