We did a dragon-themed spirits post last year, didja think we would neglect the SEO gods and not do one for the Year of the Snake? Chinese New Year is a season for brands to come in with their own special editions; like Glenfiddich, who made its presence known in the Chinese market 17 years ago and is riding high on the Chinese's appreciation for Scotch whisky. From the exclusive to the beguiling packaging, we present the snake-themed spirits that tickled our fancies.
First up, we have Martell paying homage to the Year of the Snake. Continuing L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition series, the star of the hour (or the year) takes the limelight in a crystal decanter crafted by Baccarat. Limited to just 500 individually numbered bottles, this rare release captures the mysticism of the serpent with Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud taking inspiration from the Chinese legend of Nüwa, the goddess who mended the heavens and shaped humanity.
Valtaud selected eaux-de-vie from past Years of the Snake editions and blended them with the original L’Or de Jean Martell, which consists of over 1,400 eaux-de-vie from Cognac’s finest terroirs. With light amber with mahogany undertones, the Assemblage du Serpent reveals itself in layers. The nose picks up citrus and soft spices, followed by the aromas of cedar, tobacco, and walnuts before it evolves into candied fruits, blackcurrant, and quince marmalade. On the palate, we have bold citrus and roasted wood.
The decanter is shaped like a single, pure drop of cognac. Crowned with a red crystal stopper sculpted into a serpent’s head, the neck is sheathed in 19-carat gold and engraved with a snakeskin motif (that's where the edition number is found). Resting on a gold-tone pedestal etched with tiny scales, the ensemble is a triumph of craftsmanship.
If you've SGD14,888 lying about, you can use that to get the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent. Purchase can be made at Pernod Ricard Singapore’s members club, Le Cercle or via e-mail at hello@le-cercle.sg
Once more, for this year, Glenfiddich, roped in another collaborator—contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu—for another round of exclusive gift sets. Titled A Gift for Great Encounters (福鹿双至), this series toasts the intersection of two storied cultures. Drawing inspiration from the imagined meeting of the Glenfiddich Stag and the mythical Nine-Coloured Deer (a legendary creature from Chinese lore), we get a stunning tableau of the encounter that's brought to life through Zhang Yu's brush strokes.
At the heart of this limited-edition series is the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish 21-Year-Old, a whisky that embodies time, craft, and a touch of tropical indulgence. Complementing it are special gift packs featuring the core range—12-, 15-, and 18-Year-Old variants—each paired with whisky-nosing glasses. (If you're interested in the 21-Year-Old Gran Reserva, you can find it at Changi Airport’s Lotte Duty Free stores.)
Until 28 February, purchases of these gift packs come with Glenfiddich red packets. These limited-edition releases can be found at selected retailers like Paneco, and Changi Airport’s Lotte Duty Free stores. For more details, click here
Carlsberg trades in its usual visuals for something new to mark its 178th anniversary. This Chinese New Year, the iconic Danish brewer partners with creative duo 1983ASIA (Yao & Su Su) for a limited-edition packaging as part of its Carlsberg 一起發 campaign.
Yao and Su Su took Carlsberg’s iconic Hop Leaf motif and turned it into a symbol of vitality and good fortune—a golden snake crowned with hops, its body adorned with blossoming flowers; a vision of renewal, crowned with legacy.
The campaign, Carlsberg 一起發, carries a deeper meaning. In Chinese, the phrase sounds like "one," "seven," and "eight," a homonym for unity, success, and prosperity; a nod to Carlsberg’s milestone year, connecting nearly 200 years (okay, so we rounded up a bit) of brewing expertise to the promise of a flourishing future.
Carlsberg 一起發 is available at FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant and Cold Storage; each purchase can net a free limited-edition Prosperity Poker Set. For more information, click here.
Every Saint Patrick’s Day, we hear about the missionary who drove snakes out of Ireland. But while Ireland shunned reptiles, The GlenAllachie has embraced them with its first Chinese Zodiac-themed release: The Year of the Snake Edition—an 11-Year-Old Single Malt finished in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and Virgin Oak casks.
Master Distiller Billy Walker, a true virtuoso of whisky, helms this release. This Zodiac-inspired whisky caters to Asia’s growing demand for Scotch. “Having travelled to numerous Asian countries this year,” Walker says, “I’ve witnessed first-hand the appreciation for Scotch whisky in the region. This expression is a toast to that moment.” At 48 per cent ABV, the whisky offers a symphony of flavours: orange peel, caramelised ginger, and brandied cherries on the nose; butterscotch, blood orange, and cinnamon butter on the palate. It’s a dram born from a triad of wood finishes—Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks paired with charred Virgin Oak barrels.
Its presentation is equally striking. Wrapped in auspicious green, the packaging features hand-drawn illustrations and embossed gold accents, with a snake charm hanging from the neck—more talisman than ornament.
Purchase The GlenAllachie’s Year of the Snake Edition here
If you're a fan of Tamiya Racing cars, you might dig Asahi Super Dry's newest limited-edition cans. The Japanese beer company teamed with TERADAMOKEI for a limited-edition model kit-designed cans and packaging to elevate the season into a playground of creativity.
Founded in 2011 by architect and designer Naoki Terada, TERADAMOKEI began with small paper model kits for architectural dioramas. Soon, Terada and his team redefined the genre by swapping machinery motifs for intimate human scenes and replacing plastic with paper. It’s craft with character, as much about storytelling as it is about design.
For the Asahi Super Dry TERADAMOKEI editions, the cans are a 1:100 scale masterpiece—TERADAMOKEI's signature—with a design that captures a bustling Lunar New Year scene in miniature: tables set with Asahi Super Dry glassware, laughter in the air, and decorations lending a celebratory glow. Barley and hops take centre stage in vibrant yellow as speech bubbles dance across the design, symbolising the connections we make during this time of year. Wrapped in Lunar New Year red with Asahi’s iconic silver, the cans strike a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
Asahi Super Dry TERADAMOKEI Edition is out now and comes with an exclusive red packet set. Each pack of six (330ml) cans also comes with a unique model kit sticker pack and is available at major supermarkets islandwide as well as online at RedMart and Shopee
A snake, delicately engraved in 18-carat red gold—a material revered in Chinese culture for its symbolisation of power, wealth, and happiness—coils gracefully around the branch of a Gingko tree. Set against an aventurine glass dial, a nocturnal theatre unfolds, where luminous constellations dance around a grand mother-of-pearl moon. The scene feels suspended, as if time has loosened its grip, much like the slow uncoiling of the snake towards the observer.
And yet, it is the snake’s gaze that holds you. Calm, untroubled, its eyes neither condemn nor forgive. They simply are. No malice lingers, no cunning plans slither. Instead, they offer a reflection—of peace, of introspection, of something that cannot quite be named. What do you see in those eyes? Or, perhaps, what do they see in you?
From front to back, darkness is a ubiquity that dominates both planes of the case. Through the alchemy of Grand Feu enamel, glass and metal fuse to form a rich, lustrous black surface—polished to a depth that feels endless. It carries an air of decadence akin to that of lacquerwork used in ancient China, which made objects feel permanent and sacred.
Out of this deep darkness unfurls a wreath of golden clouds—and from that gilded haze, a fierce snake, its fangs bared in defiance. There is no restraint, no artifice—only unbridled fervour. Eighty hours were poured into carving this snake. Take another look at the watch, do you see only a snake? Or do you notice the weight of time, etched into every scale, every fang, and every curve?
At first glance, the watch looks unassuming. Elegant, yes, but lacking the bold allure of its counterparts. Yet, there’s beauty in this restrain, an insistence on not showing its cards all at once. In Chinese culture, red is the pulse of life itself—the sun in the sky, the flow of blood, the warmth of fire. Gold, in contrast, carries the weight of good fortune, the shimmer of prosperity. Together, red and gold meet on the dial, not in a clash but in a union, creating a (quiet) explosion of decadence.
The story deepens once you turn over the watch. An 18-carat 5N gold snake takes the form of an oscillating mass, flush against your skin. As you move, it moves with you, slithering silently. Where is it heading, this golden serpent? Towards wealth, perhaps? Success? Or is it endlessly chasing its own tail, caught in the eternal futility of wanting what can never be held?
If the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake was a study in restraint, Dior’s Grand Soir Year of the Snake is a masterclass in opulence. Set against a dreamy mother-of-pearl dial adorned with a Toile de Jouy Pattern, a beautiful opaline snake outlined in rose gold emerges from a canopy of leaves. In its wake, flowers shimmer from transformation, their petals shifting from iridescent to golden. Even butterflies fall to this Midas-like touch—their bodies infected with golden blight from antennae to tail.
But the snake is not content being contained within the confines of the dial. Its influence extends outwards, claiming even the watch itself. Stainless steel may construct the case, but the bezel has been graced by rose gold, encrusted with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds along its circumference. Here, the serpent slithers between worlds of boundless ambition and the almost-dangerous power of beauty. And as you trace its path, only questions arise: Where does ambition end and excess begin? Or does the snake know something that we don’t—that boundaries, like time itself, are nothing more than illusions?
Chinese New Year is right around the corner, and it often presents two dilemmas: escaping the annual interrogation from the aunties or ponder the age-old conundrum of what to wear. While we can't help with the former, we definitely got you covered for the latter. This guide is your go-to for stepping into the Lunar New Year with style.
If a sleek, refined look is on your agenda this year—you're on the right page. TOM FORD's ivory cashmere and silk polo shirt is a staple piece, accentuated with mother-of-pearl buttons for that subtle sheen. Finished with their signature gold TOM FORD embroidered label, it's the epitome of understated sophistication for this Chinese New Year.
The collection is available in stores.
Loro Piana reimagines its iconic Bomber jacket to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Originally designed in 2003, the Bomber combines the Maison’s signature craftsmanship with refined practicality, perfect for a polished look on a chilly day.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Golden Goose's global brand ambassador Jackson Yee struts the genderless round-neck sweatshirt adorned with hand-embroidered red floral motifs, paired effortlessly with medium-wash denim. The jeans feature intricate snake embroidery on the back pockets—a subtle yet festive nod to the occasion.
When it comes to Golden Goose, its iconic Ball Star trainers take centrestage, reimagined in crisp white leather with snake-print details, bold red stitching, and matching lace for a fresh, festive twist.
The Golden Goose collection is available in stores and online.
Fendi ushers in the season with a bold collection—key pieces include the Peekaboo ISeeU Small and Baguette Soft Trunk bags, crafted from black Cuoio Romano leather. Adding to the allure, the Fendi Eyes motif receives a sophisticated makeover, adorning ready-to-wear pieces and the Fendi Flow sneakers.
The Fendi Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and online.
Kenzo's artistic director Nigo reimagines the House's signature collection with contemporary flair. The iconic Boke Flower has been reintepretated as a golden snake graphic, symbolising prosperity and abundance. The gold and red tones dominate for a vibrant yet sophisticated palette.
The Kenzo Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and online.
This collection proves that Giorgio Armani owns the sophisticated look with its delicate yet intricate snake embroideries on their timeless pieces as seen on Chinese celebrity Hu Ge. The ready-to-wear pieces are perfect for both special occasion and everyday wear.
The collection is available in stores.
Global ambassador Xiao Zhan models the captivating selection of ready-to-wear pieces featuring the snake motif woven seamlessly into each design. The collection exudes effortless style, brought to life with exquisite attention to detail.
Meanwhile, the iconic Gucci Re-Webb sneakers are crafted from beige and ebony Original GG canvas, and adorned with intricate snake details around the silhouette.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Let's not forget about travel and lifestyle accessories that are both practical and stylish. TUMI delivers a limited-edition capsule featuring a glided snake graphic inspired by calligraphy brushstrokes. Each piece is covered in gold detailing, symbolising good fortune and abundance for the year ahead.
And to spice things up, receive a limited-edition luggage tag available only with purchases, while stocks last.
The collection is available in stores and online.
When seeking chic, timeless essentials, the Lunar New Year Capsule from Ralph Lauren is the collection you can trust. This year's offering features the Polo Ralph Lauren corduroy shirt, crafted with fine-wale corduroy and adorned with the signature embroidered Pony. The brand's iconic cable-knit sweaters also come into play, made from luxurious wool and cashmere yarn sourced from Italy.
The collection is available in store and online.
Burberry introduces a capsule featuring a seasonal iteration of the Burberry Check, as well as a B snake on a wide array of garments.
The distinctive design of Burberry's Bubble sneaker exudes a playful charm with its rounded silhouette and enhanced by the subtle B snake detail.
The collection is available in stores and online.
This collection brings together some of Tod's most iconic designs, including the timeless Gommino and the sleek T Vintage Sneakers. Each piece is reimagined in a vibrant colour palette that honours the spirit of the season, in shades of red—a nod to the colour's significance in Chinese culture as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Creative director Adrian Appiolaza takes inspiration from a painting by Franco Moschino, back in the late '80s, where a three-dimensional stuffed snake framed the artwork. Reimagining this piece for the Chinese New Year, he infuses it with signature Moschino symbols, reinterpreted with a snake motif. Emblems like the peace sign and question mark are given a playful, serpentine twist.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Ah, yes. Chinese New Year—the time where tossing grated carrots and radish into the air while shouting auspicious phrases (that sometimes feel just shy of expletives) is only rivalled by the act of gathering with loved ones around a roundtable, bound together by the dizzying charm of a lazy susan. For those looking to experience this (and then some), here's an intimate list of restaurants we'd actually bring our families to this CNY.
Madame Fan celebrates Chinese New Year with a festive menu that retains its Cantonese roots while embracing the artistry of modern culinary. Traditional favourites anchor the menu: Halibut Yu Sheng, abundant Poon Choi, Premium Bird’s Nest in Superior Broth with Crab Meat and Crab Roe, Steamed Red Grouper perfumed with Preserved Black Bean and Chilli, and Pipa Prawn bathed in Chicken Broth.
While some dishes remain reassured in their essence, others emerge transformed through subtle and contemporary touches. Take the Cantonese-style Kampong Chicken that’s elevated by crunchy ribbons of parma ham. But it’s the intersection between the silky, subtle flavours of chicken and the ham’s rich umami depths that intrigue. The Steamed Flower Crab with egg white is aromatised by Chinese Yellow Wine and spring onions to create a wonderfully sweet and savoury bite that intensifies with every chew. And then there’s the Caviar Fried Rice with Conpoy, Crab Meat, and Egg White—a dish that tastes just as indulgent as it sounds.
Price: From SGD108 per pax
When: Until 16 February
Where: The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
With over two decades of serving up authentic Shanghainese cuisine under their belt, Grand Shanghai has earned its place as a trusted institution among Singapore's traditionalists. Grand Shanghai sets a high standard with its Yu Sheng, featuring salmon, abalone, fried silverfish, and a medley of auspicious “huat” ingredients. The result? One of the most memorable Yu Shengs we’ve had. Is using a Chinese restaurant’s Yu Sheng as a barometer of its overall quality a thing? Maybe it should be, because this dish set a high standard for the courses ahead, which (spoiler alert) it upheld.
The Double-Boiled Abalone Soup was deeply satisfying, with a rich, umami-laden broth that avoided being overpowered by Chinese herbs. The Steamed Cod Fish with bamboo shoots was another standout, its creamy flesh perfectly balanced by the savoury soy sauce. Following this, the Crispy Roasted Chicken emerges fragrant with garlic, its skin well-roasted and flesh succulent. Other dishes include the Braised 6-Head Abalone with fish maw, dried oysters, and brown sauce; Stir-Fried Glutinous Rice; Pan-Fried Nian Gao; and the comforting Double-Boiled Peach Gum with red dates and lotus seeds.
Price: From SGD178 per pax
When: Until 12 February
Where: Level 1 King's Centre, Singapore 169662
Not that we're keeping track, but this little hole in the wall has been consistently paying homage to the lunar new year over the years. This year's pop-up is no different with time-tested favourites like the 算盤子 (Abacus Seeds); housemade yam gnocchi with Hokkaido baby scallops that's glazed and dusted. Also, fresh Year of the Snake additions like the 蛇窩 (Snake’s Nest); tiger prawn and lotus root balls dressed in mala mascarpone and fruit.
Cocktails are where you'll find the CNY goodies . From pineapple tart-inspired negroni 財源滾滾 (Rolling in Prosperity) and kueh bangkit rendition of clarified and foamy coconut and bourbon mix 八方來財 (Wealth All Around); to the occasion quintessential bak kwa sour 諸事順利 (Smooth Sailing Ahead).
Price: From SGD28
When: Until 8 Feburary
Where: 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
For an unconventional Yusheng, the longstanding Japanese omakase/steakhouse does a beefy special on tradition with their Signature Gyu Sheng. Good for up to five guests, the slices of marbled Toriyama Umami Wagyu takes centerstage amidst ikura, chuka kurage, wakame and more. The dish is available for dine-in only and with a pre-order of two days.
Price: From SGD68
When: Until 5 Feburary
Where: Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02, Singapore 248649
If you're looking for an array of textures for your goodies, Chatterbox (yes, that SGD25 Chicken Rice place) has added the savoury cripsy Chicken Biscuits to complement their buttery Pineapple Balls and gooey Molten Chocolate Cookies. Needless to say, perfect for gifting too.
It's Chinese New Year and, of course, the brands will capitalise on the Year of the Dragon. We compiled several dragon-themed fashion pieces before and this time, we are showcasing spirits. From Martell to Asahi, here are some of our favourites.
In this collaborative effort, Martell worked with Vincent Darré. Known for his flamboyant creations Darré brings a contemporary vision to this exclusive release.
Darré delved into Martell's archival illustrations and accounts to immerse himself in the alchemy of the distillery. He evoked the grace of doves of peace; weaving an allegory where the Martell Swift becomes a universal messenger of warmth and generosity. The blue ribbon of Martell Cordon Bleu serves as the thread connecting the swifts, mirroring the cognac's ability to unite people with its generous taste. In Darré's vision, the Martell Swift is a cognac ambassador, traversing land and sea to deliver a message of hospitality to all corners of the world. The gift box is a cut-away masterpiece that tells the story of the bottle: the swifts, the globe and the blue ribbon create a portrayal of the Swift's voyage and the globally acclaimed Martell Cordon Bleu. True to Darré's signature style, both the box and the bottle exhibit a watercolour effect.
Another bottle that Vincent Darré tackled is the Martell Noblige. His animal of choice? The stately dragon. As this Lunar New Year's latest zodiac representative, the dragon pays tribute to the meeting of two cultures, represented by a magnificent, dazzling dragon and an elegant, stylised Swift, symbolising Maison Martell’s spirit of freedom. It also highlights the historic connection between China and Martell, thanks of their first shipment to the country in 1858.
The bottle and gift box depict ships laden with precious cognac are guided on their voyage. From France, its marked by flying swifts, while twin dragons welcome them on their arrival in China.
Royal Salute, the blended aged Scotch whisky brand unveils a special edition gift pack. The artwork is courtesy of Chinese-born creator Yunshu Li. Echoing the festivity's vibrancy, it cradles the regal elixir—the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend.
With a dazzling swirl of details, Li weaves figurative cues, unleashing a cascade of colour that captures the spirit of celebration. The iconic "gun salute" is a shot fired from the Tower of London; the bouquets symbolises wishes of happiness, growth, prosperity and love. At its core, the 21 Year Old Signature Blend, is a sophisticated and opulent character. With notes of ripened fruits and delicate spice notes, making it the choice for the elevation of celebratory moments.
Glenfiddich's celebrates with "A Gift For Blossoming Futures." Collaborating with Raku Inoue, this limited edition collection symbolises the anticipation of new starts and a life in full bloom. Inspired by nature, Inoue's artistry breathes life into the fusion of the iconic Glenfiddich stag and the mythical Wood Dragon.
This limited edition series extends throughout Glenfiddich's core range— the Reserva Rum Cask 21 Year Old pack, the 12, 15 and 18 Year Old variants. Each gift pack comes with Glenfiddich-branded whisky glasses.
(Find an immersive Glenfiddich experience at the CNY Pop-Up at Suntec City Atrium Tower 3 & 4 until February 4, 2024.)
Macallan's "A Night on Earth," a single malt Scotch whisky that transcends the ordinary. It's about reuniting with a loved one and this limited-edition bottle is the product after the maturation in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks with American ex-bourbon barrels.
Working with mixed-media artist Nini Sum from Shanghai, each layer of the pack becomes a canvas of meaning. Sum's vibrant illustrations adorn each "A Night on Earth" package. From the first glimpse to the final pour, every moment with "A Night on Earth" is designed to invoke a sense of awe.
Artist James Jean can do no wrong and he gives the Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle a lovely festive facelift. In his reinterpretation of the Wood Dragon, the serpentine beast "springs from bountiful flora
and fauna, and bursts to life with auspicious ambition". Composed of flora elements, the dragon sits in a layered artwork that has nods to Johnnie Walker like the chrysanthemums that represents the liquid gold. "I want the viewer to peel back the layers and discover more about the image," Jean says. "I want my work to function from far away but reveal more details the more closely you explore the imagery.”
Roping in the talents of Chinese multimedia artist, Yang Yongliang, the "Dragon's Odyssey" collection takes the traditional dragon and breathes new life into it via a digital reworking. Hennessy has its bottles—Hennessy V.S.O.P; Paradis and Hennessy X.O—given a makeover that's inspired by Yang's "Dragon's Odyssey" piece. The V.S.O.P is a vibrant red hue to usher in CNY and the Paradis the porcelain decanter features hand-painted gold dragon motifs and is crafted by Bernardaud, a 160 year-old French heritage porcelain maker. The Paradis is limited in 485 numbered pieces. Lastly, the X.O is another limited edition that comes in a gold colourway.
From Speyside, Scotland, Benriach puts out its 2020 relaunch of its 12 year olds. Called The Twelve, the single malt was overseen by Master Blender Rachel Barrie as it mature in a troika of casks—sherry, bourbon, and Port. The results are dried fruit notes, coffee and spices. This limited edition is made even special thanks to the dragon edition; the taste is the same but the design gets a CNY treatment.
Asahi gives their Super Dry beer the pixelated once-over. Japanese pixel artist, Hermippe, gives his own spin of the dragon. Hermippe’s intricate design uses something called a “mixel”, which is a technique that combines several types of dot sizes to create the illustration. The final result is the dragon that reflects a future full of possibilities and with the collaboration, it gives the vibrancy of modern Japan.