Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Rat Limited Edition Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle of the House of Walker — a blend built from Scotland's rarest casks, selected by Master Blender Jim Beveridge from only the most exceptional stock. Only one in every 10,000 casks meets the standard required for Blue Label, drawing from distilleries across the four corners of Scotland to create a whisky of extraordinary depth, smoothness, and complexity. The Year of the Rat Limited Edition was released in January 2020 to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year — the Year of the Rat, which began on January 25, 2020. In Chinese tradition, the Rat is the first of the twelve zodiac animals and a powerful symbol of intelligence, adaptability, wit, and prosperity. It is considered one of the most auspicious signs in the zodiac cycle.

The bottle and presentation box feature original artwork by artist Shirley Gong, whose intricate design captures the spirit of the Rat through beautifully detailed traditional Chinese motifs rendered in teal and gold against the iconic Blue Label navy. Each bottle is individually numbered — this bottle bears its own unique number — making it a genuinely traceable, one-of-a-kind collectible. The whisky inside is the same legendary Blue Label blend: handpicked rare single malt and grain Scotch whiskies producing a velvety, multi-layered flavour profile unlike any other blended Scotch on the market. Part of Johnnie Walker's sought-after Chinese Zodiac Collection, Year of the Rat editions in good condition are actively pursued by collectors worldwide.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Rich amber with warm golden tones — deep and luminous in the glass

Nose: Velvety and inviting — sweet vanilla and honey open first, followed by ripe peaches, dried fruits, and a whisper of citrus. A soft, elegant smokiness drifts in the background alongside light tobacco and floral notes. Complex from the very first swirl.

Palate: Silky smooth and multi-layered. Vibrant fruit — apricot, peach, and pear — leads into rich toffee, hazelnuts, vanilla cream, and baked goods. Rose petals and a touch of sherry add depth, while gentle spice and chocolate notes weave through the mid-palate. A masterclass in balance and integration.

Finish: Long, warm, and refined — dark chocolate, aromatic smoke, honey, and a lingering floral spice. The kind of finish that makes you pause and appreciate the craft behind it.

FAQ

What is the Johnnie Walker Chinese Zodiac Collection?
Johnnie Walker releases a limited edition Blue Label bottle each year to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, with each release honoring a different animal from the twelve-year zodiac cycle. Each edition features unique commissioned artwork, an individually numbered bottle, and a custom gift box. The Year of the Rat was released in 2020, making it a now-discontinued edition that is increasingly rare and sought after by collectors who pursue the full twelve-bottle series.

What makes Johnnie Walker Blue Label so special?
Blue Label is built from rare whiskies drawn from distilleries across all four regions of Scotland — Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and Islay. Master Blender Jim Beveridge selects only the most exceptional casks: just one in every 10,000 passes the standard. Some of the whiskies used come from closed or ghost distilleries, making Blue Label genuinely irreplaceable and impossible to fully replicate. It is widely regarded as the finest blended Scotch whisky produced at scale anywhere in the world.

Is the Year of the Rat edition a good collector's bottle?
Yes — strongly. The Chinese Zodiac series is among the most actively collected Johnnie Walker releases globally, particularly in Asian markets and among whisky collectors who pursue the complete set. Year of the Rat editions in original packaging with individually numbered bottles command significant collector interest. The 2020 release is no longer in production and remaining stock continues to diminish.

Where can I buy Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Rat online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.