Johnnie Walker is introducing a new line of Blue Label expressions featuring whiskies from lost distilleries.
Called Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare, the new line will be a series of limited releases, each created around a different whisky from distilleries that are no longer operational.
The first batch has been built around single malt whisky from Brora, which closed in 1983, but which will reopen by 2020.
Crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Distiller, Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is a rich, velvety smooth blend of eight treasured Scotch whiskies, including three “ghost” whiskies from the silent distilleries of Cambus, Pittyvaich and the Highland Single Malt, Brora, which lies at the heart of this special release bringing a light peatiness and sophisticated subtle sweetness.
Commenting on the special release, Jim said: “Over the years of crafting fine Scotch whiskies, I’ve had the remarkable privilege of working with some of the rarest spirits ever to come out of Scotland. I’m lucky that we have stocks from more than 30 distilleries from every region of Scotland from which to choose the perfect casks to craft each blend. It gives us a richness of character, flavour and age that no other scotch can match.
“Whiskies from these ghost distilleries are becoming increasingly rare. From our library of irreplaceable casks that we keep exclusively for Johnnie Walker Blue Label, I’ve chosen a few uniquely full-bodied expressions of these precious malts and grains to let people explore, in a new way, the extraordinary richness found in our pinnacle whisky.”
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is bottled at 46% abv and is available in limited quantities globally for about £220 for a 70cl bottle.
