Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is the first in a series of special releases created by Master Blender Dr. Jim Beveridge using whiskies from “ghost” distilleries that have long since closed, blended together with other malt and grain whiskies.
Three of these blending expressions hail from the ghost distilleries of Cambus, Pittyvaich, and the Highland single malt, Brora. Beveridge mixed these with whiskies from Clynelish, Royal Lochnagar, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Cameronbridge. Johnnie Walker has stocks from more than 30 distilleries from every region of Scotland from which to choose when blending.
The Brora distillery has been closed since 1983. Diageo recently announced that Brora will reopen in around three years time, but currently it is still silent and has not made whisky since it closed 34 years ago, making the remaining casks highly coveted by collectors. Single malt from the Brora distillery brings a light peatiness and sophisticated sweetness to Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare, the company says.
The new expression is 46% ABV, with sweetness of pineapple, notes of hazelnut and dark chocolate and a subtle smoky finish, the company says. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is available nationwide, while supplies last, for a suggested retail price of $399.99 per 750-ml. bottle.