Johnnie Walker have launched the first in a series of special release blends, made with irreplaceable cask whiskies from their long since closed, or “ghost”, distilleries.
The first is Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare (46% ABV) which is a blend of eight rare expressions of malt and grain Scotch whiskies from the existing distilleries of Royal Lochnagar, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Cameronbridge, together with three from the silent distilleries of Cambus, Pittyvaich and, at its heart, Brora.
The Highland single malt Brora brings a light peatiness and sophisticated subtle sweetness.
The result is described as a smooth scotch, with the fruity sweetness of pineapple, rich notes of hazelnut and dark chocolate, and a subtle smoky finish.
Each bottle is individually numbered.
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Commenting on the special release, Johnnie Walker Master Distiller, Jim Beveridge, 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.”