Johnnie Walker is introducing a new line of Blue Label expressions collection that aims to bring forward some of the finest gems of the whiskey world. Blends in the new JW ensemble are sourced from distilleries that have perished long ago, with few rare versions also procured from running whiskey mills.
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. Crafted specially by Johnnie Walker Master Distiller, Jim Beveridge, the Blue Label Ghost and Rare consists of rich, velvety smooth blends of eight treasured Scotch whiskies in total.
The first batch has been built around single malt whisky from Brora, which closed in 1983, but which will reopen by 2020. Two additional lost distilleries are also included in the blend grain whisky from Cambus and single malt from Pittyvaich alongside five ‘rare’ expressions from the existing distilleries of Cameronbridge, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Royal Lochnagar.
With Brora at its heart, the first edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is described as having a ‘light peatiness and subtle sweetness’, with notes of pineapple, hazelnut and dark chocolate.
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.
While a 750-ml bottle of the Johnnie Walker Brora is set to sell for $399, prices of other Blue Label Ghost and Rare editions remain undisclosed.