29th Anniversary Kiyosato Ballet: 2018 Limited Edition Blending Raw Spirits from Two "Silent Distilleries"
In 2018, Chichibu released this limited bottling for the 29th "Kiyosato Field Ballet." Its collectible value comes from the two long-closed "Silent Distilleries" whose raw spirits are blended within the bottle—Hanyu, which closed in 2000, and Kawasaki, which closed in 2003. The stock of raw spirits from these two distilleries is finite; once a bottle is consumed, it cannot be replenished. Ichiro Akuto's bottling of these discontinued old spirits for this artistic event in Kiyosato Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, combines the scarcity of "limited edition" with that of "discontinued raw spirits" in a single bottle. This is the fundamental reason why it consistently finds buyers in the secondary market.
About Kiyosato Field Ballet and the Cultural Significance of this Bottle
The Kiyosato Field Ballet is an annual cultural event held in Kiyosato Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, blending natural scenery with ballet performances. The label for the 29th-anniversary edition combines the figure of a ballerina with the scenery of the Kiyosato Highlands, featuring striking contrasts of light and shadow, making it a work of art in itself that commemorates the artistic grand event. Chichibu is known in the new generation of Japanese whisky for its experimental approach and limited bottlings. Commemorative editions linked to cultural events often have an added layer of "thematic scarcity" compared to regular releases—this is a bonus that cannot be ignored when evaluating its price, and it sets it apart from ordinary vintage whiskies.
29th Anniversary Specifications at a Glance
| Specification Item | Content |
| Chinese Name | Chichibu Kiyosato Ballet 29th Anniversary Edition |
| Distillery / Brand | Chichibu / Venture Whisky |
| Supervised by | Ichiro Akuto |
| Raw Spirits Used | Hanyu (closed 2000), Kawasaki (closed 2003) |
| Bottling Year | 2018 |
| Commemorative Theme | 29th Kiyosato Field Ballet |
| Alcohol Content | 48% |
| Volume | 700ml |
Key Evaluation Points Affecting the Resale Value of the 29th Anniversary Edition
| Evaluation Item | Positive Condition | Common Deductions |
| Original Box & Documents | Complete outer box, accompanying documents, no moisture damage. | Missing box, lost documents, damaged box. |
| Label | Ballet-themed label clear, no yellowing, no water marks. | Peeling edges, oil stains, tears, faded print. |
| Seal & Cork | Seal intact, no leakage, healthy cork. | Previously opened and re-sealed, leakage, aged cork. |
| Liquid Level | Full level, close to bottling standard. | Significant evaporation, long-term heat exposure or horizontal storage. |
Selling Process
- Photo Estimate: Take clear photos of the front and back of the bottle, neck seal, liquid level, and outer box. Send them to WhatsApp 46135750, and we will reply with an estimated range on the same day.
- Verify Version & Market Price: Our team will confirm if it's the 29th-anniversary edition, assess the completeness of accessories and condition, and compare it with recent auction results and secondary market transactions.
- On-site Pickup or In-person Transaction: Free on-site pickup across Hong Kong. Once the price is agreed upon, payment will be made in full with cash or by bank transfer on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do quotes for the same bottle vary at different times?
The transaction price of rare, discontinued spirits fluctuates with auction results and market supply and demand. Our quotes are close to the current range, not based on outdated prices from several months ago. Therefore, the closer you inquire to your decision to sell, the more accurate the figure will be.
Q: How do you handle it after I sell it to you? Will this affect my price?
Yes, and it's a positive impact. For these collectible whiskies, we often hold them in stock or export them directly to collectors in Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. As we are end buyers rather than intermediaries, there's no need for middlemen to take a cut, allowing us to offer more competitive prices.
Q: After we agree on a price, how long will it take to receive payment?
Once the price is confirmed, transactions can be completed on the day of pickup. Payment is made in full with cash or instant bank transfer; there's no need to wait days for processing, nor do you need to sign any post-dated checks. You receive payment the moment you hand over the bottle.
Instant Quote: 46135750
Related Models for Reference
For Chichibu whiskies, differences in vintage, label version, and cask type will all be reflected in the appraisal. Before selling, it is recommended to identify the correct version:
- ICHIRO's Chichibu Single Cask Malt Buyback Price
- Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Hanyu 1991 & 2000 Single Cask Whisky Buyback Price in Hong Kong
- Chichibu Milwaukees Club Series Bar Anniversary Edition Buyback Price
- Chichibu The Game Series Seventh Edition Single Malt Whisky Buyback Price
- Chichibu 2009 Single Malt / Hanyu 2000 Single Malt Buyback Price in Hong Kong
Further References
To understand the market value of more Chichibu vintages and versions, you can browse more Chichibu Ichiro buyback models, or refer to a list of Japanese whisky buyback models. You can also explore the Japanese Whisky Encyclopedia series.