As we enter the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, the world’s most renowned alcohol brands are raising a toast to this auspicious occasion with limited-edition releases. Symbolising elegance, wisdom, and transformation, the snake zodiac inspires exquisite designs and masterful creations, blending tradition with artistry.
This year, discerning drinkers and collectors can look forward to an array of celebratory bottles that embody the cultural richness of Chinese New Year while showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of each brand. From bespoke packaging adorned with intricate snake motifs to expertly crafted whiskies, wines, and cognacs, these releases offer a sensory journey like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a lover of fine spirits, or simply looking for the perfect festive gift, these standout expressions honour the zodiac with sophistication and style.
L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent (40% ABV)
In celebration of the 2025 Year of the Snake, Maison Martell presents the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent, a tribute to courage, wisdom, and intelligence. Crafted by Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, this extraordinary cognac is an assemblage of over 1,400 rare eaux-de-vie, balancing refinement and complexity with elegance. Inspired by the Chinese goddess Nüwa, the design features a breathtaking crystal decanter housed in a dazzling cabinet, exuding luxury and tradition. Limited to just 500 individually numbered pieces, it’s a true collector’s gem.
This exceptional blend opens with bright citrus and subtle spices, evolving into deeper notes of tobacco, candied fruit, blackcurrant, and quince. On the palate, a velvety texture reveals prominent citrus harmonised with a delicate interplay of fruit and wood. The finish is long and memorable, offering roasted, woody nuances accented by tobacco and tonka bean. Maison Martell’s Zodiac Edition is a perfect balance of artistry and flavour, embodying the elegance of the snake.
GlenAllachie 11-Year-Old Year of the Snake (48% ABV)
GlenAllachie celebrates the 2025 Year of the Snake with a stunning 11-year-old single malt, crafted by Master Distiller Billy Walker. This limited-edition whisky is matured in a trio of casks—Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso sherry, and virgin oak—creating a rich and complex dram that embodies the wisdom and elegance of the snake zodiac. Bottled at 48% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with natural colour, it showcases the distillery’s exceptional wood management and depth of character.
The whisky’s deep mahogany hue hints at its luxurious profile. Aromas of orange peel, chocolate, and caramelised ginger lead to a palate bursting with butterscotch, honeycomb, and brandy snaps, followed by notes of blood orange, poached pears, and spiced chocolate gâteau. The finish lingers with cinnamon butter and crystallised ginger.
Designed in collaboration with Scottish agency Threebrand and English illustrator Simon Henshaw, the packaging features a gold-foiled snake entwined with Asian-style foliage against a rich green backdrop, symbolising prosperity and renewal. A 3D golden snake charm adds an opulent touch, making this release a true collector’s item, available at AsiaEuro Singapore and Malaysia websites.
Penfolds Lunar New Year Snake Gifting Series (14%-15% ABV)
Penfolds celebrates the 2025 Year of the Snake with its stunning Lunar New Year Snake Gifting Series, showcasing four of its most renowned wines in beautifully designed gift boxes. Each box features a gold-embellished snake motif, reflecting the agility and elegance of the zodiac symbol. The range includes the iconic Grange 2020, the Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, the Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022, and the RWT Bin 798 Shiraz 2022.
The Grange 2020 remains a pinnacle of Australian winemaking, blending ripe Shiraz grapes from multi-district vineyards to create a powerful, structured wine with exceptional depth and consistency. The Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 highlights Penfolds’ “House Style,” offering intense fruit flavours, fine tannins, and full-bodied elegance, matured in new oak for longevity. The Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022, affectionately called “Baby Grange,” combines the bold structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the lush richness of Shiraz, delivering a generous, well-balanced palate. Finally, the RWT Bin 798 Shiraz 2022 offers a contemporary take on Barossa Valley Shiraz, showcasing fine tannins, plush texture, and French oak maturity for a refined, opulent finish.
Available from January 2025, these collectable releases are perfect gifts and will be retailing at select fine wine retailers and Penfolds’ pop-up locations.
Chivas 18 Chinese New Year Limited Edition (40% ABV)
To celebrate the 2025 Year of the Snake, Chivas Regal has unveiled a stunning limited-edition gift pack for its iconic Chivas 18, designed by renowned Malaysian artist Michelle Yap. Known for her bold abstract art that fuses traditional Chinese ink techniques with contemporary mediums, Yap’s design is a vivid visual representation of the whisky’s depth, complexity, and sophistication.
Her artwork for the gift pack features flowing gold strokes, symbolising prosperity and opulence, alongside celestial blue liquid effects that capture the whisky’s depth and elegance. Milky, swirling patterns evoke a galactic wonder, mirroring the layered richness of Chivas 18, while snake-inspired gold accents reflect the resilience, adaptability, and mystique of the Year of the Snake. Together, these design elements form a masterpiece that celebrates both the Lunar New Year and the refined character of Chivas 18.
Chivas 18 itself is a luxurious blend of malt and grain whiskies aged for at least 18 years, boasting 85 flavour notes including dark chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits. The limited-edition pack is available at premium retailers such as AEON, Jaya Grocer, and specialty stores, as well as online through Pernod Ricard Malaysia’s Official Shopee Store.
ABK6 Cognac Lunar New Year Limited Edition VSOP (40% ABV)
ABK6 Cognac continues its tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year with its 2025 Year of the Snake Limited Edition VSOP. This special cuvée is crafted by Francis Abécassis and Cellar Master Frédéric David, who selected eaux-de-vie aged in the estate’s oldest casks to honour the zodiac’s elegance and wisdom. The result is a rich and indulgent expression, seamlessly blending Cognac craftsmanship with Chinese cultural symbolism.
On the nose, this VSOP opens with warm aromas of cinnamon-spiced tarte Tatin, underpinned by a luxurious pastry-like sweetness. The palate is round and balanced, offering a delightful interplay of freshness and indulgence, with notes of almond paste and gingerbread. Its golden hue with old gold highlights reflects its aromatic richness and depth.
The bottle design, created in collaboration with Chinese artists Qiaolong Huang and Bingna Xu, features an intricately engraved snake entwined with vine leaves. Red symbolises luck and prosperity, green nods to the Cognac terroir, and gold highlights the expertise and heritage embodied in this cuvée.
Benriach The Twelve – Chinese New Year Limited Edition (46% ABV)
Benriach ushers in the 2025 Year of the Snake with a stunning limited-edition release of its beloved Benriach The Twelve. This expression, known for its sherry-rich complexity, has been matured in three types of casks - sherry, bourbon, and port - for a minimum of 12 years. Master Blender Rachel Barrie describes it as “encapsulating the flavours of Benriach in the autumn,” with layers of rich, dark berry fruits.
The whisky reveals aromas of rich maple honey, cocoa, and baked forest fruits, leading to a palate bursting with maraschino cherry, baked orange, and hazelnut. The finish lingers luxuriously with notes of sultana and spiced mocha, perfectly balanced by its smooth, velvety texture.
The packaging design for this limited edition pays homage to Chinese New Year with an opulent and collector-worthy aesthetic. The bottle and box feature intricate patterns inspired by Benriach’s iconic casks, paired with gold-foiled snake motifs symbolising the zodiac’s elegance and adaptability. Debossed textures and premium uncoated paper elevate the tactile experience, ensuring this release is as visually captivating as the whisky is exquisite.
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