Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Dragon is a limited edition Blended Scotch Whisky from Diageo, released to mark the Chinese New Year 2024 – the Year of the Wood Dragon. The whisky in the bottle is the same blend as the standard Blue Label; it is that same exceptional, mature blended Scotch drawn from rare stocks, with the distinguishing feature being the collector's Year of the Dragon 2024 packaging. ABV 40%, 0.7 l.
Blue Label sits at the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker range. It is created by selecting the rarest casks from numerous distilleries within the Diageo portfolio, including whiskies from long-closed, now-vanished distilleries that can never be recreated – according to the brand, only one cask in 10,000 makes it into this release. The brand's roots go back to a grocery shop founded in Kilmarnock in 1820 by John Walker, and the character of the blend is shaped today by the team of Master Blender Emma Walker.
The edition stands out thanks to artwork by James Jean – an artist born in Taipei, raised in New Jersey and based in Los Angeles. He drew inspiration from the traditions and symbolism of the Wood Dragon, and his dragon is composed of flowers and organic elements from which climbing, arching lines emerge, evoking roots and connection.
In terms of the sensory profile, the nose offers gentle notes of dry smoke and sweet raisins, followed on the palate by layers of dried fruit and citrus smoke that give way to honey, sweet spice and vanilla, while the finish rewards with velvety chocolate and a hint of smoke. The official tasting notes for this whisky include spice, vanilla, honey, caramel, hazelnuts and dark chocolate on the palate.
The Dragon is the fifth and one of the most revered animals of the Chinese zodiac, associated with strength and prosperity, making this edition both a collector's item and a commemorative one. The whisky is best served neat, accompanied by ice-cold water, to bring out its character.