Professional recycling of Hibiki 35-year-old third-generation Tokuda Yasaki whisky.
Regular price $999,999.00(Get a quote now)
Hibiki 35 Year Old, 3rd Generation Tokuda Yasokichi: Kutani Ware Living National Treasure's Glazing Technique
The Tokuda Yasokichi family is one of the representative kilns of Japanese Kutani ware (九谷焼). The 3rd generation Tokuda Yasokichi (1933–2009) was recognized as a "Living National Treasure" in 1997, known for his original "Yosai" (耀彩) gradient glaze technique – layering different colored glazes with delicate gradations to create a rainbow-like spectrum effect. The Hibiki 35 Year Old 3rd Generation Tokuda Yasokichi Edition is a collaboration between Suntory and this Living National Treasure craftsman.
Hibiki Brand and Market Background
Hibiki is Suntory's flagship blended whisky series, crafted by master blenders using carefully selected aged spirits from the three distilleries: Yamazaki (malt), Hakushu (malt), and Chita (grain).
Several vintages of the Hibiki series (12-year, 17-year, 21-year, 30-year) have either been discontinued or had their supply significantly reduced, leading to a continuous shrinking of annual market circulation and a steady rise in secondary market prices.
During the aging process of high-vintage whiskies (35 years or more), approximately 2-4% of the spirit evaporates annually due to the "Angel's Share," meaning that the final bottled liquid is only a fraction of what was initially casked – the longer the vintage, the greater the loss and the higher the rarity.
This page delves into the craftsman's personal style and outlines key identification points for this limited edition whisky.
Characteristics of the 3rd Generation Tokuda Yasokichi's "Yosai" Craftsmanship
| Craftsmanship Element | Characteristic | Observation Method |
| Gradient Glaze Colors | Multiple glazes layered in a gradient, creating a rainbow spectrum. | Observe under different lighting conditions; colors will subtly change. |
| Glaze Thickness | Relatively thick glaze layers, providing a three-dimensional effect. | Observe with side lighting to see the layers of glaze. |
| Pattern-Free Composition | Primarily expressed through color, not relying on traditional patterns. | Abstract visual style. |
| Base Mark/Signature | "Tokuda Yasokichi" family mark, with a unique kaō (stylized signature) for the 3rd generation. | The signature at the base is steady and strong. |
Kutani Ware vs. Arita Ware: Market Differences Between the Two Kiln Systems
| System | Origin | Style | Representative Families |
| Arita Ware | Arita-cho, Saga Prefecture. | White porcelain base, primarily characterized by painted patterns. | Kakiemon, Imaemon. |
| Kutani Ware | Kanazawa region, Ishikawa Prefecture. | Rich colors and heavy glazes, saturated hues. | Tokuda Yasokichi, Yoshidaya. |
Selling Process
- Initial Photo Assessment: Send five-angle photos of the bottle via WhatsApp to 46135750, along with any version information you know.
- Arrange Collection Time: We can meet in Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Outlying Islands, or Macau for doorstep or in-store collection. Cash/FPS payment immediately after appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many generations of Tokuda Yasokichi are there? How do I know which generation my bottle is from?
A: The Tokuda Yasokichi family has passed down its craft through multiple generations. The third generation was recognized as a Living National Treasure in 1997, and the fourth generation is still creating. The signature script and kaō (stylized signature) have distinct differences. The most direct method is to take a clear WhatsApp photo of the signature on the base, and our team will compare it with historical records.
Q: Which has higher value in the secondary market, Kutani ware or Arita ware?
A: It cannot be generalized. It depends on the whisky's vintage, the craftsman's status, and batch rarity. Works by Living National Treasure craftsmen such as Tokuda Yasokichi and Kakiemon are all considered top-tier. Within the same tier, it primarily depends on the market conditions of individual batches.
Instant WhatsApp quote: 46135750
More Hibiki Related Buyback Models
Different batches and label versions of the same vintage within the Hibiki series often have significant price differences. Here are the Hibiki models we are currently actively buying, for you to compare against the market range of your own version:
- Hibiki 35 Year Old Yosai Bottle Aoi-yo Bottle Buyback Price
- HIBIKI 21 Year Old Kutani Ware Ko-Kutani-Fu Shunmeimon Bottle Buyback Price
- HIBIKI 21 Year Old Arita Ware Iro-e Botanmon Hyotan-gata Bottle Buyback Price
- Hibiki 12 Flower and Bird Buyback Price
- Hibiki 2022 Limited Edition (Parallel Import) Buyback Price
Hibiki Buyback Extended Information
To learn more about market prices for other vintages and versions of Hibiki, please browse Hibiki Buyback Latest Prices, and you can refer to Japanese Whisky Full Series Valuation, or enter the Japanese Whisky Encyclopedia series.
First time selling? We suggest you first refer to Contact Whisky Experts for Valuation, Understand Whisky Credibility, or directly Free Doorstep Appraisal Process.
This whisky has been aged in oak barrels, where the barrel flavors intermingle with the malt aroma, showcasing the typical layers of a single malt whisky.
Flavor profile: Opens with floral and fruity notes and a hint of honey, mid-palate reveals vanilla and cinnamon from the oak barrel, long finish with a light smokiness.
