The spirits of the Snake: Limited edition whiskies and cognacs for CNY


The Year of the Snake has inspired quite a number of limited edition spirits and bottlings. Here are what’s available in Malaysia. — Photos: Handout

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, there has been no shortage of limited edition CNY expressions and exclusive spirits being released. While some brands have decided to go with the tried-and-tested formula of collaborating with artists for some beautiful packaging and artwork, others have chosen to embrace the Year of the Snake with exclusive spirits created just for the occasion.

Here are some of the most high-profile and sought after ones that are available in Malaysia.

The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Year of the Snake Edition.

Scotch distillery The GlenAllachie has launched a celebratory limited edition single malt to mark CNY 2025 – The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Year of the Snake Edition.

Created by master distiller and Scotch whisky legend Billy Walker, the whisky is an 11-year-old matured in premium Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks from Spain, as well as toasted and charred virgin oak barrels.

The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Year of the Snake Edition is matured in a variety of casks.The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Year of the Snake Edition is matured in a variety of casks.

After 11 years in oak casks, the resulting expression is said to promise “indulgent notes of pear and ginger cake, orange peel and butterscotch sauce”.

The landmark release also features a fully bespoke carton with an eye-catching, hand-drawn illustration with gold foil and embossed detail. A collectable 3D gold-coloured snake charm sits around the neck of the bottle, whilst the packaging’s green colour corresponds to the wood element specific to this coming year.

The Macallan: A Night On Earth in Jerez de la Frontera

Luxury whisky producers The Macallan recently launched A Night On Earth in Jerez de la Frontera, the third bottling in the A Night On Earth series – an annual limited edition release that celebrates the universal night to celebrate the end of the year.

In celebration of its 200-year anniversary in 2024, this year’s edition takes us to Jerez de la Frontera, the home of Sherry wine deep in the heart of Andalusia, Jerez in southern Spain. This is where the Macallan sources exceptional oak casks that are seasoned with sherry wine so crucial to its whiskies.

This year’s edition takes us to Jerez de la Frontera, the home of Sherry wine.This year’s edition takes us to Jerez de la Frontera, the home of Sherry wine.

This new release is inspired by New Year’s Eve in Jerez, a night full of meaning and tradition, known as Nochevieja or Old Night.

The Scotch itself is a unique expression using a perfectly balanced combination of European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks and inspired by the traditions in the home of Sherry wine.

Glenfiddich CNY collaboration with artist Zhang Yu

Another year, another stunning Chinese New Year collaboration by Glenfiddich. This time around, the Scotch producer has worked with renowned contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu on a series of limited edition releases that are perfect as gifts.

The design by Zhang features an imagined encounter between the iconic Glenfiddich stag and the legendary, mythical Nine-Coloured Deer King – two symbols of heritage, wisdom, and harmony.

Glenfiddich has worked with renowned contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu on a series of limited edition releases. — Photos: HandoutGlenfiddich has worked with renowned contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu on a series of limited edition releases. — Photos: Handout

Recognised as “one of the most outstanding ink wash masters” in art, Zhang’s work is closely tied to ancient Chinese tales. She specialises in blending cultural elements from East and West through various creative forms, including painting, drawing, design, and film.

Her artwork will be featured on four of Glenfiddich’s most iconic expressions – the Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, Glenfiddich15-Year Old, Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old, and Glenfiddich Reserva Rum Cask 21-Year-Old.

Martell: L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent

Cognac producer Martell has unveiled a selection of cognac giftsets and festive Limited Edition packs.

The showpiece of the collection is the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent, created in celebration of the 2025 Year of the Snake.

Inspired by the Chinese goddess Nüwa and the snake, symbols of courage, wisdom, and intelligence, the latest release in Martell’s hugely popular Zodiac Edition is encased in a stunning crystal decanter and dazzling cabinet, and limited to just 500 individually numbered pieces.

The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent is inspired by the Chinese goddess Nüwa and the snake.The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent is inspired by the Chinese goddess Nüwa and the snake.

The cognac itself is crafted from over 1,400 eaux-de-vie, this cognac balances subtlety and renement while evoking the snake’s elegant characteristics.

Martell has also collaborated with Wu Jian’an, a globally acclaimed contemporary Chinese artist known for his intricate, multi-layered compositions, to create artwork for three of Martell’s expressions – Martell Cordon Bleu, Martell Noblige and Martell XO.

In his artworks, Wu Jian’an layered motifs associated with the cognac making process together with symbols of the Chinese New Year in a joyful, colourful harmony – a celebration of the perfect moment represented by Martell’s iconic cognac.

Hennessy: CNY collaboration with Shuting Qiu

Hennessy has also released a new limited-edition collection for 2025 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, which is a collaboration Chinese fashion designer Shuting Qiu.

The collection, called “Reimagination”, is in honour of the snake, which is about renewal and positive transformation, leaving behind the past and embracing new beginnings.

Chinese artist Shuting Qiu, who created three distinct works of art to dress each of the Hennessy bottles.Chinese artist Shuting Qiu, who created three distinct works of art to dress each of the Hennessy bottles.

Vibrant, abstract interpretations of a snake writhe across the carafe designs, using splashes of colour and prints, such as ancient Chinese brocade patterns, to reflect the texture and scales of the snake body.

Shuting Qiu, who is originally from Hangzhou and now based in Shanghai has drawn inspiration from her cultural heritage, and created three distinct works of art to dress each of the Hennessy bottles – VSOP, XO and Paradis.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition

Johnnie Walker unveiled a vibrant new Lunar New Year Limited Edition design for Johnnie Walker Blue Label, crafted by acclaimed Taiwanese-American visual artist James Jean.

This limited edition design pays homage to the traditions of Chinese New Year but adds a future-facing design twist. It features an innovative and dynamic interpretation of 2025’s zodiac animal and marks an extension of the collaboration between Johnnie Walker and James Jean.

His new design for 2025 symbolises an auspicious ambition for constant progression and self-reinvention, reflecting the values at the heart of Johnnie Walker while paying homage to the traditions of Chinese New Year.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label sees visual artist James Jean paying homage to the traditions of Chinese New Year but adding a future-facing design twist.Johnnie Walker Blue Label sees visual artist James Jean paying homage to the traditions of Chinese New Year but adding a future-facing design twist.

In addition to the Blue Label limited edition, Johnnie Walker also introduced the John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old, a special bottling crafted specifically for this celebration.

The Year of the Snake release stands out not only in packaging and design but also in its liquid. Unlike the standard XR range, this limited edition is bottled at 43% ABV, offering a more intense and vibrant flavour profile.


Michael Cheang is quite fascinated by how the snake has been depicted by the various artists featured here. Follow him on Instagram (@mytipsyturvy) and Facebook (fb.com/mytipsyturvy).

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whisky , cognac

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