Chinese New Year (also referred to as The Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) is celebrated by many Asian countries and cultures throughout the world. The celebration normally lasts for 15 days and has no fixed start date, this year it begins on January 22nd. Throughout this festive period you will frequently see red and gold decorations, as these colours symbolise good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It is a time to honour deities, as well as ancestors and those around you; a number of traditions are also observed, such as exchanging gifts and giving money in red paper envelopes to family members and friends.

Each year is associated with one of twelve animals of the zodiac. These animals all appear along the path of the sun through the cosmos. In addition to the animals, the five elements of earth, water, fire, wood and metal are mapped onto the traditional lunar calendar. This year, 2023, is represented by the rabbit and water element.

In recent years many distilleries have begun to create special Lunar New Year Limited Edition bottlings. Below are some of our favourites as well as a few beautiful gifts with stunning red and gold packaging in-keeping with the theme.

1. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chinese New Year 2023 Edition

Give the gift of precious depth this Lunar New Year with Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Rabbit limited edition design.The stunningly vivid design, created by one of fashion’s brightest young talents, Angel Chen, features a dynamic, modern interpretation of 2023’s Zodiac animal, the sprightly rabbit. Symbolising mercy, elegance and beauty, the rabbit signifies longevity in traditional Asian culture and as an echo of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking, prancing rabbits are captured bounding amongst mountainous peaks.

On the nose are waves of spice which give way to sweet notes of vanilla and honey. This sweetness continues onto the palate with notes of caramel and hazelnut with some dark chocolate. The ending is luxuriously long and warming with a slightly smoky finish.

2. Hennessey XO Chinese New Year 2023 Edition

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy created Hennessy X.O for his circle of friends and introduced a new style of cognac. Hennessy X.O is the Original, the emblematic icon of the Hennessy Maison. Deep and powerful, the eaux-de-vie of this Hennessy X.O cognac are aged in young barrels and marked out by their power and energy, but also by their capacity to achieve a great roundness through time.

Hennessy heralds a brand-new cycle in the Chinese calendar through a monumental composition by Yan Pei-Ming, one of the world's most celebrated and sought-after contemporary artists. The painting depicts the rabbit and all twelve animals of the zodiac which is displayed on the stunning gift box of this limited edition of Hennessy X.O.

3. Remy Martin XO Lunar New Year 2023 Edition

Launched in 1981, Remy Martin XO is composed of a unique blend from up to 400 eaux-de-vie coming exclusively from the most sought-after vineyards of Cognac: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. The quintessence of Remy Martin XO is the perfect harmony between fruit and spice notes, combined with an aromatic experience.

This limited edition release features the iconic Remy Martin XO decanter with additional decoration, housed in an innovatively constructed gift box which opens to form a beautiful red and gold fan. When opened, this combination becomes a stunning display piece.

4. Glenfiddich Gran Reserva 2022 Edition

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva is a truly delectable Single Malt Scotch Whisky, with a beautiful presentation box especially for Chinese New Year. Created using casks that once contained premium Caribbean rum, the Glenfiddich 21 year old spends a further four months finishing in Gran Reserva barrels which are hand selected by Malt Master Brian Kinsman, adding to its distinctive and complex flavour and thus giving this expression its name.

Uncover the intense and vanilla sweet aroma teasing with floral notes and hints of banana, rich toffee, and leather. Delve deeper and discover the intricate flavour complexities of Glenfiddich 21 year old Gran Reserva, the initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and peppery taste with a touch of smoke, lime, ginger and spices all culminate in a very long, warming, dry and spicy finish.

5. Johnnie Walker King George V Chinese New Year 2022 Edition

Drawn from extremely rare, precious casks, including irreplaceable whiskies from the now silent distillery of Port Ellen. This elegantly rich and creamy whisky has rarity reflected in every drop, and its new limited edition design is the perfect gift to give to the one who never walks alone and to mark this year.

The stunning design marks the beginning of a new year and is inspired by the Oriental myth of the Bai Ze. Designed by Chinese artist Shan Jiang, it features a beautiful illustration of the mythical creature that symbolises virtuousness, nobility and protection from evil.

6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Chinese New Year 2022 Edition

To the one who never walks alone, to the one whose steps inspire yours - celebrate prosperity and good fortune this Lunar New Year with the new limited edition 2022 Lunar New Year design for Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The intricate design marks the Year of the Tiger and is illustrated by Chinese artist Shan Jiang.

The incredible artwork pays homage to the Tiger as a symbol of strength and progress. The majestic animal is depicted with golden wings, as from the famous Chinese idiom, an expression of vigour and vitality and representing how we are stronger when we walk together.

Celebrations of Chinese New Year with culminate with the Yuan Xiao or Lantern Festival on February 5th this year. On this day there are many festivities including moon gazing, lighting lanterns, lion dances and solving of riddles. This event celebrates family reunions and society, while some go out into the streets to revel in the festivites, many treat it as a night to relax and reconnect with family members under the moon.