First released in October last year, John Walker & Sons XR21 The Legacy Collection featured the unique traits of three Malaysian Chinese clans, namely Cantonese, Hakka and Hokkien on the respective bottles and packaging sleeves. Receiving overwhelming feedback from the three association federations and the public, the brand has embarked on expanding The Legacy Collection, which now features designs that showcase the cultures and traditions of Foochow, Hainan and Teochew clans, once again creatively designed by local creative duo, Loka Made.
The Legacy Collection is inspired by the history and legacy of John Walker and Sons XR21, which was created to honour Alexander Walker II’s knighthood from King George V. The exceptional blend is crafted using an extremely rare 3-step blending process reserved for Johnnie Walker’s most precious whiskies. It celebrates not only the brand’s rich legacy but also the old blending craft of making exceptional whiskies. This same endearing spirit is also portrayed within the Malaysian Chinese community.
Despite the many trials and tribulations faced by the Chinese community, dating as far back as the 15th century, they have become an integral part of the current Malaysia. The Malaysian Chinese were committed in ensuring that their dialects and culture were passed down and inherited by the new generation in shaping their unique identity over the centuries to be preserved for generations to come.
“As we further explore the rich and intriguing cultures, values and traditions of the Malaysian Chinese communities, we continue to see that they are strongly rooted in their beliefs and practices across their festivals, cuisines and mastery of their unique crafts. We believe that it will inspire the new generations to celebrate their rich heritage and craft for years to come, ” said Rajesh Joshi, Marketing Director of Diageo Malaysia.
The effort by John Walker & Sons XR21 to celebrate and showcase the rich Malaysian Chinese legacy is seen through each respective bottle design and packaging sleeve of the Foochow, Hainan and Teochew Pack. These illustrations highlight the important values, cultures and traditions that have been practiced by these clans, passed down from one generation to the next.
Foochow Pack
The first noticeable element on the Foochow Pack is the Sibu Foochow Association in Sarawak — home to a portrait statue of Huang Nai Shang, a scholar and community leader who brought in the first group of Foochow immigrants to help develop the settlement and build a successful port in Sibu. The illustration also highlights the Three Heads and Three Knives that represent the Foochow community’s contribution and skill sets used to make a living after settling down in Malaysia. Prominently visible are also Foochow traditional food such as red wine noodles, Foochow kompia and Lo Qu Biang that depict longevity and auspiciousness. Lastly, the Aojiu Festival represents the worshiping of ancestors through the preparation of Foochow porridge on the 29th day of the first lunar month.
Hainan Pack
The Hainan Pack features the Hainanese traversing the seas to pan for gold, which is a common phrase known as “Gia Ti Bo Lai Huan”. During this time spent at sea, the Hainanese worshipped the Goddess Shui Wei, whom they believe travelled across the ocean with them when they immigrated to Southeast Asia and protected them throughout their journey. Apart from Goddess Shui Wei, Goddess Thean Hou also played an important role in the livelihood of the Hainanese, keeping them safe through miraculous interventions, visible through the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur. Portrayals of food are also evident through the opening of coffee shops where Western cuisine influenced their cooking styles which led to the creation of dishes like the Hainanese chicken chop, French toast, Hainanese coffee and bread as well as Hainanese Chicken Rice which is easily found in the streets of Malacca, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Teochew Pack
The final addition to The Legacy Collection presents the Teochew people’s belief in Xuan Tian Shang Di (God of the Profound Heavens) as they value their beliefs and have a tradition of public service to the community. This is seen through the many temples in Malaysia that are older than a century, including the Johor Ancient Temple that was founded by local Teochew people. Looking into arts and crafts, the Teochew community dabbled in arts such as embroidery which was widespread throughout China in the Qing Dynasty. Chaozhou embroidery is a type of Yue (short for Guangdong) embroidery, originating from Chaozhou, well-known for its exquisite beauty, meticulous compositions, and three-dimensionality which can be widely seen and used as decoration by the Malaysian Teochew during religious activity and festivals. Another craft of the Teochew community is the iron stick puppet, a famous folk opera where Teochew opera artists started their careers. Finally, dishes such as Teochew fish balls and porridge are seen on the pack design, which are staple dishes for the community.
John Walker & Sons XR21 The Legacy Collection is available at Johnnie Walker Malaysia’s Bar on Shopee, StayThirsty and Boozeat as well as leading retail chains such as Village Grocer and Jaya Grocer.
For further information, please visit:-
Official website: www.johnniewalker.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerMalaysia
Official hashtags: #JohnnieWalkerMY #XR21TheLegacyCollection