The Macallan Lalique 50 year old saw the highest bids of all whisky lots in Bonhams' Hong Kong auction of Fine and Rare wines, Cognac and Single Malt Whisky, held on May 23.
 The special decanter sold out quickly upon its release and is still coveted by collectors today |
The whisky, housed in a special Lalique crystal decanter and one of only 470 bottles ever produced, sold for $33,724.
The eye-catching Macallan decanter caused a sensation among whisky collectors upon its release, and has become increasingly rare after selling out almost immediately. The whisky contained within is made using The Macallan's finest oak casks, with some even older than the stated 50 years.
 The Karuizawa Distillery is set on the sides of an active volcano |
Also selling at Bonhams was a selection of fine Japanese whisky, all 30 bottles of which sold extremely well. In top spot was a bottle of 1968 Karuizawa Live that made $5,825 and doubled its pre-sale estimate.
The Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 in the foothills of Mount Asama, whose climate makes it perfect for whisky production. It enjoys low temperature and high humidity, similar to the Scottish highlands.
Bonhams is the only auction house in Hong Kong that offers whisky, making its sales incredibly popular with Chinese buyers. This was the first auction of Japanese single malt Bonhams has held in Hong Kong and the largest sale of its kind in the world.
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