Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky, today announces vibrantly illustrated new Lunar New Year Limited Edition Designs created by rising star of the fashion industry, Shanghai based designer Angel Chen.
Featuring across two bottles, Johnnie Walker Blue Label and John Walker & Sons King George V, the stunningly vivid designs convey the defiant energy that Angel Chen’s illustrations are known for:
● Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The design for the Year of the Rabbit is a dynamic, modern interpretation of 2023’s Zodiac animal, the sprightly rabbit. Symbolising mercy, elegance and beauty, the rabbit signifies longevity in traditional Asian culture and as an echo of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking, prancing rabbits are captured bounding amongst mountainous peaks. Made using some of the rarest whiskies from the Johnnie Walker reserves of maturing Scotch, Blue Label includes unparalleled casks sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries.
● John Walker & Sons King George V: John Walker & Sons King George V features irreplaceable whiskies from distilleries that operated during King George V’s reign. Imparting a coastal smokiness and sweet spice, every drop is a true rarity, matched only by the exclusivity of its elegant and limited edition design – a regal bird ascending with its wings outstretched as it reaches across plush reds and majestic golds.
Angel Chen explains “There’s a defiant energy to my illustrations which brings to life the vibrant spirit of the animals as they soar and leap across the designs, symbolising how we need to keep moving forward, spreading goodness throughout the year to come.”
The designer, who studied fashion in the prestigious Central Saint Martin College of Art (London), sought inspiration for her designs from the craft that Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team bring to Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
“My work is often inspired by different generations, different genders and cultures coming together to create something fresh and new. These ideals echo the craft of Johnnie Walker, taking different types of whisky from different distilleries, with differing ages of maturation and blending them together perfectly to create a masterpiece – that is something I can relate to” says Angel Chen.
Katie Nagar, National Whisky Ambassador, Diageo, adds: “Angel’s incredible imagery resonates with the spirit of Johnnie Walker. She has masterfully channelled the layers of the exceptional liquids into her work to create something of unparalleled strength and beauty. Her interpretation of the zodiac animals sets the tone for moving forward into a new year with energy and vibrance. We hope this inspires the same in those who receive this gift in celebration of the Lunar New Year.”
Lunar New Year will fall on 22 January 2023, and will mark the commencement of the year of the rabbit. Both limited edition designs are available in Australia from select national and independent bottle stores,
Upcoming Event
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Dinner – Ele by Federico and Karl.
Wednesday 18 January 2023 | The Star – Ele by Federico & Karl | $350pp
Ele by Federico and Karl will host an exclusive ticketed event immersing guests in the luxurious world of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Diners will be treated to a bespoke menu served in the venue’s signature progressive degustation style and paired with opulent cocktails created using the whisky’s limited edition Lunar New Year release, designed in collaboration with Shanghai-based designer Angel Chen. The dinner will also see calligraphers offer guests notes of good fortune while DJ Charlie Villas sets the vibe.
Book online here.
