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Diageo introduces Johnnie Walker Blue label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich

12 October 2021 By Jessica Mason

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich has been launched by Diageo to showcase the rare whiskies from the Speyside “ghost” distillery.

The Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare series of special editions is made using irreplaceable ‘ghost’ whiskies and other rare expressions from the Johnnie Walker reserves used to create Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

The Speyside distillery of Pittyvaich, which opened in 1974, closed its doors in 1993 after only 18 years in operation making its former whiskies a rarity.

Johnnie Walker master blender Jim Beveridge said: “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.”

Beveridge hand-selected two other “ghost” whiskies from the distilleries of Port Dundas and Carsebridge to help showcase the rare Pittyviach expressions. Rare Scotch from a quartet of Speyside distilleries including: Mannochmore, Auchroisk, Cragganmore and Strathmill as well as the Highland whisky of Royal Lochnagar were then added to the blend.

The 43.8%-ABV Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich is the fourth release in the series and will be available from 1 November retailing at £275 per 70cl bottle.

The release follows the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal in 2019, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen in 2018 and Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Brora in 2017.