What's New in Japanese Whisky?

Events, Hanyu, Hanyu Card Series, Hanyu Playing Cards, Ichiro's Malt, Japan, Japanese Whisky, Karuizawa, Rare Whisky, Unique Bottles, Whisky News, Yamazaki

A lot has happened in Japan over the past few weeks, with both exciting developments and somber news. This month, we're kicking off a new series where we'll give you a brief roundup of everything happening in the world of Japanese whisky, so you can stay updated.

Rare Japanese Whiskies at Auction

This year, the excitement continues as Spink International Auction House, in collaboration with Scottish independent bottler and whisky broker, Cask 88, will host another highly anticipated auction. Taking place on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Hong Kong, this event will feature nearly 200 unique bottles of rare Japanese whisky, alongside a selection of rare single malt Scottish whiskies and top-quality casks from some of Scotland’s best distilleries.

Curated by legendary whisky expert Daniel Lam and Cask 88’s Miriam Rune, this auction is set to be one of the year's most exciting events. Highlights include a Yoichi 1980s set, a limited edition Yamazaki 18 Year Old, a single cask Yamazaki 1996, and several prized Karuizawa releases, such as the highly sought-after Karuizawa 28 Year Old distilled in 1975. These bottles are expected to attract fierce bidding from collectors worldwide.

Estimates for the Japanese whisky lots range from $150 USD for three classic bottles of Tory’s blended whisky, to nearly $100,000 USD for a two-bottle lot of the legendary Ichiro’s Malt Card Series Joker bottlings – Colour and Monochrome. These are among the most cherished and elusive releases in Japanese whisky history, so the final sale price could far exceed estimates.

Bids are being accepted online until the auction begins at 5 pm Hong Kong time on August 23, 2024. Whether you're a serious collector or just interested in the results, this auction promises to be a fascinating event.

Nikka Announces Return of Yoichi 10 Year Old

In exciting news for Japanese whisky fans, Nikka, the company behind the Yoichi and Miyagikyo Distilleries, as well as the popular Nikka From The Barrel, has announced the return of the Yoichi 10 Year Old. This whisky, last produced before the well-documented Japanese whisky shortage, has been eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts.

Nikka had ramped up production by 20% in 2019 to address the shortage and projected a return to normalcy by 2030. The reintroduction of the Yoichi 10 Year Old is a promising sign that the end of the whisky shortage is in sight, at least for Nikka. This superb expression has been missed by many, and its return is cause for celebration.

whiskeyD's New Initiatives

At whiskeyD, we understand the importance of staying current with trends and offering the best experiences to whisky enthusiasts. We're committed to providing you with the latest Japanese whisky releases and keeping you informed with the latest industry news.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance your experience, we're excited to announce several new initiatives for 2024. These include exclusive tasting events, in-depth whisky education courses, and a revamped online presence to better serve our community. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to your continued support and engagement.

For those looking to buy Japanese Whiskey under $100, we sure to check out our dedicated page. 

Japan Loses a Legend

In some very sad news, Japan recently lost a legend of art, design, and cultural importance—Issey Miyake. Miyake was a groundbreaking fashion designer who bridged the gap between East and West with his innovative designs. He is perhaps best known for creating the mock turtlenecks associated with Apple CEO Steve Jobs, which became an unofficial uniform in Silicon Valley.

A survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb at the age of 7, Miyake went on to live a long and influential life, passing away at the age of 84. His legacy endures through his championing of individuality and the beauty of the human form. Miyake's contributions to fashion and design will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

Japanese whisky continues to captivate and evolve, with exciting auctions, the return of beloved expressions, and the ongoing innovation of companies like whiskeyD. Despite the loss of cultural icons like Issey Miyake, the spirit of creativity and excellence in Japan remains strong. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the world of Japanese whisky, as we bring you the latest news and trends. Cheers!