Kandoblanc to shape Christie’s Karuizawa Cask Auction

Art-led whisky Maison Kandoblanc has been selected to collaborate with leading auction house Christie's for the sale of two exceptionally rare single malt whisky casks from the famed Karuizawa Distillery.

The two casks, distilled in 1999, the final year before the iconic Japanese distillery ceased production, are widely considered among the most anticipated whisky lots to appear at auction in recent years. They come from the private collection of noted whisky expert and collector Sukhinder Singh and are scheduled to go under the hammer on March 10.

Kandoblanc’s involvement reflects its strong cultural connection with Japan and the artistic vision of its founder Dhavall Gandhi. Gandhi previously served as whisky maker at The Macallan and whisky director at The Lakes Distillery, bringing deep expertise in whisky creation, sensory analysis and sherry cask maturation.

"To collaborate with Christie's on this landmark auction is a privilege. Japan has always been central to Kandoblanc, shaping how we think about mastery, culture, and time. To be part of the Karuizawa story is a rare and meaningful moment. One we approach with deep reverence." said Dhavall Gandhi, founder and artistic director of Kandoblanc.

For the eventual custodians of the casks, Kandoblanc will provide artistic direction rooted in Japanese aesthetics and heritage craftsmanship. The Maison will work with master artisans and the successful bidders to transform the rare whiskies into bespoke cultural creations that embody centuries of craft traditions.

Noah May, Head of Wine and Spirits EMEA, added, “It is exceptionally rare to see entire casks of Karuizawa offered at auction, and it’s a distillery collectors feel very strongly about. What makes this opportunity so exciting is that the buyer can shape the whisky’s next chapter, and working with collaborators like Kandoblanc opens up some truly extraordinary possibilities.”

The collaboration follows Kandoblanc’s landmark 2025 sale of “Dragon in Clouds,” an artistic whisky object featuring Japanese Urushi lacquer and Togidashi maki-e on hand-blown Venini glass from Murano, which fetched US $142,433 (Rs 1.18 crore) at Sotheby’s - the highest price achieved by any independent boutique house at that auction.