Japanese & Scotch Whisky Collection

"This collection stands out because it includes some exceptionally old and rare whiskies from distilleries such as Karuizawa, which has been closed and demolished, as well as from distilleries like Port Ellen and Rosebank that were historically closed but are now being reopened.
The reopening of distilleries like Port Ellen and Rosebank is accompanied by significant marketing efforts and public excitement. This not only introduces these distilleries to a broader audience, previously familiar only to dedicated enthusiasts, but also increases interest in their legendary old bottles.
Sadly the world will never see whiskey from the original Karuizawa distillery. The market has already adjusted (and corrected itself) to take into account how important Karuizawa is in the canon of whisky and this perception is unlikely to change.
As with any investment, patience is key, and over the years as these distilleries start to gather momentum these old and rare bottles will only become more sought after." - Mark Litter, Whisky Specialist at MARK LITTLER LTD

Why invest in the Japanese and Scottish whisky collection?
This unique whisky collection includes both Japanese and Scottish whisky bottles. In total, there are 13 bottles from the world's most renowned distilleries, namely Karuizawa, Yamazaki, Port Ellen, and Rosebank. Karuizawa and Port Ellen are both closed distilleries, which increases their appeal to collectors. Additionally, the bottles are highly limited. The Karuizawa 1981 has the largest release with 595 bottles, while only 60 bottles of the Port Ellen XOP 1982 were produced. Most bottles are cask strength whisky, which tends to fetch higher prices at auctions.

List of bottles in this collection:
Karuizawa 1981 / 33 years / 1 von 595
Karuizawa 1980 / 34 years / 1 von 370
Karuizawa 1978 / 35 years / 1 von 405
Karuizawa 1973 / 39 years / 1 von 138
Karuizawa 1972 / 39 years / 1 von 523

Yamazaki 1993 / 19 years / 1 von 480

Port Ellen COD / 40 years / 1 von 78
Port Ellen XOP 1982 / 33 years / 1 von 60
Port Ellen GM 1979 / 40 years / 1 von 407

Rosebank 1990 #300 / 16 years / 1 von 326
Rosebank 1990 #2 / 16 years / 1 von 243
Rosebank 1991 / 18 years / 1 von 258 (twice in collection)

Karuizawa
The mild climate and fertile volcanic soils near Mount Asama attracted winemakers, including a company called Daikoku-budoshu, in the 1920s. Despite being primarily focused on wine production, Daikoku also operated a small whisky distillery in Yamanashi Prefecture and introduced a blended whisky named Ocean in 1946. This was one of Japan's earliest whiskies after World War II, initially targeting American GIs stationed in Japan but quickly gaining popularity among local business communities. As whisky grew in popularity in Japan, Daikoku decided to convert one of its wineries in Karuizawa into a malt whisky distillery in the mid-1950s to meet demand for its blends. However, in 1962, Daikoku was absorbed by the Mercian Corporation, known for Chateau Mercian wine. The Karuizawa distillery continued to supply malt for Japanese blends until 1976, when it began releasing small amounts as single malt, though little was exported. With the economic downturn in the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese whisky distilleries began closing, including Karuizawa in 2001. The Mercian Corporation was later acquired by Kirin, but they did not revive Karuizawa, leading to the cancellation of its distilling license. In 2016, the distillery was demolished and the site sold for redevelopment. In 2011, the remaining stock of 364 casks was purchased by the Number One Drinks Company in Norfolk, England, and gradually bottled and sold, with many fetching high prices at auction. Now, only two casks remain after years of negotiation.

Yamazaki
Yamazaki's rise to global whisky prominence is rooted in its rich history and unwavering commitment to innovation. Founded in 1924 by Shinjiro Torii, it is Japan's oldest distillery and lays the foundation for the country's whisky industry. Despite initial challenges, Yamazaki persisted, introducing its first whisky under the Suntory label in 1929. The turning point came in 1937 with the introduction of Kakubin, a blend tailored to the Japanese palate that gained great popularity. The release of the Yamazaki 12-year-old single malt in 1984 marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for further recognition. Under the leadership of Keizo Saji, Yamazaki expanded production and embraced innovation, culminating in its acquisition by Beam Inc. in 2014 and facilitating global reach and recognition. The peak of its success came in 2015 when Jim Murray named the Sherry Cask 2013 the "World Whisky of the Year," propelling Yamazaki to unparalleled heights. Today, Yamazaki remains at the forefront of the whisky industry, driving innovation and earning recognition worldwide.

Port Ellen
Named in honor of the wife of Islay's owner, Walter Frederick Campbell, a pier was constructed near the distillery in 1826, around which the village developed, eventually becoming the primary port on the island. Although the distillery was established two years prior to the pier's construction, it didn't thrive until John Ramsay assumed the role of manager. Despite being just eighteen years old, Ramsay displayed remarkable ability and soon became the laird's business partner, the foremost farmer on Islay, and a Member of Parliament. By the time of his passing in 1892, Ramsay owned the entire parish of Kildaton and had erected numerous houses on the estate. The distillery was managed thereafter by his widow and subsequently by their son, Captain Iain Ramsay of Kildalton. Port Ellen Distillery ceased production in 1983 and shut down in 1987. Its renowned smoky whisky was primarily used in blends, with only one occasion of it being bottled as a single malt by its owner in 1980, commemorating a visit by Her Majesty the Queen. The distillery was closed in 1983, and the owner, Diageo, plans to reopen it in 2024. The reopening effect has historically driven up prices of older releases.

Rosebank
Rosebank was highly esteemed as the finest Lowland malt, renowned for its delicate flavor profile. Professor MacDowell described it as "an excellent lightly flavored whisky," suggesting its popularity in England over the robust Highland malts before the era of modern blends. By the 1890s, demand for Rosebank was so high that many customers had to settle for less than they ordered, indicating its widespread appeal. Its closure was mourned by whisky enthusiasts, with Michael Jackson lamenting it as "a grievous loss." In 2008, Diageo received a proposal to revive Rosebank by building a new distillery nearby using its original stills and equipment left on site. However, the plan was thwarted when copper thieves, posing as legitimate tradesmen, broke in and either stole or damaged the equipment, evading capture.

Sell your Splints? We now provide you with the option to repurchase your splints at market value anytime. Please note that an additional processing fee will apply. The processing fee varies based on the volume, investment, and your holding duration. Use the contact form to initiate the process.