Johnnie Walker releases new Blue expression

Johnnie Walker has announced the Australian launch of a new Blue Label expression called Ghost and Rare, which will focus on a rare whisky from one of the distilleries which shapes the Blue Label flavour.

This first edition of Ghost and Rare has whisky from the Brora Highland distillery at its heart; Brora closed its doors in 1983. In addition the expression includes whiskies from two other ghost distilleries in Cambus and Pittyvaich.

The whisky has been blended by Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, who said: Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the rarest whiskies ever to come out of Scotland. These whiskies and the distilleries they’re from, have a unique, inimitable character and they lend something very special to remarkable whiskies like Johnnie Walker Blue Label. I wanted to see what could happen if we explored particular aspects of that character in more depth.

“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.”

The other whiskies in the blend are rare expressions of malt and grains from the existing distilleries of Royal Lochnagar, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Cameronbridge.

Diageo’s Australian National Whisky Ambassador, Simon McGoram added: “In the 34 years since Brora went silent, its whisky has become some of the most highly- prized and sought-after Scotch on the planet.

“Renowned for exceptional quality and character, its addition to Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare brings a light peatiness, maritime influence and a subtle waxy sweetness to a rich, velvety and sophisticated blend.”

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is presented in a custom design dark blue bottle, showing the distilleries used in the blend, on a map of Scotland and will be available at selected liquor retailers from 5 March; the 46 per cent ABV whisky is $480 RRP.