NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnnie Walker Blue Label is proud to ring in the Lunar New Year with the Year of the Rooster limited edition bottle. The commemorative bottle celebrates the traditions of Asian culture, and is the ideal spirit to enjoy while welcoming in the auspicious sign of the new year.

Evolving from the first iteration, Year of the Horse, the progression of this annual limited edition series, now in its fourth installment, is inspired by the enduring legacy of the Chinese Zodiac. The amiable sign of the Zodiac Rooster signals new beginnings that lay ahead on the horizon. Rising at the break of dawn to embrace each day, the Rooster fully embodies the hardworking and pioneering spirit of Johnnie Walker.

"Blue Label is the pinnacle of blending excellence in our portfolio, and we are thrilled to celebrate the Lunar New Year in such a remarkable way with our annual special edition offering. The Lunar New Year is such a significant cultural holiday and we couldn't be more honored to mark the occasion with our rarest blend. The Rooster represents inspiring characteristics, and we hope that the artistic depictions on the bottle serve as a reminder that like the Rooster, success can be achieved with hard work and patience. We remind those celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year to please drink responsibly," commented Stephanie Jacoby, the Vice President of Johnnie Walker North America.

With only 1 in 10,000 of our whiskies possessing the caliber required to craft the Blue Label blend, this special release is an honorary nod to traditional Scotch distilling techniques, classic Asian art and Lunar New Year customs. Representative of the Zodiac Rooster, the bottle artwork showcases the four aspects of the Rooster; the Herald, the Prospector, the Pioneer and the Adventurer. The Zodiac Rooster, etched in gold, sits confidently on the back panel of the bottle guarding the equisite Blue Label liquid. Reminiscent of a Chinese scroll painting, when the four unique bottle designs are positioned side by side, the panels 'unfold' and bring to life the tale of the triumphant Rooster.

A true collectors' item, Year of the Rooster is packaged in a premium gift box boasting luxurious gold foil adornments and a signature from Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker's Master Blender. The Year of the Rooster bottle design takes a bold approach with its striking blue ombre appearance offering a one-of-a-kind item, ideal for gifting during the Lunar New Year.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Rooster is now available nationwide wherever fine spirits are sold with a suggested retail price of $258.00 (750 ml/bottle, 43% ABV). Whether celebrating the Lunar New Year with friends or with family, at home or out on the town, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch reminds you to please drink responsibly.

About Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is the world's number-one selling Scotch whisky brand, representing the idea of personal progress for the many people who enjoy it in more than 180 countries worldwide. John Walker pioneered blending when he founded the business in 1820 and never looked back, growing it from a grocer's own Scotch whisky into a stylish, global icon. It's that same forward-looking perspective that drives the brand, and its consumers, today. The U.S. range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Double Black, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label and Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

For more information visit www.johnniewalker.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @JohnnieWalkerUS. #KeepWalkingAmerica

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

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SOURCE Diageo