Recycling Hanyu Yuzuru Playing Card Series King of Spades
Regular price $999,999.00(Get a quote now)
King of Spades: The King with the deepest character and most individuality among the four Kings
The Hanyu playing card series features the King as the highest card in each of the four suits, and these bottles always fetch the highest prices. The King of Spades, in particular, often involves Mizunara oak casks, giving its liquid a distinct personality among the four Kings. Collectors generally agree that it has the deepest character, and this recognizable quality has consistently allowed it to outperform other Spade cards at auction. For sellers holding this card, the rarity of the Mizunara cask is precisely what makes it a unique bargaining chip.
Ichiro's Malt: The Distillery's Closure and Rebirth
The Hanyu distillery ceased production and closed down in 2000, leaving behind a batch of unsold raw whisky. After the third-generation owner, Ichiro Akuto, took over, he didn't let this raw whisky go to waste. Instead, he meticulously evaluated each cask and bottled them in batches, completing this Japanese single malt series themed around playing cards between 2005 and 2014. Each cask was independent and not blended or supplemented. The King of Spades, in particular, comes from one of these distinctive casks—once sold out, the same liquid will not reappear, which is the source of the series' increasing rarity.
King of Spades Specifications and Positioning
| Item | Characteristics of This Card |
| Card Rank / Suit | King (Spades) |
| Distillation Year | Series description often states 1986 distillation (subject to bottle inscription) |
| Cask Type | Mizunara oak cask or hogshead series (mostly single cask, cask strength) |
| Bottling Method | Single Cask bottling, each cask independent, no supplementation |
| Rarity Level | Extremely Rare |
The King rank, whether individually or as a complete set, consistently commands leading prices in the series. Versions involving Mizunara casks are particularly sought after due to the inherent scarcity of these casks.
Market Depth and Auction Records
The Hanyu playing card series boasts a level of activity in the secondary market that far surpasses that of typical Japanese whiskies. The complete Card Series was once hammered at Bonhams Hong Kong in 2019 for HK$7,192,000, setting a then-record for Japanese whisky auctions, and it remains the most frequently cited transaction benchmark for this series. As the leading rank within the series, the King card also benefits from the most extensive valuation references.
Main Factors Affecting the Buyback Price of King of Spades
| Assessment Item | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Spade Label | Dark main tone, steady. King's sword hilt and shield printed clearly in two colors. | Shield printed in single color, lacking depth, or yellowed and damp. |
| Fill Level | Liquid maintained at neck level. | Fill level dropped, suspected leakage. |
| Seal and Cork | Seal intact, cork healthy without cracks. | Previously unsealed, cork sunken. |
| Cask Number and Bottle Number | Clear engraving, consistent with certificate. | Numbers blurred, inconsistent with accessories. |
| Original Wooden Box / Certificate | Complete with wooden box and certificate. | No box, missing certificate. |
The main color of the King of Spades label is dark, and the two-color printing of the king's sword hilt and shield is a key point for distinguishing authenticity—counterfeits often print the shield in a single color. Any missing item will only result in a grading discount and does not necessarily prevent collection.
Selling Process
- Initial Photo Appraisal: Send five-angle photos of the bottle via WhatsApp to 46135750, along with any version information you know.
- Arrange Collection Time: We can arrange door-to-door or in-store meetings in Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Outlying Islands, and Macau. Once authenticated, payment will be settled on the spot with cash or FPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the King of Spades involving Mizunara casks fetch a higher valuation?
Mizunara casks themselves are rare, and versions with Mizunara characteristics are usually more sought after by collectors. However, the actual valuation still needs to be comprehensively judged based on the card rank, condition, and current market trends. We will provide a quote after comparing your bottle information with the market.
Q: How can I initially authenticate the King of Spades?
First, check if the king's sword hilt and shield are printed in two colors and if the layers are distinct; counterfeits often print the shield in a single color. Then, verify if the engraved cask number matches the bottle number; during formal authentication, we will cross-check each item.
Q: Can collection be arranged in remote areas or outlying islands?
Yes. Appointments for door-to-door or in-store meetings can be made in Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Outlying Islands, and Macau. The seller chooses the method, and the process is one-on-one, with immediate settlement upon verification.
WhatsApp instant quote: 46135750
Other Hanyu Playing Cards
Different card ranks, suits, and cask types directly affect the valuation. Before selling, you can first align with the version:
- Hanyu Playing Card Series King of Diamonds Buyback Price
- Hanyu Playing Card Series 3 of Hearts Buyback Price
- Hanyu Playing Card Series 6 OF CLUBS Buyback Price
- Hanyu Playing Card Series Queen of Clubs Buyback Price
- Hanyu Playing Card Series King of Clubs Buyback Price
Related pages: Recycling Services Description, FAQ, Hanyu Model List.
