A Doctor's Advice Opens the Way to Europe: A Gentle Farewell to Two Taketsuru 25 Year Old Bottles

Mr Chan is in his early fifties and is an executive at a trading company. He has enjoyed drinking and collecting whisky for more than twenty years, and the large cabinet at home is almost his private museum. After his annual medical examination last month, his doctor advised him to stop drinking for his health.

Parting with Treasured Bottles: A Healthier Direction for Life's Next Chapter

Mr Chan is in his early 50s and works as a trading-company executive. He has enjoyed whisky and collected it for more than twenty years, making his large cabinet almost a private museum. Why, then, would he part with the two substantial Taketsuru 25 Year Old Pure Malt bottles pictured?

"I'm not emigrating, and we're not doing a major renovation," he said with a smile when he came to Whisky Era's premises. "At my annual check-up last month, the doctor read the report and told me to stop drinking for the sake of my liver."

He felt that, rather than keep fine bottles on display and be tempted to drink them, he could sell some of his premium collection while the Japanese whisky market was favourable. He and his wife were planning several months in Europe the following year, and the proceeds could become their travel fund.

Professional Appraisal: Excellent Preservation through the Years

Mr Chan carefully wrapped both Taketsuru 25 Year Old bottles at home and brought them to us. Our appraiser could not help admiring them when they emerged from their original black wooden boxes.

Taketsuru 25 Year Old has long been among the highest tiers of Japanese whisky. Shortages of older stock have made it exceptionally difficult to find, especially in such well-preserved condition. Our appraiser examined the bottles with Mr Chan:

First, the closures: the capsules were flawless, without oxidation or leakage. Next, the labels: the gold lettering remained raised and clear, without fading or water marks. Most importantly, both fill levels were excellent, at the ideal position in the neck, reflecting good preservation with no obvious signs of abnormal whisky loss.

He sighed: "I found two buyback merchants online before this. Some pushed the price down before seeing the bottles, and others found home handover too troublesome. A friend recommended Whisky Era and said you were fair."

After a careful assessment, we offered a top-tier buyback price closely reflecting international auction conditions and market demand that day. Mr Chan agreed immediately: "The price is fair, and most of all you know what you're doing. Dealing with you is straightforward."

We then arranged immediate payment on the spot, and the process took less than twenty minutes. Seeing his relaxed, satisfied smile, we knew these Taketsuru 25 bottles had found knowledgeable hands and helped him begin an exciting next chapter.

Valuation Ratings: Nikka Taketsuru 25 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky

More Market References

• Related reading: A New Chapter for Rare Japanese Whisky — A Collector Parts with Discontinued Yoichi 20 and Taketsuru 35
• Also read: Parting with Discontinued Karuizawa Geisha Bottles — An Experienced Enthusiast's Farewell before Emigrating to Britain
• Also featured: Clearing Bottles for a Home Renovation — A Valuation Account for a Limited Hakushu 18 Anniversary Edition and Discontinued Expressions
• See buyback prices: Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Buyback
• Current buyback quotation: Nikka Taketsuru 25 Year Old Buyback
• Other bottles in the range: Taketsuru Range Buyback Overview

If you are preparing to sell stored whisky, take clear photographs of the front label, back label, closure and box first. This helps reduce uncertainty during the valuation.