‘Squid Game’ Celebrates New Season With Johnnie Walker Special Edition

The first season of the Korean show ' Squid Game ' was the most watched series ever released on Netflix, quickly racking up over 1.5 billion hours of views in its first month. With the second season set to premier on December 26, the show has teamed up with Johnnie Walker to release a special edition: Johnnie Walker Black Label 'Squid Game,' complete with their iconic 'Striding Man' logo now donning the show's green tracksuit and all bottles labeled with a number from 1 to 456, representing the contestants on the show. At a recent event in Times Square, rapper and comedian Lil Dicky — who's worked with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Brad Pitt — helped launch the collaboration and we spoke about his favorite way to enjoy the whisky and whether or not he has what it would take to survive on the show.

What was your first cocktail?

The Moscow Mule. I remember it came in the copper mug and I found it funny they had a specific cup for a cocktail.

Do you enjoy wine as well?

I'm probably more of a cocktail person, but I do drink wine.

What's your favorite spirit now?

(Laughs) Well Johnnie Walker of course. When I was in New York City with the Johnnie Walker team, they handed me a drink called the 456 (recipe below) that they created with the 'Squid Game' edition and it was just delicious. It was an ideal way to drink Johnnie Walker — but I also like it neat. I like the feeling of the whisky going down the chest. It makes you feel warm and cozy.

How did your involvement with 'Squid Game' and Johnnie Walker come about?

I only like to do brand collaborations with things that I actually love. And when I found out that they needed someone for not just a brand that I love but also combined with 'Squid Games' — which is a show that I love — wow, what a great synergy here. Two things that I love and they want to conspire. I was just like absolutely.

So you're a big fan of the show?

There was that moment where it became such a cultural phenomenon and then I thought 'well, I'm gonna check this out.' Just like pretty much everybody in the world — as soon I started it's hard to stop. So I got hooked.

Do you have a favorite episode or character?

I wouldn't say I have a favorite episode and I definitely wouldn't say I have a favorite character. I'm in love with the wardrobe! And I love the score. When I think of the things I love most about 'Squid Game' it's the theme song.

Any secret knowledge of what happens in Season Two?

You would think they would tell me some sort of inside information. But I have absolutely nothing. I much prefer it that way. I'm a fan just like everybody. I wouldn't want to know what's going to happen.

You got to drink Johnnie Walker surrounded by the guards from the show.

I found it both bizarre and impressive that whoever was in those costumes — they did not break character. They wouldn't speak to me. I know that there's just some aspiring actor sitting inside of that costume. But they must've been given instructions to take it really seriously. It's like when I go to haunted house — it's my goal, I just want the people to break. I want them to give it up, but the best ones never do.

How do you think you would you do competing on 'Squid Game?'

I would probably win. I've got elite athleticism and as far as heart and willpower, I've never met anybody that has more than me.

Are you good at making alliances?

Definitely. When you look at my catalog I've worked with all these icons already and I think that's a tribute to my social skills. If I can get Brad Pitt to be in 'Dave' I think I can get the right alliances in 'Squid Game.'

Have you ever shared a drink with one of your idols?

I met Kevin Hart at his bachelor party. I wasn't there because I was his friend, I just happened to be performing at the Las Vegas pool party where he was celebrating. So all of a sudden I'm drinking with Kevin Hart. Not only do I think he's one of the funniest men of all time but I'm also from Philadelphia so I have an even more special place in my heart for him. And then years later I still had his number and I hit him up about executive producing my TV show and that's exactly what he did.

I just had the honor of being one of his presenters at the Mark Twain Prize, which is like the Oscar for comedians. And like, the list of people who presented for him: Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and like me (laughs). I was so honored to be a part of it.

The 456 Cocktail (Courtesy of Johnnie Walker)

Ingredients:

.5 oz of Barley Tea Syrup

.5 oz Lemon Juice

Club Soda

Build ingredients minus club soda into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake and double strain into an ice filled Collins glass with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with an Umbrella Dalgona Cookie

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