Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary: Commemorating an Artistic Extravaganza with Original Casks from "Defunct Distilleries"
In 2015, Chichibu released this commemorative bottling for the 26th Kiyosato Field Ballet in Japan. What makes it truly rare is not the packaging, but the use of original spirits from Hanyu and Kawasaki, two distilleries that have long ceased operations. The Hanyu spirit dates back to 1990, and the Kawasaki spirit is even older, from 1982. These distilleries are no longer producing, and their inventory will only diminish over time; each bottle consumed or sold permanently reduces the remaining stock. For those who own this bottle, its "non-renewable" nature is the strongest leverage in negotiations.
The Value Logic of Chichibu and "Ghost Distillery" Spirits
Founded by Ichiro Akuto in Saitama Prefecture, Chichibu Distillery represents the new generation of Japanese whisky. Besides his own bottlings, Ichiro Akuto also possesses rare inventory from closed distilleries like Hanyu and Kawasaki. These "Ghost Distillery" spirits are a primary target consistently pursued in the secondary market for Japanese whisky. When such aged spirits are used for commemorative bottlings, it combines the dual scarcity of "limited edition" and "discontinued original spirits," naturally leading to a different valuation logic than regular whiskies: in addition to the liquid itself, the release background, commemorative theme, and completeness of accessories are all factored in.
Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary Specifications at a Glance
| Specification Item | Content |
| Chinese Name | Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet Series 26th Anniversary Edition |
| Distillery / Brand | Chichibu / Venture Whisky |
| Supervised by | Ichiro Akuto |
| Original Casks Used | Hanyu (1990), Kawasaki (1982), both from closed distilleries |
| Bottling Year | 2015 |
| Commemorative Theme | 26th Kiyosato Field Ballet |
| Alcohol Content | 48% |
Key Evaluation Factors Affecting Resale Price
The price difference for commemorative editions largely depends on "completeness and condition." Before selling, self-evaluate each item:
| Evaluation Item | Positive Condition | Common Deductions |
| Original Box and Booklet | Outer box, instruction booklet, and numbered card are complete and intact. | Missing box, missing booklet, lost or damaged accessories. |
| Label | Ballet-themed label is clear, no yellowing, no water stains. | Peeling, oil stains, tears, blurred writing. |
| Seal and Stopper | Seal intact, no leakage, stopper in good condition. | Previously opened, signs of leakage or discoloration. |
| Liquid Level | Full liquid level, close to the original bottling level. | Evaporation, prolonged heat exposure, or horizontal storage. |
How to Prepare Your Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary Before Selling
- Photos of your Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary condition: Take clear photos of the front, back label, liquid level, seal, and certificate. WhatsApp them to 46135750 to confirm the version before discussing collection arrangements.
- Check the market range for Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary: The Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary is not judged solely by its vintage, but also by the certificate, liquid level, seal, and label condition. With complete information, the valuation will be closer to the transaction price.
- In-person transaction or home pickup: Free home pickup in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Once the price is agreed upon, payment will be made in cash or via transfer on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Selling Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary
Q: There are many versions of the Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary with the same name. How can I avoid misestimating the price when asking for a quote?
A: First, take photos of the front and back labels, seal, liquid level, and accessories. Then, add a photo of the bottle bottom or certificate. Buyers usually consider the version, condition, and recent transactions. Relying solely on the name can lead to a rough estimate.
Q: Will these commemorative editions containing old Hanyu and Kawasaki spirits fetch a higher price than regular Chichibu whiskies?
A: They are usually more sought after. Spirits from closed distilleries are non-renewable, and such themes consistently attract buyers in auctions and the secondary market. However, the exact price still depends on the version, accessories, and condition. Before collection, we will meticulously compare each item and provide a market-aligned range, rather than a vague flat price.
Q: What if the commemorative booklet or numbered card is missing? Does it significantly affect the value?
A: It has an impact but is not fatal. These commemorative bottlings are valued as "complete sets," and intact items are more favored by collectors. If only the booklet or card is missing, but the bottle and box are present, it can still be quoted according to market rates. Please specify any missing accessories when sending photos to help us accurately assess the value.
Q: I've kept it for several years and now want to sell. Will I miss out on a good price?
A: The market value of key whiskies fluctuates, but the overall demand for these discontinued original spirit themes remains stable. Instead of guessing the timing, it's better to send photos for a free appraisal to understand the current market range before deciding, which is more practical than relying on memory.
Free Valuation: 46135750
Reference for Similar Versions of Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary
Reference for same brand as Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary:ICHIRO Chichibu SINGLE CASK MALT, ICHIRO Chichibu Chidori Series, ICHIRO Chichibu Game.
Kiyosato Ballet is released annually, with different prices for different years and versions. It's worth comparing them before selling:
- Chichibu / Ichiro's Malt Kiyosato Ballet Company 29th Anniversary Limited Edition Resale Price
- Chichibu 52 Seats of Happiness Series Chichibu 52 Seats of Happiness Fourth Edition Resale Price
- Chichibu 2010 PX Sherry Cask Single Cask Chichibu 2010 Single Cask Resale Price
- Chichibu / Ichiro's Malt's 28th Anniversary Kiyosato Ballet Series Commemorative Edition Resale Price
- Chichibu Chichibu Sakura Red Wine Cask Isetan Limited Resale Price
More Market Information for Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 26th Anniversary
To understand the market trends for more vintages and versions of Chichibu, you can browse latest Chichibu resale prices, or refer to full range of Japanese whisky valuations. You can also visit the Japanese Whisky Encyclopedia series.
