Stories

Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.

Status

Ichiro’s Royal Flush Leads Bonhams Bidding in Hong Kong

The 5-bottle royal flush set of Ichiro's Malts that sold for $44,250 USD at Bonhams in Hong Kong on May 23, 2015. Image courtesy Bonhams.May 29, 2015 – A royal flush beats every other hand in poker, and a royal spade flush of Ichiro’s Malts beat all of the other lots in bidding at the Bonhams auction of rare whiskies, Cognac, and wines in Hong Kong on May 23. The 5-bottle set made up of the 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of Spades sold for HK$343,000 ($44,200 USD) including the buyer’s premium. The five malts are part of Ichiro Akuto’s legendary series of Japanese single malts named for playing cards.

The runners-up honors in bidding went to two different whiskies. A 57-year-old Macallan Lalique decanter and a 50-year-old Yamazaki both sold for HK$306,250 ($39,500 USD). The auction was dominated by Japanese whiskies, as is usually the case at Bonhams auctions in Hong Kong, with a 1981 Karuizawa Sakura bottle selling for HK$134,750 ($17,380 USD) and numerous lots of whiskies from Suntory, Nikka, Mars, and other Japanese distillers going on the block.

The next Bonhams whisky auction is scheduled for June 10 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Links: Bonhams