Johnnie Walker Blue Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml Johnnie Walker

This is the fourth release in the much lauded and highly collectible Ghost & Rare series; following on from the Ghost & Rare: Brora, Port Ellen and Glenury Royal.

Pittyvaich distillery was, sadly, not long of this world. It was built in 1974 by Arthur Bell & Sons’, producers, at the time, of Britain’s best selling blended whisky, Bell’s. In 1993, however, ater a mere 18 years of operation, it was decided by the distillery’s new owners that the single malt produced there was surplus to demand (it was a very different time). Due to the distillery’s short lifespan and the fact that most of it was used as blending stock it is rare to see it as a single malt; or as is the case here in a premium blend that highlights this whisky.

Johnnie Walker master blender Jim Beveridge said of it, “We have waited patiently for the perfect moment to showcase this rare gem of the whisky world. Pittyvaich may only have thrived for a short period, but the whisky laid down by this distillery is something unmistakable. Its distinct autumnal character has always intrigued us and fired our imagination to create something really special that would pay tribute to the whisky makers of this Speyside distillery.”

This premium blend is made using whisky from three ghost distilleries: Pittyvaich, Port Dundas (grain) and Carsebridge (grain), as well as single malts from Mannochmore, Auchroisk, Cragganmore, Strathmill and Royal Lochnagar.

A sweet and fruity release in Johnnie Walker’s Blue Label Ghost & Rare series, featuring casks from Speyside ghost distillery Pittyvaich, as well as Port Dundas and Carsebridge. The palate offers notes of apples, autumnal berries, cinnamon, vanilla and crystalised ginger that linger in the finish.