Diageo has announced the release of Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut, a limited-edition whisky developed in collaboration with Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve.
The new blend comes 35 years after Johnnie Walker Black Label appeared in the original Blade Runner film. Featuring a futuristic bottle, the custom blend was created in partnership with Blade Runner 2049, which opens in cinemas on 6 October.
Only 39,000 bottles of The Director’s Cut have been produced, which will be available in select countries around the world while supplies last. Diageo said it has a rich, smooth blend and aromatic and vanilla flavors. It is bottled with an ABV of 49%.
To celebrate the promotional collaboration surrounding the film, Johnnie Walker has released four digital clips featuring Villeneuve, who discusses the project. “Like many fans, I remember the Johnnie Walker bottle from the first film, so it was a unique privilege to collaborate with Johnnie Walker on designing a totally original, custom bottle for the new movie,” he said.
“It was also a once-in-a-lifetime experience to help create the limited-edition Director’s Cut blend, which perfectly captures the complex and mysterious world of Blade Runner 2049.”
Diegeo has also created a series of Johnnie Walker cocktail videos featuring five innovative Blade Runner 2049-inspired cocktails and prepared by some of America’s leading bartenders.
Johnnie Walker master blender Jim Beveridge said: “What we have created in Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is something really special that fans will be able to relate to and whisky drinkers will love. I was truly inspired by Villeneuve’s artistic vision for Blade Runner 2049 and how it could come to life in this new blend.
“I learned that filmmaking is much like blending – you have to constantly be committed to creating the best possible outcome. Johnnie Walker blending tradition dates back to 1820 and I’m honoured to carry on the legacy and collective memory of our other past blenders to ensure that the same whisky enjoyed today can be enjoyed responsibly in 2049.”
Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is available with a recommended retail price of $89.99.
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