Johnnie Walker has unveiled a striking new Lunar New Year Limited Edition design for Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, created by Asian-American artist James Jean. Adept at working across multiple genres, Jean fuses contemporary subjects with aesthetic techniques inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, and classical portraiture.
The eye-catching design to mark the Year of the Snake, 2025’s Zodiac animal, follows on from James’ celebrated design for the brand’s Year of the Dragon release.
In the design, three snakes representing three attributes of wisdom, intelligence, and intuition, are surrounded by blooming flowers, shedding their skins to embrace the next chapter in life.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the Diageo brand’s most coveted expression, made using some of the rarest whiskies from the Johnnie Walker reserves of maturing Scotch, including some irreplaceable casks sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries.
James Jean’s Year of the Snake artwork is said to symbolise an ambition for constant progression and self-reinvention…
Born in Taipei and raised in New Jersey, James, who attended the School of Visual Arts in New York, says: “I portrayed the snake shedding its skin to represent the idea of renewal and growth. The three snakes symbolize the attributes of wisdom, intelligence, and intuition, while also representing the past, present, and future. The snakes are constantly growing, transforming, and adapting to changing conditions.”
James Jean has also designed illustrations for the Lunar New Year John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old Limited Edition Design.
“James Jean’s stunning portrayal of the snake for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year 2025 collection masterfully intertwines tradition and innovation,” says Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, Jennifer English. “Just as Johnnie Walker embodies progress with our Keep Walking spirit, Jean has brilliantly woven a connection between heritage and forward-thinking vision. His snake design represents transformation and resilience, reflecting both the legacy of our brand and the promise of the future.”
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
The Luxe Review 
Johnnie Walker has unveiled a striking new Lunar New Year Limited Edition design for Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, created by Asian-American artist James Jean. Adept at working across multiple genres, Jean fuses contemporary subjects with aesthetic techniques inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, and classical portraiture.
The eye-catching design to mark the Year of the Snake, 2025’s Zodiac animal, follows on from James’ celebrated design for the brand’s Year of the Dragon release.
In the design, three snakes representing three attributes of wisdom, intelligence, and intuition, are surrounded by blooming flowers, shedding their skins to embrace the next chapter in life.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the Diageo brand’s most coveted expression, made using some of the rarest whiskies from the Johnnie Walker reserves of maturing Scotch, including some irreplaceable casks sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries.
Born in Taipei and raised in New Jersey, James, who attended the School of Visual Arts in New York, says: “I portrayed the snake shedding its skin to represent the idea of renewal and growth. The three snakes symbolize the attributes of wisdom, intelligence, and intuition, while also representing the past, present, and future. The snakes are constantly growing, transforming, and adapting to changing conditions.”
James Jean has also designed illustrations for the Lunar New Year John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old Limited Edition Design.
“James Jean’s stunning portrayal of the snake for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year 2025 collection masterfully intertwines tradition and innovation,” says Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, Jennifer English. “Just as Johnnie Walker embodies progress with our Keep Walking spirit, Jean has brilliantly woven a connection between heritage and forward-thinking vision. His snake design represents transformation and resilience, reflecting both the legacy of our brand and the promise of the future.”
Johnnie Walker Lunar New Year Limited Edition is available from The Whisky Exchange, priced £230.
Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Celebrity-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon makes UK debut with starry four-grain whiskey range
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
Valentine’s Day drinks gift guide: fine wine, champagne and rare spirits they’ll love
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
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