World's lightest whisky container unveiled by Johnnie Walker

World's lightest whisky container unveiled by Johnnie Walker

Unveiled at the London Design Festival, Johnnie Walker Introduces the World's Lightest Whisky Bottle

Johnnie Walker, Scotland's beloved whisky maker under Diageo, has unveiled a luxury limited edition, claimed to be the lightest whisky bottle ever created. Dubbed "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra," only 888 of these bottles will see the light of day. Bucking tradition, this high-end product prioritizes lightness, delicacy, and sustainability over heft––a move that's got everyone talking.

Tear Drop Design

Weighing in at a mere 180g (without a lid), this ultra light 70cl bottle is a whopping 118g lighter than the next lightest bottle, according to Elite Traveller. To craft such a lean yet robust bottle took five years of product development and testing. A team of artisan glassblowers, collaborating with the whisky giant, recommended adopting a teardrop shape––a form that follows the natural shape of glass when it's first blown. This design avoids the weak point of a regular bottle's squared-off bottom, making it stronger and more delicate. While traditionalists might be relieved to see that the bottle still echoes the Johnny Walker "square" shape, it sits atop a rounded base for improved stability. To add a touch of class, an attractive bamboo "cage" or stand accompanies the bottle.

A Progressive Leap Forward

"We weren't sure what we could achieve when we embarked on this journey to push the boundaries of luxury," said global brand director of Johnnie Walker, Jennifer English. "We're amazed by the result––something many said wasn't possible. This new, lightweight bottle is a work of exquisite art; but more importantly, it showcases what's achievable when it comes to lightweighting glass."

The design isn't just striking and different but marks a "progressive stride," said English. To make it easier for other drinks companies to mimic the bottle's sustainability, Johnnie Walker has waived its patent rights on the new technology. Engaging in "lightweighting," or making glass lighter, is important for sustainability as lighter glass generates fewer carbon emissions during manufacturing and is lighter to transport, further reducing its overall carbon footprint. Bamboo was employed for the stand for similar reasons––it's lightweight, strong, and fast-growing. Even with the packaging added, the total weight still doesn't exceed that of a standard glass bottle.

Craftsmanship and Quality

To get your hands on one of these 888 limited-run teardrop bottles, you'll need to save up £1,000 (around 1185.8 EUR) by 2025. For that investment, you'll receive a handmade bottle filled with a blend carefully selected by Johnnie Walker's master blender, Dr. Emma Walker, featuring whiskies from prestigious distilleries like Oban, Brora, and Royal Lochnagar, as well as some "ghost whiskies."

With its design and production innovations, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra bottle represents a bold leap forward in sustainable packaging, demonstrating that luxury need not come at the expense of the environment.

Design Enhancements:- A blend of classic brand aesthetics with a teardrop shape, making for an elegant and unique design.- The use of a precise lattice stopper, adding a luxurious touch while keeping the bottle lightweight.

Production and Materials:- Employing thin-wall glass technology to construct the bottle walls, which significantly reduces its weight without sacrificing strength.- Handcrafting each bottle, ensuring a precise and delicate production process that maintains the bottle's lightness and structure.- The utilization of sustainable materials such as bamboo for the packaging, complementing the eco-friendly nature of the bottle.

Environmental Impact:- By reducing the weight of traditional bottles by more than half, Diageo significantly lessens the environmental impact of transportation and storage. The Ultra bottle weighs just 180g (without the closure), lighter than most modern smartphones.

1. The teardrop-shaped Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra bottle, weighing only 180g, is claimed to be the lightest whisky bottle ever created, prioritizing lightness, delicacy, and sustainability over traditional heft.
2. The lightweight and distinctive bottle design showcases Diageo's commitment to sustainability, as lighter glass generates fewer carbon emissions during manufacturing and transportation, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint.
3. In an effort to promote progress in the industry, Johnnie Walker has waived its patent rights on the new technology, allowing other drinks companies to adopt similar lightweighting techniques in their packaging.
4. The limited-edition bottle, costing £1,000, features a blend carefully selected by Johnnie Walker's master blender, with whiskies from esteemed distilleries like Oban, Brora, and Royal Lochnagar, as well as some "ghost whiskies."
5. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra bottle, with its elegance, unique design, and sustainable production methods, serves as a symbol that luxury can coexist with eco-friendliness in the fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and technology lifestyle sectors, as well as in the business world.

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