Cover Celebrate the upcoming festivities with these uniquely packaged drinks (Photo: Hennessy)
Celebrate the upcoming festivities with these uniquely packaged drinks (Photo: Hennessy)
1 / 1
Ring in the Year of the Dragon with our selection of lunar libations sporting exciting one-of-a-kind designs this festive season
Chinese New Year, a festive season of joy and indulgence, beckons a celebration of culinary delights and spirited toasts. As such, this auspicious period usually sees a surge in the sales of alcoholic beverages, prompting brands to collaborate with artists in crafting exclusive, limited-edition packaging that encapsulates the essence of the occasion.
From the refined world of cognac to the robust realm of whisky and the affable charm of beer, these libations become not just beverages but pieces of art, each bottle telling a unique story.
Read more: Chinese New Year 2024: A guide to celebratory menus, restaurants, and dining experiences
Here’s a round-up of some of the festive packaging that you can get your hands on for this festive season:
Cognac
Martell Noblige Limited Edition 2024 (Photo: Martell)
1 / 2
Cognac is to brandy what champagne is to wine and is usually the choice of drink for most families celebrating Chinese New Year. Martell and Hennessy, two of the big four cognac houses, engaged with artists to pay homage to the Year of the Dragon artistically. Martell partnered with French designer Vincent Darré to depict a fantastical encounter between the Chinese dragon and the Martell swift.
Meanwhile, Hennessy worked with Chinese artist Yang Yongliang to combine traditional drawings with striking digital art to breathe life, movement, energy, and fire into a collective of metallic dragons dancing in and out of waves.
See also: Chinese New Year 2024: 11 edible gifts for the season
Whisky
Glenfiddich's A Gift For Blossoming Futures collection (Photo: Glenfiddich)
1 / 4
Whisky is another fan-favourite drink during Lunar New Year celebrations. And there’s a host of options to choose from this festive season too. Glenfiddich collaborated with Canadian-based Japanese artist Raku Inoue to create A Gift For Blossoming Futures collection, which signifies hope in the promise of new life soon to bloom.
Meanwhile, the second release in The Macallan A Night on Earth series, A Night on Earth – The Journey is encased in an innovative, multi-layered pack. Designed by Chinese mixed-media artist Nini Sum, each layer beautifully represents the different stages of the journey to reunite with loved ones at New Year.
Then, Taiwan-born American-based James Jean worked on the wood dragon visuals that spring from bountiful flora and fauna and burst to life for both the Johnnie Walker Blue Label and John Walker & Sons XR 21 festive editions. There’s also Royal Salute which partnered with renowned Chinese illustrator and visual designer, Yunshu Li, to reinterpret its Ignite the New Year concept.
Don’t miss: Lunar New Year foods from around the world
Beer
Above Carlsberg’s festive design incorporates the ability to transform colours to showcase that the can is at optimum drinking temperature (Photo: Carlsberg)
Carlsberg’s festive design incorporates the ability to transform colours to showcase that the can is at optimum drinking temperature (Photo: Carlsberg)
1 / 1
Beer is probably the most sought-after celebratory beverage for its ease of access and lower alcohol percentage, and this year sees a truly exciting creation from Carlsberg. Designed by Chinese artist Ofen Hu, not only does it reflect the vibrant energy of the Year of the Dragon, but it also tells you when your beverage is at its optimum serving level. Hu’s contemporary twist on traditional art sees the use of a special ink that transforms the dragon pearl on chilled cans from yellow to auspicious orange at the perfect drinking temperature of 6 degrees C. On the other hand, Heineken offers other exciting experiences, including Tiger Beer CNY merchandise and prizes during the festive period.
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
Check out his Instagram @aaronlpereira.
