The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare series of rare-distillery releases has unveiled its latest blend, based around the Speyside “ghost” distillery of Pittyvaich.
Pittyvaich had a short life. The distillery opened in 1974 and closed in 1993, after only 18 years of life.
“It may only have thrived for a short period, but the whisky laid down by this distillery is something unmistakable,” says Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker master blender.
This is the fourth release in the series. Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare features irreplaceable “ghost” whiskies and other rare expressions from the brand’s reserves used to create Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
Beveridge and his team selected two other “ghost” whiskies from the distilleries of Port Dundas and Carsebridge. They combined these with rare Scotch from a quartet of Speyside distilleries — including Mannochmore, Auchroisk, Cragganmore and Strathmill — as well as the Highland whisky of Royal Lochnagar.
“We have waited patiently for that perfect moment when we turn our thoughts to this fleetingly rare gem of the whisky world,” says Beveridge, of Pittyvaich. “Its distinct autumnal character has always intrigued us and fired our imagination to create something really special that would pay tribute to the whisky makers of this Speyside distillery.”
When tasted, notes of fresh apple gather with the autumnal flavors of Pittyvaich, balanced with the sweetness of honeycomb and soft wood from the “ghost” whiskies of Port Dundas and Carsebridge, the company reports. Other aromas include dark fruit and berries, plus butterscotch, stewing orchard fruits and a dash of cinnamon.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich follows the releases of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal (2019), Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen (2018) and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Brora (2017).
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich is 43.8% ABV. It’s available this November for a suggested retail price of $349.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
Each bottle in this special release comes individually numbered.
Searching for rare whiskeys during Bourbon Hunting Season 2021? Other recent releases include:
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- Diageo 2021 “Legends Untold” Special Releases Scotch Whisky Collection
- Wild Turkey Master’s Keep One bourbon whiskey
- Four Roses 2021 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon
- Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021 Limited Release: FAE-02
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C921
- Barrell Craft Spirits 2021 Gray Label Bourbon
- Mister Sam Blended Whiskey Second Edition
