Look, I love it when collabs actually make sense. Most of the time, we get partnerships that feel like they were dreamed up by throwing darts at a board of random brands (still holding out for Titleist x Old Spice).
But every once in a while, something comes along that’s so perfectly on the nose it actually works – like Sunday Swagger teaming up with Uncrustables (because nothing says golf fashion quite like golf’s semi-official sandwich).
Enter the Johnnie Walker x Devereux Golf “Spirit of the Cup” collection and, friends, this one hits different. Golf and whisky? It’s such a natural pairing that you’d think every distillery would have a golf line by now. Maybe they do (it’s possible I got really drunk and forgot), but this one actually feels thought out.
With the Ryder Cup heading to Bethpage for the first time, Johnnie Walker decided to lean into golf’s most spirited (see what I did there?) rivalry with a collection that includes everything from hockey jerseys (I’ll get to that) to cocktail kits that’ll be perfect for Americans celebrating victory and Europeans drowning their sorrows in the kind of premium Scotch whisky that losers don’t deserve.
The gear that makes (some) sense
Let’s start with the Johnnie Walker Knitted Cardigan because, apparently, we’ve reached peak golf when whisky companies are making sweaters. Crafted from soft knitted cotton with the Johnnie Walker Golf Club logo on the back and featuring a “Striding Man and Skull Caddie” on the front. The tipped red sleeve adds what they’re calling “a subtle pop of distinction,” marketing speak for “look, we put whisky branding on a golf sweater and somehow it works.”
Then there’s the Johnnie Walker Topo Polo, which comes in “Golden Topo” and “Sky Topo” colorways representing Team USA and Team Europe, respectively. The topographic design mirrors “the shifting lines of the course and the clash of continents.” It features moisture-wicking tech and high-density branding of the Striding Man, Skull Caddie and “Keep Walking” tagline. Because nothing says peak performance like having a whisky mascot on your chest while you’re trying to break 80.
Hockey jerseys, because … why not?
Now for the best part (besides the whisky).
Things get wonderfully weird with the hockey jerseys, which apparently are becoming a thing in golf.
Thanks, Happy Gilmore.
It’s a strange choice for a whisky-themed golf collaboration but since almost nothing makes sense anymore, I’m going with it. These limited-edition pieces come in Team USA and Team Europe colorways, featuring embroidered patches, appliqué chest logos and cut-and-sew fabric construction.
The jerseys are described as “one-of-a-kind, tricked-out” and, honestly, in a world where we’re putting carbon fiber in everything and selling drivers for $650+, hockey jerseys for golf fans feel almost sensible.
The jerseys ship Oct. 15 which gives you just enough time to figure out how to explain to your playing partners why you’re wearing one.
There are hats and T-shirts available for those who want something a little less hockey-adjacent. Sadly for the purists among us, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Sunday Bags (limited to 100) already sold out.
Think of it as an extra $248 in your pocket right there. My daughter says that’s girl math.
Cocktail kits for the people
Perhaps the most sensible part of this entire collaboration are the cocktail kits. Available in USA and Europe editions through Cocktail Courier, these kits come loaded with everything you need to make their signature drinks: the “Keep Walking 18” and the “Johnnie Lemonade.”
The Keep Walking 18 features Johnnie Walker Black Label, Rose’s Lime, lemon juice, ginger beer, soda water and Angostura bitters. It’s basically a whisky highball with aspirations, served in a Collins glass with a lemon wheel and mint bouquet because presentation matters when you’re celebrating (or commiserating).
The Johnnie Lemonade keeps it simpler with Black Label, lemon juice, simple syrup and iced tea. It’s the kind of drink that says, “I’m sophisticated enough to drink whisky but approachable enough to mix it with iced tea.”
Each kit comes with a 375-ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label, all the mixers, branded metal cups, a cross-body bag, a Devereux hat, golf balls, tees and ball markers. It’s like Christmas morning for adults who have strong opinions about golf equipment and brown liquor.
European fans might want to consider ordering two kits – you’re going to need the extra whisky when Team USA inevitably dominates at Bethpage.
The Spirit of the Cup tour
From Sept. 24-28, Johnnie Walker is bringing their branded truck to New York City for watch parties, street golf games and samples of their signature cocktails. They’re calling it “bringing golf to the streets,” which sounds like either the best or worst idea anyone’s had since someone decided to put windmills and clown’s mouths on miniature golf courses.
You can track the truck’s locations at johnniewalker.com/clubhouse assuming you’re the type of person who follows branded trucks around the city for free whisky samples and street golf. No judgment – we’ve all made questionable decisions in the name of free stuff.
The bottom line
This collaboration works because it acknowledges something golf has been dancing around forever: a significant portion of the game happens after the 18th hole and that portion often involves adult beverages. Johnnie Walker and Devereux aren’t trying to revolutionize golf fashion or reinvent the wheel. They’re just leaning into the natural partnership between golf, whisky and looking good while doing both.
Is a hockey jersey necessary for your golf wardrobe? Probably not. Will you look ridiculous wearing it to your local muni? Almost certainly. But will you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself when you’re sipping a Keep Walking 18 while watching the Ryder Cup unfold?
Absolutely.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what a good collaboration should do.
The Spirit of the Cup collection is available now with cocktail kits perfect for Americans celebrating victory and Europeans drowning their sorrows in style.
The post Johnnie Walker x Devereux Golf: The Spirit Of The Cup Collection appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
