Beginning on January 29, 2025, the Lunar New Year is a holiday rich with traditions that manifest serendipity, prosperity and a period of renewal that inform the year ahead. Ronny Chieng, whose comedic talent and unique commentary have made him a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, is celebrating this year alongside Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Emmy-winning correspondent from the The Daily Show and globally-known actor from Interior Chinatown shares his guide to maximizing this period of metamorphosis so you can manifest as much good fortune as possible — and finally win at Mahjong during the annual family game. Joined by his wife, Hannah Pham, the actor/comedian shows how he blends old and new customs to create meaningful memories with friends and family.
Among his cherished traditions is the preparation of Yu Shen, a vibrant dish that incorporates a variety of ingredients symbolizing prosperity, longevity and abundance. Tossing Yu Shen is a communal ritual that sets intentions for the year; the couple thoughtfully mix the dish while enjoying the Golden Orange Old Fashioned, an effervescent cocktail incorporating orange marmalade and Sichuan orange bitters. Chieng’s celebration also includes Mahjong, a spirited pastime steeped in tradition that fosters generational ties across the table, and the gifting of presents, two of each — a gesture rooted in the symbolism of harmony and good luck. And, of course, no Lunar New Year celebration would be complete without a nod to Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love — a touch of old cinematic glamour to cozy up family gatherings. In the video above, Chieng and his wife pay tribute to the film’s iconic dance scene.
For twelve consecutive years, Johnnie Walker has celebrated the Lunar New Year with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community (21+), paying homage to the cultural traditions embedded in the holiday while embracing the spirit of transformation and progress. The world’s number one Scotch whisky brand has reunited with visionary Taiwanese-American artist James Jean to design a 12th commemorative limited-edition Lunar New Year Blue Label bottle dedicated to the Year of the Snake. Jean’s vibrant artwork depicts three snakes emerging from a bed of flowers as they shed their skin, elegantly aligning with the transformative energy that the Lunar New Year encapsulates. With its intricate design and poetic imagery, Johnnie Walker Blue Label once more pays tribute to pioneering individuals and the beauty of personal growth, embracing the cunning nobility of the wooden snake and the flawless comedic timing of Ronny Chieng.
Beyond Jean’s exquisite artist-designed bottle, Johnnie Walker has curated the next iteration of the Blue List, a selection of bars and restaurants offering Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktail pairings inspired by lucky Lunar New Year dishes commonly enjoyed during the holiday. During festivities, loved ones can gather around the table to enjoy craft cocktails with diverse culinary experiences that are sure to set the year’s tone.
In the video above, watch the Chiengs yell auspicious pleasantries while tossing Yu Shen and hyping the biggest gift of all: Scotch family. A thoughtful gifting option for loved ones and friends to enjoy over delicious, lucky foods, Scotch whiskey lovers 21+ can visit Johnnie Walker’s website to pick up the latest James Jean-designed Lunar New Year Blue bottle. Plan your next family outing with Johnnie Walker’s official Blue List.
DISCLAIMER: JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL YEAR OF THE SNAKE. Blended Scotch Whisky. 46% Alc/Vol. Imported by Diageo, New York, NY. Please drink responsibly and do not share with anyone under 21.
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