Johnnie Walker has just announced the launch of its first cultural collaboration under its Johnnie Walker Vault platform: A partnership with French couture designer Olivier Rousteing. 

The Couture Expression marks the inaugural limited-edition release from the Johnnie Walker Vault, a unique collaboration between Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker and Olivier Rousteing. Inspired by high fashion, this collection redefines luxury whisky by bringing a seasonal perspective to the art of blending.

The pair collaborated to design and create a collection of four distinct blends. These blends—Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter—encapsulate Rousteing's personal and emotional connection to each season, along with its unique sensorial essence.

The collection's blends each begins with the same luxurious ‘heart’, featuring ghost whiskies from Brora and Port Dundas which is said to set a marker for the rarity of the collection.

Hand-selected whiskies from the Johnnie Walker Vault – a library of 500 rare, aged and ghost whiskies were then layered on, specially curated and rotated from the very best of the 10 million casks of Scotch available to Dr. Walker.

The blends include:

Spring: Refreshing and floral. A celebration of renewal and transformation, with brightness drawn from a selection of rare whiskies including a 1985 Cragganmore, a rarely seen 1977 Caledonian and minerality from a treasured 1978 Port Ellen.

Summer: Vibrant, it is an ode to summer with tropical fruit notes from a selection of rare whiskies including an experimental Cardhu Wine Cask Finish, and a 1990 Clynelish wrapped in the richness of 1988 Benrinnes.

Fall: Textured and bold. A time of self-reflection and the relentless pursuit of excellence, this expression features an experimental Teaninich chocolate malt, layered with the smokiness of the 1978 Port Ellen.

Winter: Deep and contemplative. Reflecting ‘coming home’ and the warmth of sharing time and moments with family and friends. The richest of the four, dialling up Islay malts from Port Ellen and Brora with a mulled wine, sweetness from the 1988 Benrinnes.

The decanter that houses each expression is also carefully designed with a contrast using precious materials. Said to be an intentional collision of styles, crystal is met with opulent metallic draping. The square crystal decanter is handcrafted by artisans from the renowned French luxury house Baccarat, and is said to pay homage to the iconic square bottle created by Alexander Walker in the late 1800s.

The decanters come in four different metallic shades (each inspired
by the seasons), which are then all topped off with a sculptural wing stopper, an articulation of the Johnnie Walker ‘Keep Walking’ ethos evolved into flight. 

Launched earlier this year, Johnnie Walker Vault is a new platform grounded in blending artistry – uniting bespoke blends, luxurious experiences and collaborations with cultural icons all under one banner.

Johnnie Walker Vault x Olivier Rousteing Couture Expression is the first of a
two-part collaboration that inspires a new era of blending artistry, and comes on
the back of the March global launch of the Johnnie Walker Vault Private Blend
Experience in Scotland.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team