Johnnie Walker has launched Blue Label Ultra, the lightest 70cl Scotch whisky glass bottle in the world. This design-first, sustainability-driven release combines rare whisky with futuristic packaging. With only 888 bottles available worldwide, Blue Label Ultra signals a bold new era for luxury spirits.
At the 2024 London Design Festival, Johnnie Walker unveiled this breakthrough bottle, redefining how the world sees Scotch—both inside and out. Here’s what makes it extraordinary.
Johnnie Walker Reimagines Luxury with Blue Label Ultra
Five years ago, Johnnie Walker set out to challenge the status quo of luxury spirits packaging. The brand noticed a shift in other luxury industries—from heavy to delicate—and decided to bring that same evolution to whisky.
Instead of relying on traditional designs, Johnnie Walker created Blue Label Ultra with a clear goal: reduce weight without compromising luxury. The team worked with expert glassmakers and used a “test-and-learn” process that allowed them to experiment freely.
The World’s Lightest 70cl Glass Whisky Bottle
Blue Label Ultra weighs just 180 grams (6.3 oz) without the closure—making it, according to Johnnie Walker’s research, the lightest 70cl Scotch whisky glass bottle ever produced. Standard bottles typically weigh over 500 grams, so this represents a dramatic reduction in materials and carbon emissions.
Johnnie Walker reshaped its iconic square silhouette into a modern teardrop design. Glassmakers hand-blow each bottle, and the team added a protective cage to preserve its integrity during transport. Every step, from design to filling, reflects precision and craftsmanship.
Dr. Emma Walker Crafts an Exclusive Blend
Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker created a special whisky expression just for this release. She selected rare liquids from legendary distilleries like:
- Oban
- Brora
- Royal Lochnagar
- As well as rare ‘ghost’ whiskies from distilleries that no longer exist
This blend showcases depth, richness, and rarity—all in one ultra-light bottle.
Diageo Shares Patent to Promote Sustainable Innovation
Diageo, Johnnie Walker’s parent company, earned a UK patent for this bottle design. Instead of keeping the innovation proprietary, Diageo chose to offer the patent royalty-free to anyone who wants to explore lightweight glass packaging.
By doing this, the brand hopes to inspire wider change across the industry. This initiative aligns with Diageo’s Spirit of Progress action plan, which aims to lower carbon emissions across its global operations.
Launching at London Design Festival
Johnnie Walker officially launched Blue Label Ultra on 14th September 2024 at the London Design Festival, where the brand served as a Major Partner. For the occasion, they collaborated with design studio Marshmallow Laser Feast to create an immersive installation at the Old Selfridges Hotel in Marylebone.
The exhibit highlighted the artistry, vision, and environmental intent behind the new bottle.
Just 888 Bottles Worldwide
Johnnie Walker produced only 888 bottles of Blue Label Ultra, symbolizing exclusivity and good fortune. The limited-edition release will roll out in select global markets in 2025, with a retail price of £1,000.
Collectors and whisky connoisseurs will need to act fast—once sold out, the Ultra won’t return.
Final Thoughts: A New Standard for Spirits
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra doesn’t just change the look and feel of Scotch whisky—it changes expectations. The release combines rare liquid, inventive design, and a forward-thinking sustainability mission. It’s not just a product launch; it’s a call to the spirits industry to rethink what luxury can look and feel like.
Johnnie Walker didn’t just break boundaries—they created new ones.
