Ghost revival

Johnnie Walker unveils the fifth release in its acclaimed Ghost and Rare series whiskies.

01 December 2022

Johnnie Walker, the world’s No. 1 Scotch Whisky has announced the fifth release in the multi award-winning Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series.

Crafted from the unparalleled Johnnie Walker reserves, the latest release explores the character of exceptional and rare whiskies from one of world’s most famous grain whisky distilleries, the Glasgow “ghost” distillery of Port Dundas.

“Port Dundas was one of the finest grain whisky distilleries in the world and the rare expressions that we have chosen from our reserves are some of the most distinctive it has ever produced – their slow maturation allowing the delicate grain character to blossom,” Dr Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender says, as Johnnie Walker announces the release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas.

This distinguished distillery, nestled on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, shipped its distinct Scotch from Glasgow to ports across the world for nearly 200 years.

Built in 1811, at the highest point in the city’s rich commercial history, Port Dundas became a whisky-blending powerhouse. The distillery eventually grew to become known for its distinctive sweet and delicate grain character before it closed in 2010.

Katie Nagar, Australia Whisky Ambassador, introduced the fifth release in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series at Osborn House in the Southern Highlands.

Guests were treated to a superb combination of cuisine and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas.

These rare whiskies highlight how the distillery character of Port Dundas blossoms over a mellow maturation.

The Johnnie Walker team of expert whisky makers, led by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, handpicked the most distinctive expressions of maturing whisky from Port Dundas for this new limited edition.

It is the first Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare release from Emma, who has worked in the Johnnie Walker team for more than a decade and who took on the prestigious role of Johnnie Walker Master Blender at the beginning of 2022.

Emma chose to shine a light on these incredible expressions from Port Dundas, selecting a small number of distinctive, aged whiskies from our reserves, all matured in two different wood types to add depth and layers to the blend – whiskies from aged second fill American oak bringing a touch of creamy vanilla, and Scotch from first fill highly charred American oak bringing a subtle wood spice.

“These rare whiskies highlight how the distillery character of Port Dundas blossoms over a mellow maturation, perfectly showcasing the wonderful depth of flavour that this distinctively sweet and delicate grain whisky brings to Johnnie Walker Blue Label,” Emma explains.

“Its incredible character inspired us to create something truly extraordinary that pays proper tribute to the whisky makers of this storied Glasgow distillery.”

The Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare series of special editions is crafted using irreplaceable “ghost” whiskies and other incredibly rare expressions from the unparalleled Johnnie Walker reserves used to create the award-winning Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

To complement the fragrant wood spice character of Port Dundas, Emma and her team hand-selected two other ‘ghost’ whiskies from the distilleries of Cambus and Brora before combining these with other very rare Scotch from five iconic distilleries – crafting something truly exceptional.

Creamy, wood notes from Port Dundas embrace the vanilla and soft smoke from the “ghost” whiskies of Cambus and original stocks of Brora. Other very rare whiskies from Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie reveal notes of spiced apples alongside Clynelish, Dailuaine and Auchroisk, bringing aromas of peaches and berries.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas follows the release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich (2021), Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal (2019), Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen (2018) and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Brora (2017). 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.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas is bottled at an ABV of 43.8 percent and is available in select independent and national bottle stores from 28 November at a RRP of $549.99. Each bottle in this special release is individually numbered.

The latest release explores the character of exceptional and rare whiskies from the Glasgow “ghost” distillery of Port Dundas.

The distinctively sweet and delicate grain whisky brings a wonderful depth of flavour to Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a remarkable Scotch Whisky, crafted by our small team of expert blenders, who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of excellence. Led by Dr Emma Walker, they handpick the rarest whiskies from across the four corners of Scotland including some irreplaceable whiskies from distilleries long since closed.

Only 1 in 10,000 casks in our unparalleled reserves of over 10 million maturing Scotch whiskies has the richness and character required to intricately craft Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Inside every bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a velvety smooth and vibrant Scotch Whisky with layers of fruit, spice and smoky flavours.

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above else.

Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for over 18 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2021), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world.

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