Johnnie Walker announces Aussie release of Ghost & Rare

As it celebrates International Scotch Day, Diageo has announced it will release Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare in Australia. 

The first in a brand-new series of special releases, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is crafted using irreplaceable whiskies from ‘ghost’ distilleries that have long since closed, blended with other exceptionally rare malt and grain Scotch whiskies. 

These special editions will each focus on one remarkably rare whisky from a distillery that shapes the distinctive flavours of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. At the heart of the first edition to be released is precious whisky from the famed Highland distillery of Brora which closed its doors in 1983. 

Crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, (Master Blender of the Year in 2015 and 2016), Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare includes three ghost whiskies from the silent distilleries of Cambus and Pittyvaich and, of course, Brora which brings a deliciously light peatiness and sophisticated subtle sweetness. 

The additional five whiskies are rare expressions of malt and grains from the existing distilleries of Royal Lochnagar, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Cameronbridge. The result is a smooth Scotch, with the fruity sweetness of pineapple, rich notes of hazelnut and dark chocolate, and a subtle smoky finish. 

Beveridge 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.” 

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 highlyprized 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.  

Available to purchase from Dan Murphy’s and selected independent liquor stores from March 5, RRP $480 for a 750ml bottle (46% ABV).