Kandoblanc and christie’s collaborate on the final chapter – Karuizawa whisky cask auction

KANDOBLANC – the visionary Maison at the intersection of art, culture and rare whisky – has been selected to collaborate with leading auction house, Christies, as two of the rarest single malt whiskies went under the hammer.

Arguably one of the most anticipated whisky auctions of modern times, these two complete casks of Karuizawa whisky were from the private collection of respected whisky expert and collector, Sukhvinder Singh. Both casks were distilled in 1999 — the final year before the legendary Japanese distillery ceased production.

KANDOBLANC was chosen due to its strong connection with, and resonance for, Japan together with the artistic vision of founder Dhavall Gandhi. It was also reflective of Dhavall’s understanding of the significance of these casks. As former Whisky Maker at The Macallan and Whisky Director at The Lakes Distillery, his experience informs his sensory mastery and understanding of rare whisky as a medium of expression, alongside a forensic knowledge of Sherry maturation.

For the custodian of these final Karuizawa casks, KANDOBLANC will offer artistic direction rooted in Japanese aesthetics and heritage craftsmanship, shaping this rare whisky into singular creations of enduring cultural significance.

Calling on an unmatched resonance of Japanese aesthetics, KANDOBLANC together with master artisans will collaborate with the successful bidders to realise their own bespoke creations, embodying centuries of knowledge and exquisite craft. Japan is the spiritual and aesthetic foundation of the Maison, a connection that informs every creation and making them the definitive partner in this project.

“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.

This latest collaboration follows the landmark sale of KANDOBLANC’s Dragon in Clouds in 2025, a one-of-a-kind object showcasing Japanese Urushi lacquer and Togidashi maki-e upon handblown VENINI glass from Murano.

Noah May, Head of Wine and Spirits EMEA says, “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.”