Diageo has launched Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal, the third release in a series of special editions crafted using rare “ghost” whiskies from closed distilleries.
At the heart of the whisky lies the Highland single malt Glenury Royal, from the distillery of the same name that shut its doors in 1985.
Founded in 1825 by Captain Robert Barclay, a Member of the British Parliament, the distillery was destroyed by a fire but later reopened to become one of only three Scottish distilleries to enjoy a royal title.
Johnnie Walker master blender Jim Beveridge said: “Shining a light on this hidden treasure of the whisky world is something we’ve wanted to do for some time.
“This indulgent new limited edition provides us with a wonderful opportunity to explore the remarkable layers of rich fruit found in every drop of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
“We have waited patiently for that moment when we turn our thoughts to this exceptionally rare whisky, carefully watching over our maturing casks until the time was right to explore its uniquely indulgent character.”
Jim and his team also selected two rare whiskies from the “ghost” distilleries of Cambus and Pittyvaich, balancing “creamy toffee and butterscotch notes” with the “sumptuous orchard fruits, sweet apple and delicate apricot character of Glenury Royal”.
Five other rare whiskies from Glen Elgin, Inchgower, Glenlossie, Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie are said to bring waves of vanilla, heather honey and dried fruits that weave through smooth dark chocolate and nutty layers.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal is bottled at an ABV of 43.8% and is available globally from October 2019 with an RRSP of 275 GBP for a 70cl bottle.
