Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich (70cl, 43.8%)
$450.00
The Ghost and Rare series from Johnnie Walker Blue Label kicked off in 2017 and took a break last year.
Diageo’s Johnnie Walker brand is readying the release of the fourth in its Ghost and Rare series of bottlings from the Blue Label expression.
A tribute to the now-defunct Pittyvaich distillery on Speyside, the no-age-statement blended malt will be available from next month in limited numbers. Whisky from two other closed distilleries, Port Dundas and Carsebridge, features in the blend along with liquid from Speyside’s Mannochmore, Auchroisk, Cragganmore and Strathmill as well as Royal Lochnagar in the Highlands.
Pittyvaich opened in 1974 before closing its doors 18 years later.
When contacted by Just Drinks, a spokesperson for Diageo declined to give specific quantities of the bottling, citing commercial sensitivity. However, each bottle will be “individually numbered”, according to the brand owner.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich follows 2017’s Brora bottling, Port Ellen from a year later and 2019’s Glenury Royal in the series.
Tasting Note
Nose: Waxy and fruity with apples and peaches, cinnamon and other baking spices, pastry, and orange peel. Is there a whisper of smoke here too?
Palate: Super creamy with caramel, custard, vanilla, milk chocolate, and peaches. Impeccably balanced with not a harsh edge in sight.
Finish: Long and creamy, honey and heather. Goes away and then comes back again.
Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich
Nose: That waxy note again with dried fruit, apricots and raisins, dark chocolate, marzipan, orange blossom, stone fruit, and citrus.
Palate: Really peppery and spicy, black and schezuan pepper, vanilla, toffee, and honey. Unctuous and layered, there are some beautifully aged grain whiskies in here. Plus stone and orchard fruit.
Finish: Finish is all sweetness, fudge with peaches and cream.
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