Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4: Why Collectors Covet This Key Piece of a Full Set
The Samurai series is a complete collection of 10 bottles of Karuizawa 30-year-old single cask releases. Each bottle label features a different Ukiyo-e samurai-themed illustration. #4 is a mid-set piece in this collection, with a warrior poised to draw his sword as the central motif on its label, distinguished by its rich red and black color scheme. The Karuizawa distillery ceased operations in 2000, and its original site was completely dismantled in 2011, making all its aged liquid unreproducible, discontinued assets on the market. For sellers holding #4, this bottle is not only a mid-set puzzle piece but also a rare asset with clear auction benchmarks.
Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4: Brand Context and Resale Value
Karuizawa is a discontinued single malt distillery in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, operated by Mercian, known for its long-term maturation in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. This cask type imparts a rich and deep character to the whisky, a hallmark by which Karuizawa is recognized by collectors. Samurai #4 is matured in a single sherry cask, continuing the distillery's consistent focus on robust flavor profiles.
The Samurai series has repeatedly set new sales records on platforms such as Bonhams Hong Kong, Sotheby's London, and Whisky Era; Karuizawa is currently one of the highest-priced whisky brands per bottle, with rare single cask hammer prices exceeding seven-figure Hong Kong dollars. In other words, there is ample market context for evaluating #4.
Samurai #4 Specifications
| Item | Bottle Characteristics |
| Number | #4 (4th bottle of the 10-bottle Samurai series) |
| Age | 30 years (single cask independent bottling) |
| Cask Type | Single Sherry Cask Matured |
| Main Label Visual | Warrior poised to draw sword as central motif, rich red and black color scheme |
| Distillery Status | Ceased production in 2000, original site demolished in 2011, discontinued Japanese whisky |
Samurai #4 Authentication Points
The Ukiyo-e lines of #4 are a unique identification point; pay attention to the gold trim on the warrior's sleeves and kimono patterns. For actual valuation, the following conditions will be checked before transaction:
- Fill Level: Ideal at the neck, reductions will be discounted accordingly.
- Seal: Health of the cork or screw cap, whether it has been opened or leaked.
- Label: Clear print layers, no fading on the samurai illustration, complete bottle number engraving.
- Accessories: Whether the original wooden box and single cask certificate are complete and match the bottle.
Any missing item above will result in a corresponding discount, but the item can still be purchased — the discontinued liquid itself remains the core of the valuation.
How to Prepare Your Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4 for Sale
- Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4 Sale Information: Take clear photos of the front, back label, fill level, seal, and box/certificate. Send them via WhatsApp to 46135750; there's no need to bring the bottle out yet.
- Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4 Version Check: Different versions of the Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4, such as old label, new label, limited edition, or variations in the box/certificate, can lead to price differences. We will clarify the version before quoting.
- Home or Store Visit: After scheduling an appointment, the appraiser will inspect the item on-site. Once the condition is confirmed, payment will be settled instantly via cash or FPS, covering all of Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Selling Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4
Q: I want to sell my Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4. Which photos are most crucial?
A: Photos of the front, back label, fill level, seal, bottle bottom, and box/certificate are most useful. Close-ups of limited edition themes, label patterns, box/certificate, seal, and bottle bottom are needed; the preservation of the label on themed versions often impacts the price more than the whisky name itself.
Q: #4 is a mid-set bottle of the ten-bottle series. Will selling it individually be a disadvantage?
A: No, it will not be a disadvantage. Discontinued single casks are inherently rare and are acquired based on market rates. If you have a complete or nearly complete set, selling them together usually offers better overall negotiation leverage.
Q: How can I distinguish if I have Samurai #4 and not another edition?
A: The most direct way is to look at the label: #4 features a warrior poised to draw his sword as the main visual, with a red and black color scheme. The Ukiyo-e lines and gold trim each have distinctive features. Send us photos, and we can help verify the edition number.
Q: Will sherry cask whiskies degrade over time and affect their resale value?
A: As long as the bottle is unopened, the seal is intact, and it's stored in a cool, dark place, the liquid's condition will remain stable. The longer it has been discontinued, the fewer original, intact bottles exist, which is actually more advantageous for the seller.
If you want to sell your Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4, you can start by sending photos via WhatsApp to 46135750. Close-ups of limited edition themes, label patterns, box/certificate, seal, and bottle bottom are needed; the preservation of the label on themed versions often impacts the price more than the whisky name itself. Clear photos are usually sufficient to provide an initial price range.
More Market Information for Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4
Before selling Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #4, you can compare with:Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #1, Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #10, Karuizawa Samurai 30 Year Old #2.
To learn about selling and transaction arrangements, please visit our Free on-site collection Service in Hong Kong and Macau, or contact us for an Instant Quote via WhatsApp. You can also refer to Karuizawa Full Series buyback Valuation and Japanese Whisky buyback Overview to compare the market range of your specific version.
