Karuizawa Whisky Auction Analysis & Price Trends

Karuizawa distillery
Country Japan
Founded 1955
Status Closed
Website N/A
Owner Mercian
Wash stills 2
Spirit stills 2
WhiskyBase rating 88.57

Karuizawa is Japan’s smallest whisky distillery, producing just 150,000 litres of spirit a year. It is situated to the west of the town of Karuizawa, which is a popular mountain resort for Tokyo highflyers. Karuizawa whisky is rare, due to the low production capacity and the distillery prides itself on its use of traditional whisky making methods. They import Golden Promise barley from Scotland, which was historically the most common barley used there and mature their whisky mostly in sherry casks imported from Spain. The water used in production has flowed through or over the volcanic lava rock and soil that surround the distillery, giving it a unique quality.

Interesting releases before distillery’s preservation can be highlighted:

Bottles that could be intriguing for whisky collectors and investors due to their potential value & rarity

Karuizawa 1983 - 28 Years Old - Noh Single Cask No. 7576
Karuizawa 1983 - 28 Years Old - Noh Single Cask No. 7576 - 700 ml / 57.2%
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 since Feb. 2013*
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 avg. price in 2023**
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Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Karuizawa 1971 - 41 Year Old - Cask no. 1842 - Noh Whisky
Karuizawa 1971 - 41 Year Old - Cask no. 1842 - Noh Whisky - 700 ml / 63.7%
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 since Nov. 2013*
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 avg. price in 2024**
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 avg. annual shift 2013-2024 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Karuizawa 1976 - 32 Year Old - Cask no. 6719 - Noh Whisky
Karuizawa 1976 - 32 Year Old - Cask no. 6719 - Noh Whisky - 700 ml / 63%
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 since May 2010*
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 avg. price in 2023**
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 avg. annual shift 2010-2023 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Karuizawa 1977 - 30 Year Old - Cask no. 7026 - Noh Whisky
Karuizawa 1977 - 30 Year Old - Cask no. 7026 - Noh Whisky - 700 ml / 62.8%
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 since July 2010*
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 avg. price in 2023**
  %
 avg. annual shift 2010-2023 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Karuizawa 1977 - 32 Year Old - Cask no. 4592 - Noh Whisky
Karuizawa 1977 - 32 Year Old - Cask no. 4592 - Noh Whisky - 700 ml / 60.7%
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 since Dec. 2010*
%
 avg. price in 2023**
  %
 avg. annual shift 2010-2023 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead

Explore Karuizawa Lots From Online Auctions

More than 17402 finished and 26 live Karuizawa whisky lots in our database. If you are interested in one of the following questions, you have come to the right place:

Find answers to your questions about buying and selling whisky at online auctions with Whisky Hunter! Sign up to get full access to lots history, live lots and other features.


Top 10 Expensive Karuizawa Whiskies Sold at Auctions

All prices in £ by default. To see values in $ or € - click on Hammer price
Date Lot Auction Hammer
Mar 2020 Karuizawa 52 Year Old Zodiac Rat Cask #5627 51.8 ABV 1960 auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 300000.0
Jun 2021 Karuizawa 52 Year Old Strong Eagle Cask #5627 51.8 ABV 1960 - 70cl auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 280000.0
Nov 2023 Karuizawa 52 Year Old Cask #5627 51.8 ABV 1960 - 70cl auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 240000.0
Oct 2022 Karuizawa 36 Views Of Mount Fuji Full Set - 36 X 70cl auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 121283.8
Apr 2022 Karuizawa 36 Views Of Mount Fuji Full Set - 36 X 70cl auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 111925.0
May 2018 Karuizawa 1964 51 year old #1917 auction ended Bonhams Whisky Auction £ 109414.0
Apr 2023 Karuizawa 36 Views Of Mount Fuji Full Set - 36 X 70cl auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 102585.0
Apr 2017 Karuizawa 1960 Single Cask #5627 / The Archer auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 100100.0
Nov 2018 Karuizawa 50 Year Old - 1 of 2 — Donated By The Whisky Exchange — 50cl auction ended Whisky.Auction £ 100100.0
Oct 2023 Karuizawa 36 Views Of Mount Fuji Full Set - 36 X 70cl auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 99475.4
Explore all 17402 Karuizawa finished lots

Top 20 Expensive Karuizawa Whiskies From Online Retailers

Don't want to depend on the fortunes of buying whisky at auctions? It's always possible to buy a bottle of Karuizawa in an online shop. Compare all offers and choose the best one!

Shop Item Desc Extra Price Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa Fight Club Collection 1986/1987/1988 - - £ 116408.8 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 1974 40 Year Old #4560 & 3626 / Blue And Gold Geisha - - £ 71309.9 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask 35 Year Old #7427 / Snow Scene - - £ 51501.6 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 1969 42 Year Old Cask #8183 - - £ 51501.6 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa Vintage 40 Year Old Cask #6114 - - £ 49124.6 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask #164 / The Great Battle Of Yashima - - £ 47539.9 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 1970 Geisha Label 42 Year Old #6227 - - £ 46563.5 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 35 Year Old ‘Emerald Geisha’ Bourbon Cask # 8518 - - £ 43578.3 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 35 Year Old “8-Headed Dragon” Whisky - - £ 41993.6 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 35 Years Miyajima Cask #6809 - - £ 39616.6 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa 35 Year Old “Fazzino” 1981 Cask #6412 - - £ 34862.6 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa Noh 1980 #3565 - - £ 31042.3 Buy It
Dekanta Karuizawa Five Decades 1960 – 2000 - - £ 29316.3 Buy It
House of Malt Karuizawa 38 Year Old Platinum Geisha - 70CL / 59.6% ABV - - £ 25000.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Karuizawa (Silent) - Single Cask #7417 1980 35 Year Old - 70Cl | 55% - - £ 24999.95 Buy It
Explore all 111 Karuizawa online retailers offers

The chart, representing traded lot quantity by month of the Karuizawa distillery. The chart displays the popularity and seasonal dependence of the quantity of the lots auctioned online.


The chart of lot price fluctuation by month of the Karuizawa distillery. The lot average price chart indicates the growth or fall of the investment attractiveness of whisky over time.


The chart of monthly trade volumes of the Karuizawa distillery. The chart is in direct proportion to the lot quantity and prices, displaying the liquidity of lots on the secondary market and interest in them. Trading volume growth indicates the drawn attention to distellery


Frequently Asked Questions

In the FAQ section will find answers to common questions that interest collectors and investors

The value of a Karuizawa whisky bottle can be influenced by several factors. Below is a detailed breakdown based on key aspects:

  1. Identification of the Bottle: Initially, it's essential to accurately identify the bottle in question. Familiarity with the specific release, including the release year, alcohol strength, and maturation period, will aid in its valuation.
  2. Specific Bottle Variation: Numerous releases of Karuizawa whisky have occurred over the years. The specific release to which a bottle belongs greatly impacts its value. Additionally, the condition of the bottle, the labeling, and the level of fill are crucial factors in determining its worth.
  3. Sale or Purchase Venue: The platform or venue where you choose to buy or sell the whisky bottle can significantly affect its price. Typically, bottles can be acquired for a lower price at auctions, while retail stores may have higher markups. If selling as a private individual, the most realistic price benchmark is its auction price, although auction commission fees will apply.

Furthermore, by utilizing the Whisky Hunter service, you can independently evaluate the value of your whisky bottle. Our platform offers a thorough analysis and valuable insights to help ascertain the actual market value of your Karuizawa whisky bottle.

The variation in price for the same bottle across different auctions can be attributed to several factors:

  • Diverse Bidder Base: Different auctions attract various types of bidders, each with their own valuation of the bottle, which in turn influences the final price.
  • Geographical Differences: The region in which an auction is held can impact demand, especially if certain Karuizawa releases are scarce or unavailable in specific markets, thus affecting the price.
  • Auction Timing: The timing of an auction can influence price due to external factors such as market trends or seasonal demand.

The profitability of buying or selling a Karuizawa whisky bottle can be impacted by several factors:

  • Geographical Location: Your location can affect both buying and selling opportunities, impacting the overall cost and ease of the transaction.
  • Shipping Logistics: Considering the logistics and costs tied to shipping the bottle for sale or after purchase is vital for making an informed decision.
  • Auction Platforms: Auction platforms often reflect the most accurate market price for buying or selling. However, aspects like commission rates, bidder preferences, and auction timing can result in price variations across platforms.
  • Market Trends: In-depth research into the current market conditions and historical data can aid in identifying trends and forecasting potential opportunities for buying or selling Karuizawa at a favorable price.

Ascertain the most profitable venue for buying or selling a specific bottle requires a careful examination of these factors. Our analysis tools allow you to compare specific bottles across auctions and regions, providing valuable insights. By leveraging these insights and adopting a meticulous, research-driven approach, you can pinpoint opportunities that align with your goals, optimizing profitability and satisfaction in your whisky transactions.

Forecasting the value fluctuation of a Karuizawa whisky over time is a nuanced and uncertain task. Although past auction prices provide historical insights, they don't necessarily indicate future trends. In the short term, like 1-2 months, recent auction cycles might offer a rough estimate of the bottle's value, but long-term projections are significantly more complex.

The price of a Karuizawa whisky is swayed by market demand and supply, influenced by numerous factors including rarity, age, branding, economic conditions, and consumer preferences, all of which are unpredictable. Even in the near future, market behavior can be capricious.

Markets often exhibit cyclical tendencies—following a decline, there might be growth. However, this pattern isn't guaranteed, and investment decisions shouldn't solely hinge on this assumption. It's prudent to consult with whisky investment specialists or utilize analytical tools and data available on platforms like ours to decipher the unique traits and trends of the whisky market.

In summation, whisky investment intertwines both art and science, requiring a profound understanding of the product, market dynamics, and one's investment goals. A balanced approach melding patience, research, and a readiness to navigate the intricacies of the whisky realm may foster rewarding investment experiences. Yet, it's vital to remember, like all investments, inherent risks are involved, and past performance doesn't foretell future outcomes.

Investing in a cask of Karuizawa offers a unique opportunity that could potentially yield profits, albeit with its inherent set of risks and complexities. Here's a detailed examination of various facets to consider:

  1. Unique Investment Avenue:

    Whisky cask investment is a unique venture that can be profitable, yet it necessitates a deep understanding and acceptance of the associated risks.

  2. Storage Considerations:

    Delving into the specifics of cask storage—including costs, conditions, and regulatory compliance—is crucial to ensure optimal maturation conditions.

  3. Ownership Transfer Intricacies:

    Understanding the intricacies involved in the transfer of cask ownership rights, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to legal procedures, is vital to secure your investment.

  4. Fraud Prevention:

    Given the potential for fraud, thorough scrutiny of ownership transfer details and vetting the seller is imperative to mitigate risks.

  5. Auction Acquisitions:

    Acquiring casks at reputable whisky auctions is generally less risky, as auction houses often vet sellers and ensure the legitimacy of the ownership transfer.

  6. Investment Analysis:

    Our platform provides resources to evaluate the viability of investing in a cask of Karuizawa. With data on over 1,000 casks sold or listed at auctions, you can leverage our platform for a thorough analysis. Refer to this blog article on analyzing whisky cask sales at auctions using our platform.

In summation, a cask investment in Karuizawa requires a comprehensive understanding of the whisky market, legal procedures, and the specifics of cask ownership and storage. Platforms like ours can offer valuable insights and data to aid in making an informed investment decision.

The collectibility of a Karuizawa whisky hinges on several factors. Here are some key aspects to ponder:

  • Rarity: Limited editions or discontinued bottles often pique collectors' interest.
  • Brand Prestige: Renowned brands or producers usually hold a higher esteem in the collector's realm.
  • Historical Significance: Bottles linked to notable events or personalities may appreciate in value.
  • Condition and Packaging: The bottle's appearance and packaging, including label, capsule, and box, play a significant role in its valuation.
  • Market Trends: Prevailing market trends and investor sentiment can influence the collectibility of the whisky.
  • Personal Affinity: Your own tastes and the thematic alignment of your collection should steer your decision.

Integrating a bottle of Karuizawa into your whisky collection is fundamentally a personal endeavor, steered by your interests, budget, and collection strategy. Our platform facilitates a thorough exploration of the collectible whisky market, enabling you to compare options and make an enlightened decision that resonates with your objectives.

  • We endeavor to furnish precise and exhaustive data. Utilizing a blend of automated tools and manual verification, our team aggregates information from trustworthy and open sources.
  • Though we prioritize accuracy, it's crucial to recognize that errors, albeit rare, may transpire. Our platform facilitates easy cross-referencing with primary sources, which we highly recommend to affirm the data's validity.
  • Beyond data, we extend analytical tools to help decipher market trends and evaluate a particular bottle's value, aiding you in making informed decisions.

It's pivotal to note that our platform is an informational resource and should be leveraged alongside professional guidance for investment or purchasing decisions. We furnish all data sans liability and underscore that it does not constitute investment advice. It's prudent to assess risks and seek professional counsel when requisite.

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