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Johnnie Walker is celebrating the Lunar New Year with two limited edition releases and special packaging designs, including its Year of the Ox Blue Label bottle for 2021.

Designed by award-winning Chinese artist Shirley Gong, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited-Edition packaging artwork features an illustration of an ox, “honoured for its majesty as a symbol of prosperity and growth, poised high above mountain clouds representing longevity”.

“The remarkable visuals are completed with celebratory lanterns and cherry blossom, signifying good fortune in the year to come,” said Melissa Maidment, Diageo marketing manager for whisky.

“Following the success of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Zodiac Collection in previous years, these collectable limited editions have become a way for consumers to share a culturally relevant, thoughtful and luxurious gift to commemorate each Lunar New Year.”

John Walker & Sons King George V Lunar New Year Edition also features bespoke artwork, which has added an element for fans looking to expand their collection of the rare designs.

“The nature of these limited editions, their intricate and stunning designs, as well as their relevance to commemorate a moment in time make the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Zodiac Collection highly attractive to collectors; this collectability is a big factor in the pull to shelf,” said Maidment.

Both bottles are designed as the “perfect gift to wish colleagues and close friends a prosperous start to the New Year” on 12 February to mark the Year of the Ox.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ox 750ml is available for purchase at Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Costco, independent retailers RRP $279.99, and John Walker & Sons King George V 750ml is also available at Dan Murphy’s, Costco and independent bottles shops for RRP $679.99, while stocks last.

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