Johnnie Walker has unveiled its first major partnership as part of the new Johnnie Walker Vault initiative, teaming up with Balmain Creative director Olivier Rousteing as its first cultural collaborator. The alliance introduces the exclusive Couture Expression collection – a set of four meticulously crafted Scotch whisky blends developed in collaboration with Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. The result is a collection of four seasonal whiskies, each a sensory journey.
This release is just the first chapter in a two-part collaboration following the launch of the Johnnie Walker Vault Private Blend Experience.
“When I spoke with the team of Johnnie Walker, I was so excited because we were creating something from scratch and unique,” said Rousteing. “Creating a whisky is really an art – like creating a [fashion] collection is an art, as well.”
Priced at £16,000 ($20,000 USD) per bottle, the Johnnie Walker Vault x Olivier Rousteing Couture Expression limited-edition series features just 25 bottles of each seasonal blend, making it one of the most exclusive whisky collections ever released.
Each expression begins with a luxurious base that includes rare “ghost” whiskies from Brora and Port Dundas. The seasonal interpretations draw from Johnnie Walker’s impressive archive of 500 rare whiskies selected from over 10 million casks.
Dr. Emma Walker commented, “Olivier brought an emotional language to the blending creation, and we worked together to explore what whisky can express – technically, sensorially and artistically.”
The Spring blend features floral notes from rare 1970s distillations, while Summer highlights tropical fruit characteristics. Fall focuses on bold, textured expressions, and Winter delivers deep, smoky richness – creating a complete seasonal taste journey.
True to Rousteing’s fashion background, presentation is given as much attention as substance. The whiskies are presented in handcrafted Baccarat crystal decanters draped in metallic tones representing each season: gold, silver, rose gold and metallic black.
The design includes a sculptural winged stopper inspired by Rousteing’s vision of renewal and ambition – golden wings evoking a phoenix in flight, a reflection of his own journey through challenges and triumphs.
The Johnnie Walker Vault x Olivier Rousteing Couture Expression collection will debut at Harrods on May 5th, 2025, followed by global availability on May 26th. Ahead of the retail launch, Rousteing will host an exclusive VIP dinner in New York City on May 3rd, two days before the Met Gala, bringing together luminaries from the fashion, art and spirits industries.
Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Diageo Luxury Group, highlighted the innovative nature of the partnership: “Through colliding the blending artistry of Dr Emma Walker with the creative genius of Olivier Rousteing, we are pushing the boundaries of what a luxury Scotch whisky can look, taste and feel like.”
