Celebrating Lunar New Year with Johnnie Walker and Ronny Chieng: Traditions Meet Modernity
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Johnnie Walker, the world-renowned blended Scotch whisky brand, is celebrating this festive season in a unique way. This year, in partnership with the talented comedian and actor Ronny Chieng, Johnnie Walker is bringing a fresh vibe to the traditional festivities, infusing a blend of humor and cultural significance into the occasion.
The spotlight is on the Year of the Snake, a symbol rich with meanings of wisdom, transformation, and renewal. Johnnie Walker’s limited edition Blue Label Year of the Snake bottle, designed by acclaimed artist James Jean, is already generating buzz among whisky aficionados. For the 12th anniversary of its Lunar New Year celebrations, Johnnie Walker has once again maximized the cultural impact of its product while honoring time-honored traditions.
In an exclusive conversation, Ronny discussed how he and his wife, Hannah Pham, celebrate the Lunar New Year by keeping traditions alive while also making them their own. "Lunar New Year is about gathering with family and celebrating together," he remarked. They partake in cherished customs, including savoring a specially crafted Golden Orange Old Fashioned cocktail made with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which adds a personal touch to their festive table. This cocktail embodies the spirit of celebration, incorporating family stories and memories into every sip.
Moreover, the preparation of visceral dishes like 'Yu Sheng,' a vibrant salad that symbolizes prosperity, longevity, and abundance, further underlines the meaning behind their celebrations. Such dishes complement the joyous atmosphere of family gatherings during the New Year. Chieng emphasizes that migration from traditional practices allows for adaptation and evolution in ways family celebrations are observed. "It's essential to stay true to our roots while adding new elements that resonate with our present and future," he explained.
In addition to this heartwarming collaboration, Johnnie Walker launches the next installment of 'The Johnnie Walker Blue List,' aiming to create a digital guide featuring the best bars and restaurants across the United States to enjoy Blue Label cocktails. This initiative not only connects whisky enthusiasts with establishments specializing in culinary pairings but also helps promote local businesses. For 2025, the guide showcases destinations in major cities like California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Chicago, helping fans explore new ways to honor the holiday.
Josh Dean, Vice President of Johnnie Walker at Diageo North America, elaborated on the company’s vision behind The Blue List: “We want to recognize the impact of local bars and restaurants on the community while inspiring new ways to connect during the celebrations.” This aligns seamlessly with Johnnie Walker's mission of promoting progress and creativity within every cultural celebration.
As the New Year unfolds, Johnnie Walker and Ronny Chieng want to remind everyone that traditions can evolve while still being celebrated. Whether through the medium of humor or culinary expressiveness, the Year of the Snake represents both a moment of reflection on the past and an exciting adventure into the future.
For whisky lovers eager to explore the limited edition Year of the Snake bottle or to find out where to enjoy its taste with culinary pairings, visit johnniewalker.com. Here’s to a year filled with new history, preserved traditions, and unforgettable moments shared with loved ones.
2025 is set to be an exciting year, and with brands like Johnnie Walker at the forefront, it promises to be a rich blend of fun, festivity, and emotion. Let the celebrations begin!