Johnnie Walker, the renowned Scotch whisky brand owned by Diageo, has unveiled the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra, a limited-edition release featuring the lightest glass whisky bottle in the world. Weighing just 180g without its closure, the bottle redefines luxury and sustainability in the whisky industry.
This innovative bottle will make its debut at the London Design Festival on 14 September 2024, where Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a partner. Developed over five years, the design pushes the boundaries of both luxury and environmental responsibility. It marks a significant stride in Johnnie Walker’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its packaging, part of the broader Diageo Spirit of Progress action plan.
Whisky and Craftsmanship
Master blender Dr. Emma Walker has crafted a new blend specifically for the Blue Label Ultra, incorporating rare whiskies from distilleries like Oban, Brora, and Royal Lochnagar, as well as ‘ghost whiskies’ from closed distilleries. The limited edition will be released in 2025, with only 888 bottles available worldwide, each priced at £1,000 (US$1,312).
Design and Innovation
The Blue Label Ultra bottle is a first-of-its-kind teardrop shape, deviating from Johnnie Walker’s iconic square bottle design. The bottle was hand-blown and developed through a rigorous test-and-learn process to achieve its lightweight structure. This bold redesign not only enhances the bottle’s aesthetic appeal but also represents a future of lighter, lower-carbon packaging.
Industry Impact
Although the technology is not yet scalable, Johnnie Walker has been granted a UK patent and is offering a royalty-free licence for the innovation. This decision aims to encourage broader adoption of lightweight glass technologies within the spirits industry.
Jennifer English, global brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker, describes the new release as a “progressive stride forward for Johnnie Walker, Diageo, and the industry,” showcasing what is possible when luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.
This launch follows earlier innovations by Johnnie Walker, including the introduction of its first generative AI-powered personalised bottle experience at its Edinburgh brand home.
