Johnnie Walker Unveils Lunar New Year Design

Johnnie Walker has unveiled its highly anticipated Lunar New Year Limited Edition design for Johnnie Walker Blue Label. In collaboration with renowned Asian-American visual artist, James Jean, Johnnie Walker has created a vibrant release celebrating the Year of the Snake. 

This new release constitutes an extension of Johnnie Walker’s partnership with James Jean, who designed last year’s monumentally popular Year of the Dragon design. 

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Snake

The snake is regarded as one of the most enigmatic of the Zodiac animals and is defined by its ability to shed its skin and become renewed, an apt motif to ring in the Lunar New Year. 

Jean’s design features three snakes representing wisdom, intelligence, and intuition. The snakes are shedding their skins and are surrounded by blooming flowers emblematic of new beginnings. 

James Jean 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.”

The motifs also demonstrate the nature of Johnnie Walker and Diageo’s constant pushes for innovation and looking to the future. At the same time, the design continues Johnnie Walker’s longstanding Lunar New Year releases – honoring the past whilst looking to the future. 

“It has become a cherished tradition over the past 13 years for Johnnie Walker to release an annual Lunar New Year Blue Label bottle, a custom that has become an integral part of so many people’s celebrations as they gather, gift, and savor. As these traditions are passed down through generations, we’re honored to play a role in making each Lunar New Year even more memorable year after year,” said Josh Dean, Vice President of Johnnie Walker, Diageo North America.

“This year, we’re proud to showcase the stunning artistry of James Jean for the Year of the Snake, blending Johnnie Walker’s defiantly optimistic ‘Keep Walking’ message with the timeless traditions of the season. We’re excited to continue being part of these special celebrations and look forward to sharing more with our fans this January.”

James Jean 

James Jean, a Taipei-born, New Jersey-raised artist, brings his multifaceted artistry to Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Lunar New Year design. Educated at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Jean’s work blends traditional Chinese scroll painting, Japanese woodblock techniques, and Renaissance portraiture with contemporary themes. 

Inspired by the rich layers of flavor crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker, Jean’s design for the Year of the Snake embodies respect for heritage while embracing optimism for the future. The stunning illustrations continue the brand’s 13-year tradition of limited-edition Lunar New Year releases, celebrating progress and the “Keep Walking” spirit.