Johnnie Walker recently announced two very limited edition versions to help celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year: a new batch of Blue Label Scotch whiskey and a first George Walker & Sons King George V.
The first continues with the long history of the Chinese New Year launch distillery, with a new design and packaging of bottles that reflect the zodiac sign of the year. With 2021 being the Year of the Bull, both the bottle and the gift box feature an impressive depiction of this animal, created by Chinese artist Shirley Gong.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chinese New Year 2021 (image via Johnnie Walker / Diageo)
“I wanted this limited edition to be something that celebrated and honored the Chinese New Year, as well as a piece of art that talks about the rare craft and character of Johnnie Walker Blue Label,” Gong said in a prepared statement. “I was eager to create something that reflected the majesty of the ox, but also a work that inspired people to think about the future in a positive and optimistic way, making sure this gift was something that gave hope to the people for next year “.
The whiskey itself is chosen especially for the launch of Blue Label among the 10 million barrels that Johnnie Walker has matured at any given time and includes some “ghost” whiskeys reserved for distilleries that have long since closed their doors.
The John George Walker & Sons King George V is even rarer, with distillery whiskeys that were in operation during King George’s 25-year reign, which lasted from 1910 to 1936. The blend was originally created by celebrate that the company received a royal mandate from the king in 1934, allowing them to supply their whiskey to the British royalty of the time.
For her new limited edition version of King George V, Johnnie Walker presents a new design of bottles and a gift box that offers a modern twist on the designs and colors of traditional Chinese fashion.
“The wonderful illustrations in the new limited edition of John Walker & Sons King George V are a fitting tribute to this exquisite whiskey,” noted Julie Bramham, Johnnie Walker’s global brand director. “The noble dragon of Chinese mythology that rises above an incredible view, rightly nods to the royal heritage of this whiskey. We are delighted to see that it is added to our New Year’s offering. Chinese, along with a new limited edition of the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label. ”
Both limited bottles are available through global retailers, with the Blue Label selling price set at £ 200 (approximately US $ 265) and King George V at £ 400 (approximately US $ 530).