By Eddah Waithaka
Johnnie Walker has launched a striking limited-edition design for its Blue Label whisky to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, partnering with Hong Kong-born couturier Robert Wun to reimagine the zodiac symbol through contemporary artistic expression.
The world’s leading Scotch whisky brings together two icons of craft and creativity in a release that transforms the Horse celebrated in Chinese zodiac culture for its energy, tenacity, and free spirit into a bold visual narrative of optimism, independence, and fearless momentum.
Robert Wun, the London-based designer known for his sculptural silhouettes and emotionally charged couture, channels these qualities into a design that captures motion and power.
The interpretation mirrors Johnnie Walker’s own “Keep Walking” philosophy, translating traditional symbolism into a contemporary story of drive and individuality.”
Johnnie Walker Blue Label embodies heritage, scarcity, and the finest craftsmanship,” Wun said of the partnership. “Translating the optimism and tenacity of the Horse into couture has been an incredible experience. Couture and whisky both demand time, attention to detail, and deep respect for craft, and this collaboration celebrates that shared philosophy.”
The collaboration extends beyond the bottle. A documentary-style content series follows Wun’s creative journey from ideation to couture creation, exploring what it means to be born in the Year of the Horse and how that spirit translates into both clothing and design.
The series will debut across Johnnie Walker’s digital platforms, offering audiences an intimate look at the story behind the limited-edition design.
Alvin Mbugua, General Manager for Spirits at EABL, highlighted the alignment between the zodiac symbol and the whisky’s character.”The Year of the Horse stands for optimism, independence, and forward momentum, qualities that perfectly reflect Johnnie Walker Blue Label,” Mbugua said.
“This partnership between Robert Wun and Johnnie Walker brings art, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship together to offer something truly memorable.”
Johnnie Walker Blue Label remains one of the world’s most luxurious Scotch whiskies, renowned for its depth and layers of flavour, fresh citrus, rose petals, dark chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut, all wrapped in a signature smoky finish.
The whisky’s rarity reflects exacting standards: only one in every 10,000 casks from the brand’s reserves proves exceptional enough to craft this iconic blend.
The Year of the Horse limited edition continues Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s tradition of collectible releases aligned with cultural milestones and global celebrations.
The brand has built a strong history of exclusive editions created alongside globally acclaimed artists and designers, merging cultural storytelling, artistic expression, and exceptional whisky-making.
The 2026 limited edition will arrive in strictly limited quantities in Kenya, available at select premium retailers. Once sold out, no further bottles of this design will be produced.
