Johnnie Walker has introduced the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra, a groundbreaking innovation in the spirits world, featuring what the brand claims is the lightest 70cl Scotch whisky glass bottle ever produced. This pioneering bottle is the result of five years of research and development, weighing just 180g without its closure. The project was driven by Johnnie Walker’s ambition to advance the industry and deliver a refined, luxurious aesthetic to their iconic whisky.

For the first time, Johnnie Walker moves away from its traditional square bottle design, opting for a teardrop shape. According to Jeremy Lindley, Global Design Director at Diageo, the bottle’s creation involved overcoming significant technical challenges. “We worked with expert glassmakers over a five-year period, gradually perfecting this lightweight, elegant glass,” Lindley stated. “We faced several design hurdles, including the need for a teardrop shape that still honors Johnnie Walker’s iconic square form. We also incorporated a protective cage to support the round base and handcrafted each bottle to prevent damage during production.”

This initiative is a key part of Diageo’s broader Spirit of Progress sustainability plan, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its packaging by lowering glass weight.

Jennifer English, Global Brand Director for Johnnie Walker, highlighted the significance of this innovation: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra is a true milestone for both our brand and the wider whisky industry. We set out to redefine the boundaries of luxury packaging, and the outcome is something many believed would be unattainable. This bottle is not only stunning but also exemplifies what is possible in sustainable glass production. We’ll continue leveraging these insights across our portfolio as we explore the future of Scotch whisky.”

Only 888 bottles of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra will be produced, each hand-blown and hand-filled. The technology behind this unique bottle is not yet scalable for mass production, but Diageo has generously offered a royalty-free license for the UK-patented bottle to encourage further innovation within the industry.

The liquid inside this exclusive bottle is equally exceptional, crafted by Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. The blend features rare whiskies from Oban, Brora, and Royal Lochnagar distilleries, alongside elusive “ghost whiskies” from now-closed distilleries.

A limited number of bottles will be available for sale globally in 2025 at a suggested retail price of £1,000. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra will make its debut at the London Design Festival on September 14th, where a special installation will showcase its unique design elements.