The Karuizawa Noh Series is renowned for its unique labels featuring masks from traditional Japanese Noh theatre, each symbolizing specific characters and emotions.
The Karuizawa Noh bottles are some of the most striking releases from the historic Karuizawa distillery. The series began in 2012 to showcase specific casks from the then closed distillery and feature Noh masks used in traditional Japanese theater. The striking design of this series alongside the legendary renown gained by Karuizawa after its closure has helped these bottles become sought after with collectors.
If you are looking to sell a bottle of Karuizawa Noh then we can help. Read on for an analysis of the recent market for Karuizawa Noh and use the form below to receive a free valuation and advice on how to sell your bottle in 2025.
Sell Your Whisky Today
Please use the form below to submit images of your bottle and receive a free, no-obligation valuation from a specialist auctioneer. We will also actively seek the highest offer from our network of private collectors to help you sell your whisky.
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Karuizawa Noh: Market Analysis
Based on data from 100 auction sales worldwide between April 2024 and March 2025, the Karuizawa Noh Series continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the premium whisky market.
Regional performance varies significantly, with UK auctions typically achieving 10-15% higher hammer prices than their EU counterparts for identical bottles. The Asian market shows particular strength for older vintages, whilst US auctions often lag behind their European counterparts by 5-10% after currency conversion.
Variations between different vintages in the Karuizawa Noh series remain pronounced, with 1970s distillations commanding substantial premiums. The 1971 41-year-old bottlings have achieved nearly triple the value of 1980s equivalents, whilst the highly sought-after 35-year-old expressions from 1981 consistently outperform their age contemporaries from other distillation years.
Market fluctuations reveal an uptick in Q1 2025, with the same bottles achieving approximately 7% higher prices compared to late 2024. However, the market remains approximately 15-20% below the 2020-2022 peak values.
For sellers, timing remains crucial. The current market trajectory suggests holding premium vintages (pre-1985) could yield better returns later in 2025, whilst more recent expressions might benefit from immediate sale before further market corrections.
How to Sell Your Karuizawa Noh?
As the data above shows, it is important to choose the right time and place to sell your bottle of Karuizawa Noh. Not all auctions can generate the same results and choosing the right place to sell is important.
If you complete the contact form above, we can connect you with a specialist auctioneer who will provide a free, no-obligation valuation and expert advice on selling your bottle. The best whisky auctioneers will offer a free of charge collection service if you have a number of bottles, or even offer access to their own courier service if you just have a few.
Auctions often take place each month and commission varies from 5-10%+VAT and listing fees. The benefits of auction are a near guaranteed sale (if the reserve is sensible) and a quick payout after the sale. The auctioneer will advise on a suitable reserve in advance of the sale.
Alternatively, you may consider selling to a retailer. However, retailers typically offer around 30–50% of their listed price due to factors like VAT, corporation tax, and slow stock turnover, which can impact their buying decisions more than you might expect. If you sell to a retailer you will be expected to post the bottle to them yourself, although they might help with this too. Payment terms will be quick, but you will likely have to contact around 5-10 retailers to ensure you get the best possible price.
What Is Your Whisky Worth
Do you want to know what your whisky is worth but don’t know where to start?
Use these guides to help you.
What Is Your Whisky Worth? – An in-depth look at the factors affecting your bottle’s value.
A Beginner’s Guide To Selling Whisky – Everything you need to get started selling your whisky including all the online selling options.
How To Sell Whisky Online – A guide to getting a valuations and selling your whisky.
Sell Your Whisky Today – A simple way to sell your whisky fast.
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