Crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Distiller, Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is a wealthy, velvety smooth blend of eight treasured Scotch whiskies, including three “ghost” whiskies from the silent distilleries of Cambus, Pittyvaich and the Highland Single Malt, Brora, which lies at the heart of this special release bringing a light peatiness and sophisticated subtle sweetness.

Each bottle is in my view numbered.

Nose: Gentle, complex and almost understated. Softly fruity, with a waxy maturity, yet subtle, layered and enigmatic, it kind of feels to flit between the fruit, one of those silky creaminess, some smoke – even a mineral note – soft citrus, old cedar wood, dried raspberry leaf and agave syrup.

Palate: Thick and mouth-clinging, it’s like drinking silk. There’s some jellied fruits then, just as they appear to be rising to take the upper hand, in come the marine notes. Subtle, layered and with finesse. A little water pushes things in the middle and back palate without losing any of the textural qualities. If anything, it amplifies them, making you realise that this is as much about feel as flavour. In the same way as the nose never reasonably reveals itself fully, you get the blandness of poached pear, heathery smoke, and then a sweet spot in the middle where fruits and syrups rest.

Finish: Long and – dare I say – haunting. Conclusion This is about movement and time, flashes like memories rising then receding as others take their place. You’ll be able to only get this effect by blending. In truth, it’s what blending is about, and it is a masterpiece of that art.

Johnnie Walker Whisky
Special Packaging
70cl / 700ml
46% ABV
Produced in Scotland