Johnnie Walker opened The Johnnie Walker House in Shanghai, the first of its kind outside of Scotland, which marks a new chapter for whisky culture in China. Celebrities and the social elite joined in the event:  Xia Yu, who was a named winner at The 51st Venice film festival; Chen Kun, winner of both the Huabiao and Baihua award; and Peter Chan, the influential film director and producer took part in the unveiling ceremony on May 19. The three celebrity guests, along with Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender, Dr. Jim Beveridge, led a tour for distinguished guests inside The Johnnie Walker House and engaged them in an interactive exploration of centuries-old whisky culture, from the shores of Scotland to the luxury of Shanghai.

The three cinema influencers all described their personal connection with Johnnie Walker and how the brand’s ‘Keep Walking’ spirit has permeated their own lives and careers. After the ribbon was cut the distinguished guests were invited to a toast, marked with the first tasting of the Special Commemorative Edition, Johnnie Walker 1910, the whisky specially created for the House using tasting notes and recipes discovered from that time. It symbolizes the one hundred years of growth and discovery by Johnnie Walker since it first arrived in China in 1910 (the new product will only be available in China from the House).

“The Johnnie Walker House will inspire the next generation of individuals through the voices of those who have become leaders in their field. It is an amazing concept,” says Peter Chan, “To have a special house as the home of the global brand that most represents progress and inspiration in China, it is something that I totally support. My career has been a journey; I hope that people like me can share their stories to encourage progress in others.”

Earlier this year, the brand released a series of ‘Words of a Journey’ documentaries, in which 12 Chinese pioneers from different business fields shared their inspirational life stories.