The world of Japanese whisky is known for its expensive collectibles, featuring sought-after releases like the legendary Karuizawa and Suntory's prized Yamazaki 55. However, one collection stands out for its rarity and desirability: Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Full “Card” Series. This week, Bonhams announced that it will auction the entire set of 54 bottles in Paris next month, with an estimated value of up to €1,200,000 (approximately $1.3 million).
Paris
– One of the world's most coveted collections of Japanese whisky, the Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Full "Card" Series, will be available for online bidding at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris, from November 12 to 29, 2024. With an estimated value ranging from €700,000 to €1,200,000, this exceptional collection comes from a prominent private collector and comprises 54 bottles, each representing a playing card from a complete deck.
Each bottle in this collection is filled with premium whisky sourced from single casks, produced between 1985 and 2000 at the renowned but now-closed Hanyu distillery. The rarity of the Malt Full "Card" Series is underscored by the fact that only a few complete sets exist globally. This particular collection is unique as each bottle is signed by Ichiro Akuto, a legendary figure in Japanese whisky-making.
Amayès Aouli, Bonhams' Global Head of Wine and Spirits, remarked, "As a pioneer in spirits at auction, Bonhams holds multiple world records for the Hanyu Ichiro Malt Full 'Card' set series. We are honored to offer this exceptionally rare collection once more. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire the most collectible of Japanese whiskies, with excellent provenance. Each bottle being personally signed by Master Distiller Ichiro Akuto makes this set truly unique."
Clément Gaillard, Bonhams' Specialist in Spirits, added, "With only a finite number produced, this series is one of the most sought-after whisky collections worldwide. To own this collection is to possess an extraordinary piece of whisky history."
Bonhams' Auction Records
Bonhams made history in 2015 as the first auction house to sell the Full "Card" series, setting a world record for the most valuable Japanese whisky collection at HK$3,797,500. The collection broke two additional records at Bonhams in subsequent years: HK$7,192,000 in 2019 and a remarkable HK$11,890,600 (approximately US$1,520,000) in 2020.
The Hanyu Distillery Legacy
Founded by Isouji Akuto, a 19th-generation descendant of a long line of sake brewers, the Hanyu distillery was known for producing Scotch-style malt whisky. Production ceased in 2000, but not before Ichiro Akuto, Isouji's grandson, secured approximately 400 casks of whisky left from the distillery. An avid whisky enthusiast like his grandfather, Ichiro meticulously selected the prized liquid bottled for each 'card' released between 2005 and 2014, ensuring the enduring legacy of Hanyu whisky.
For more details on the upcoming auction and how to participate, visit
www.bonhams.com.
