Johnnie Walker announces the release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen. The second in a series of special editions crafted using irreplaceable ‘ghost’ whiskies and other incredibly rare whiskies from the Johnnie Walker Blue Label reserves used to create the award-winning Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
At the heart of this limited edition lies the highly sought-after Islay single malt, Port Ellen – a ‘ghost’ distillery that shut its doors in 1983. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen follows the exciting release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Brora last year. Each edition in the series offers a fleeting opportunity to savour the depth of character of whiskies from distilleries whose spirit lives on in their dwindling stocks.
For Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his small team of expert blenders the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series is an exciting exploration of flavour. Jim says: “These whiskies deliver a fascinating glimpse into another world, exploring the unique, inimitable character of whiskies from a small number of iconic, closed distilleries that lend something very special to every drop of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It’s really interesting to be able to put a spotlight on the character of these whiskies.”
Even though the Port Ellen distillery is now silent, Jim is excited to recapture the memory of the precious cargo of smoky Island single malts that was once carried on ships sailing from this famous distillery by balancing its unique character with other incredibly rare whiskies.
Jim explains: “‘Ghost’ whiskies from Caledonian and Carsebridge add layers of creamy, vanilla sweetness whilst rare malts from Mortlach, Dailuaine, Cragganmore, Blair Athol and Oban deliver rolling waves of waxy citrus, rich malt and tropical fruit flavours – all perfectly balanced by the distinctive maritime smokiness of Port Ellen that lingers in the long and warming finish.”
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen is bottled at an ABV of 43.8% and each bottle in this special release is individually numbered. It is available for purchase at all 1855 Bottle Shops and at selected specialist whisky stores.
