HONG KONG.- As this most historic year for Spink draws to a close, with it comes a time for reflection, a chance to bask in the warm glow as the sun slowly sets on an extraordinary 350th year. At such a time it seems only fitting that we are accompanied by our friends and a selection of fine and rare whiskies sourced from the treasure troves of Scotland to the mythical valleys of Japan.

Along the windswept coastline of the isle of Islay lies one of these treasures: the Bowmore distillery and the legendary No 1 vaults, home to the oldest Scotch maturation warehouse in the world. Established in 1779 the distillery has a rich history, once owned by James Mutter, the vice consul for the Ottoman Empire, Portugal and Brazil in the early 19th century. During World War II production was halted to host the RAF Coastal Command operations from Loch Indaal where flying boats were launched on anti-submarine warfare missions.

Today the distillery sits amidst the whitewashed houses and stone harbour off the South Eastern shore of Loch Indaal welcoming visitors across oceans far and wide to sample the complex but beautifully balanced flavour of Bowmore’s Single Malt. In keeping with our 350th year we present lot 154 – a 1964 Black Bowmore limited edition. Housed in its original wooden case – a thing of rustic beauty in itself – both case and bottle feature engraved designs of the iconic distillery. A true gem. Lot 154 – Estimate HK$42,000 – 55,000

For the romantics among us it is impossible to resist the charms of Macallan’s beguiling Red Ribbon 1950 single malt. Wrapped with an elegant red ribbon and accompanied by a delightful wooden case it is a sight to behold and one for only the finest home. Lot 140 – Estimate HK$40,000 – 45,000

Illuminating our evening alongside our Scottish friends is a stunning collection of Japanese whiskies including a fine array of the great Karuizawa distillery highlighted by lot 248. Containing single malts distilled between 1960 - 2000 the Five Decades edition is the embodiment of a lifetime’s work. Delicately engraved and presented alongside its original case with lock and keys this is truly a wonder to savour for decades to come. Lot 248 – Estimate HK$100,000 – 140,000

Also joining us on this balmy evening will be a very special guest in the guise of the ‘Monochrome Joker’ (Lot 184). Distilled in 1985 as part of Ichiro’s iconic ‘card’ series and arriving with an air of mischief we strongly suspect frissons of excitement to greet his appearance. Lot 184 – Estimate HK$70,000 – 90,000