Scotland’s Glenfiddich and Japan’s Suntory whisky, to Hennessy cognac: 7 of the best Lunar New Year special edition bottles – including the first Johnnie Walker King George V special release
Royal Salute is distilled at Strathisla, the oldest working distillery in the Highlands, while George V is a blend from the distilleries of the late British monarch’s time – despite the fact some of them are now closed
After a long, hard Year of the Rat – thanks Covid-19 – we’re ready for a good drink. With Hong Kong’s bars and restaurants looking set to experience a repeat of Christmas, operating reduced hours only over Lunar New Year, options for drinking out at one of Hong Kong’s best bars are limited (and not necessarily advised).
Fortunately there are a number of attractive special edition spirits pouring in from big brands. Whether your favourite after dinner tipple is whisky or cognac, there’s a Year of the Ox-themed release for you and your dear ones. Here are seven of the best.
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Reserva Rum Cask Finish Chinese New Year Edition 2021
Described as “a gift worth bringing home”, Glenfiddich’s Lunar New Year special edition gift pack comes emblazoned with a vivid illustration by up-and-coming Shenzhen-based artist Rlon Wang, who also designed last year’s festive gift pack. The artwork was inspired by that feeling of returning home to family for the family.
Glenfiddich’s showcase whisky for this design is its Reserva Rum Cask 21 Year Old – a whisky finished in Caribbean rum casks for a spicy warmth and toffee sweetness – but is also available for the brand’s 12, 15 and 18 Year Old Malt Whisky variants.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ox
The most luxurious of Johnnie Walker’s regular range of whiskies, the brand’s Blue Label offering has a rich tradition of Lunar New Year releases. This year is no different with a stunning new bespoke bottle and packaging representing this year’s zodiac animal, the ox. This representation comes courtesy of artist Shirley Gong, a graduate of Sichuan Fine Art Institution and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
