Everything
This is how you really play Mahjong…
CHAPTER 1: THE GATHERING
As evening descends, friends converge and the mood is set as gameplans begin to formulate. Mahjong begins with understanding its components. Envision a set of 144 tiles, each intricately designed, categorised into Suits, Honors, and Bonus tiles. The Suits consist of Dots (or Circles), Bamboos, and Characters, each ranging from one to nine. Honours include Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (Red, Green, White). The Seasons and Flowers make up the Bonus tiles, adding a layer of complexity and opportunity for higher scoring.
CHAPTER 2: THE BASICS OF MAHJONG
Mahjong is fundamentally a symphony of strategy and chance. The game’s essence lies in creating a ‘Mahjong’ – a winning combination of tiles that typically comprises four sets (a meld of three tiles) and a pair, each set either a ‘pong’ (three identical tiles) or a ‘chow’ (three consecutive numbers in the same suit).
CHAPTER 3: THE ART OF THE DEAL
The game begins with each player constructing a wall of tiles in front of them, two tiles high and 18 tiles long. This ritual, reminiscent of the precision and care in crafting a blend of fine whisky, sets the tone for the evening. The walls are then ‘broken’ by a roll of the dice, determining where players will start drawing tiles, initiating a dance of strategy as each player seeks to build a winning hand.
CHAPTER 4: STRATEGY UNFOLDS
As players draw and discard tiles, the room fills with a palpable tension, punctuated by moments of triumph and frustration. Every discarded tile can be the winning detail for a fellow player, strategically revealed like the complex flavours of a Johnnie Walker Blue Label, where each experience reveals a new layer of taste. The game requires not just an understanding of the tiles but also a keen sense of observation and anticipation, traits synonymous with the appreciation of a finely crafted whisky.
CHAPTER 5: THE ELEGANCE OF JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL
Amidst the clattering of tiles and the concentration of players, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year bottle, a limited edition release celebrating the Year of the Dragon, stands as a testament to the art of blending. After savouring the opening aroma, initial tasting reveals notes of rich spice, vanilla sweetness and honey, caramel and hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and a long smoky finish. The bottle, designed by artist James Jean, is a tribute to craftsmanship and attention to detail, qualities that resonate deeply with the essence of Mahjong.
CHAPTER 6: TASTING VICTORY
The climax of Mahjong is in declaring ‘Mahjong’ with a complete hand, a moment of exhilaration and accomplishment. This victorious declaration mirrors the experience of appreciating the Johnnie Walker Blue Label, where each nuance and note is a discovery, a celebration of the blender’s art. The whisky, much like the game, is an exploration of complexity and balance, a journey through a landscape of sensory experiences.
CHAPTER 7: A SHARED EXPERIENCE
As the evening progresses, the game of Mahjong and the presence of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon 750ml bottle become more than just components of a social gathering. They become symbols of shared history, of moments savoured in good company. The game, with its rich cultural heritage, and the whisky, with its legacy of blending excellence, both speak to the value of time-honoured traditions and the joy of sharing them with friends.
CHAPTER 8: THE CONCLUSION
As the tiles are put away and the evening draws to a close, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon, bottle stands, a silent witness to the night’s camaraderie and competition. It has served as more than just an accompaniment; it has been an integral part of the experience, adding a layer of sophistication and shared appreciation to the ancient game of Mahjong.
CHAPTER 9: EPILOGUE
In this blend of Mahjong and Johnnie Walker Blue Label, tradition meets modernity, strategy intertwines with artistry, and every moment is a celebration of shared experiences. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Lunar New Year edition of the whisky, with its exquisite craftsmanship and deep roots in history, is not just a beverage but a symbol of the finesse and precision that are at the heart of both the game and the spirit.
The 2024 Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year edition, designed by James Jean, features a unique Wood Dragon, symbolising life, creativity, and prosperity. Reflecting Asian culture and Johnnie Walker’s progressive spirit, the design merges tradition with a forward-looking optimism. Jean’s multicultural background infuses the artwork with a dynamic blend of respect for the past and hopeful anticipation of the future.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY. GET THE FACTS: DRINKWISE.ORG.AU
Always drink Johnnie Walker responsibly.
STYLE GUIDE:
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, LUNAR NEW YEAR, YEAR OF THE DRAGON 750ML, SHOP NOW
HERMÈS MACAO MAHJONG GAME, $12,400, SHOP NOW
WATERFORD CRYSTAL CONNOISSEUR ARAS STRAIGHT TUMBLERS (PAIR), $299, SHOP NOW
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI HORN AND SILVER-TONE COASTERS (SET OF SIX), SHOP NOW
CARNER BARCELONA BLACK COLLECTION ROSE AND DRAGON EDP 50ML, $286, SHOP NOW
BOTTEGA VENETA DRAGON INTRECCIATO-LEATHER TOTE BAG, $8,250, SHOP NOW
DE DE CE JAPANESE PAPER MOON LIGHT, SHOP NOW
ICON PHOTO SHOOT CREW CREDITS:
CREATIVE DIRECTION: MARNE SCHWARTZ & DANÉ STOJANOVIC
PHOTOGRAPHY: VLADIMIR MARTÍ
FASHION STYLIST: LAURA JANE BROWN
HAIR: JEAN LUC AMARIN
MAKEUP: VANESSA W.
MODELS: WILFRED WONG, SIN YAN, CHING YEUNG, NAM / SELF MANAGEMENT HONG KONG
