If you're planning to sell Yamazaki Whisky at auction, it's important to understand various factors that can influence its value. The brand's rich history, founded by a pioneer of Japanese whisky, adds cachet. The age statement on the bottle, the type of oak barrels used for maturation (especially if it includes Mizunara, or Japanese oak), and whether it's a limited edition can all significantly impact its auction price. Additionally, the bottle's condition and any batch numbers or documentation can further attract serious collectors. Being well-informed about these aspects can help you better estimate the value of your bottle and make it more appealing at auction.
Auction Performers
Yamazaki 12YO Anniversary Edition
A toast to 100 years of distillation, this limited edition catches eyes and bids alike. Retail prices hover between $500 and $550, but you can find it around lately at auctions for a slightly more budget-friendly $460.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Standard in Black Box
First introduced in 1984, this was Japan's pioneering single malt. While it fetches around $200 in the UK, Australian auctions have seen this classic go for as much as $320 AUD.
Yamazaki 18YO Mizunara Anniversary Edition (Current Release 2023)
Created to commemorate a century of Suntory, this limited release aged in Mizunara casks has a retail value of up to $4,000 in Australia. But be cautious: lately it is getting passed in at auctions.
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Limited Edition
Housed in a striking white timber case, this variant swings the auction hammer between $1,000 and $1,300.
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara Oak 2017 Limited Release
A discerning choice for collectors, this bottle has lately been elusive at auction, with reserves often not being met.
Standard Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Don't underestimate this standard black-label bottle; it consistently holds its own at auction, going for between $1,000 and $1,200.
Yamazaki 25 Year Old Variants
Whether in maroon or black boxes, these bottles have garnered bids from $10,000 to a staggering $22,000 depending on the specific variant and location.
Yamazaki 25 Year Old - 1984 25th Anniversary
A vintage treasure, this bottle has fetched as much as $30,000 when paired with its original timber case.
Yamazaki 35 Year Old
A true rarity, this exquisite bottle can command up to an eye-watering $100,000 at auction.
Yamazaki 55 Year Old
The jewel in Yamazaki's crown, this incredibly rare bottle shattered records when it sold for $680,000 in 2021.
Find out more about the process for selling your Yamazaki whisky online and preparing for auction to obtain the best price.
Investment Outlook
Based on available data, the investment and arbitrage outlook for Yamazaki whisky varies depending on the edition and market conditions. For instance, the Yamazaki 12 Year Old Standard Black Box has recently sold for $320 AUD on Australian whisky auction sites, while it retails for around $400 on Amazon. On the higher end, the Yamazaki 25 Year Old has sold for 10,000 AUD online in Australia but has fetched as much as 22,000 overseas (but not for some time). These price disparities between retail and auction, as well as between different auction platforms, indicate opportunities for arbitrage. It's essential to consider these factors when investing in or reselling Yamazaki whisky.