GTME says the 2014 edition is the first in this series of annual, limited releases that will “showcase the height of craftsmanship and innovative spirit behind John Walker & Sons blended scotch whiskies, the ultra deluxe range from Johnnie Walker”.

Only 8,888 individually numbered decanters of the 2014 Edition, a smoky blend, will be released worldwide. Master blender Jim Beveridge has signed personally 10 numbers – 1888, 2888, 3333, 3888, 4888, 5555, 5888, 6666, 6888 and 7888 – to celebrate the Asia Pacific travel retail launch in partnership with DFS at its Singapore Changi Airport stores this month (May 2014).

Beveridge has selected 29 of his private reserve casks, tailormade blends and experimental casks from studies that have yielded outstanding whiskies, to create the 2014 edition.

It is described as a “rich and complex blend (ABV 46.8%), distinguished by its sophisticated expression of the smoky flavour characteristics from three celebrated whisky regions of Scotland – bold and peaty Islay smoke, fresh maritime island smoke, and a sweet, subtle Highland smokiness”.

The 2014 edition comes in a dark blue glass John Walker & Sons decanter to evoke the smoky characters that define this blend.

Diageo GTME global marketing director Steve White said: “We are delighted to unveil the John Walker & Sons Private Collection with DFS in Singapore. We recognise the high level of appreciation for ultra deluxe blended scotch whisky in Asia travel retail and this launch underlines our ongoing commitment to innovation and premiumisation.

“The 2014 Edition, a unique smoky blend, is a wonderful chance for travelling whisky connoisseurs and collectors to buy a scarce first decanter to begin their own remarkable John Walker & Sons Private Collection,” said White.

DFS’s senior vice president, global merchandising - spirits, wine & tobacco Brooke Supernaw said, “Today’s whisky connoisseurs are increasingly sophisticated, desiring collectibles of exceptional quality. The Johnnie Walker Private Collection will be a welcomed addition to our offering at DFS Singapore Changi Airport. We are excited and honoured to partner with both Diageo and Changi Airport to offer this limited edition from Johnnie Walker as an Asia First launch.”

The John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2014 Edition will be available exclusively in Asia Pacific at DFS Singapore Changi Airport this month with a recommended retail price of SGD925. It will roll out in travel retail stores in the rest of Asia Pacific from June.