Johnnie Walker Unveils Luxurious Whisky Collaborations with Designers

Johnnie Walker has launched a unique collaboration with designer Olivier Rousteing, showcasing a collection of rare whiskies that marry artistry and craftsmanship. This partnership features the Couture Expression, a limited-edition series priced at US$20,000 per bottle, alongside other exclusive releases aimed at collectors.

COUTURE EXPRESSION BY JOHNNIE WALKER VAULT X OLIVIER ROUSTEING

At a high-profile event held in a luxurious suite at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, attendees sampled the inaugural offering from Rousteing and Johnnie Walker Vault. The Couture Expression consists of four distinct blends, each representing one of the seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Only 25 bottles of each seasonal blend are available worldwide, with a single complete set offered for the Singapore market.

The creation of these blends involved a year-long collaboration between Rousteing and Dr. Emma Walker, the Master Blender for Johnnie Walker. They focused on rare whiskies from ghost distilleries, specifically Brora and Port Dundas, layered with selections from Johnnie Walker’s Vault, which houses 500 unique whiskies.

Rousteing expressed that this project was an emotional journey, evolving from a singular release into a broader exploration of seasonal themes through flavour and fashion. “The seasons bring different energy and emotions,” he noted, emphasizing the creative depth of their collaboration.

Each blend is encased in a bespoke crystal decanter by Baccarat, featuring a sculptural wing-shaped stopper symbolizing Johnnie Walker’s ethos of progress. Rousteing’s design approach utilized couture techniques to embody the essence of each season in luxurious materials.

During a private tasting, guests experienced the nuanced flavours of each season. Spring offered floral notes from rare whiskies like a 1985 Cragganmore, while summer presented tropical fruit profiles. Fall was characterized by bold, textured flavours, culminating in winter’s rich, contemplative character.

COUTURE BLEND BY JOHNNIE WALKER VAULT X OLIVIER ROUSTEING

Following the Couture Expression, Johnnie Walker introduced the Couture Blend, which coincides with Rousteing’s 40th birthday in September. This limited-edition blend consists of 1,500 individually numbered decanters, with only 39 available in Singapore at a starting price of S$3,700.

Dr. Walker selected an array of whiskies, including those aged for at least 40 years, to reflect Rousteing’s milestone. The blend incorporates ghost whiskies from historic distilleries and contemporary malts, creating a unique flavour profile that mirrors Rousteing’s boundary-pushing approach in couture.

To complement the blend, Rousteing designed a Couture Flask, a refillable art piece priced at US$500, making whisky consumption a dramatic experience.

YAMAZAKI 25 YEARS OLD MIZUNARA

In addition to Johnnie Walker’s offerings, Yamazaki unveiled its 25 Years Old Mizunara at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Araya. This whisky, priced at US$7,500, is distinguished by its exclusive aging in Mizunara oak casks, known for their intricate character.

With an ABV of 48%, this expression delights with a complex palate featuring notes of orange, herbal medicine, and a harmonious interplay of sweetness and spice. Presented in a handcrafted box, the Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara emphasizes the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

THE GLENDRONACH 30 YEAR OLD AND 40 YEAR OLD, 2025 EDITION

The storied distillery, The Glendronach, has released two new expressions, the 30 Year Old and the 40 Year Old, 2025 Edition, reflecting its rich history in whisky production. The 30 Year Old, priced at S$1,900, is matured in a combination of Pedro Ximenez, Oloroso, and Amontillado sherry casks, resulting in a rich, complex profile.

The 40 Year Old, available at S$9,500, is a pinnacle of The Glendronach’s artistry, showcasing the depth achieved through decades of maturation.

THE BALVENIE FIFTY COLLECTION SECOND EDITION

Finally, The Balvenie introduced its Second Edition of a trilogy that celebrates 50 years of craftsmanship. Limited to only 97 bottles, this expression features whisky aged from two rare casks from 1973 and is described as beautifully balanced with notes of honey and warming oak.

This exclusive release is housed in a crafted wooden encasement adorned with gold-plated accents, available through The Distillers Library in Singapore.

As the world of whisky continues to evolve, these limited-edition releases not only highlight the artistry involved but also cater to collectors and connoisseurs seeking exceptional and rare expressions.