One such tale best told over a dram of whisky is that of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich. The special-edition Blue Label bottling draws upon Johnnie Walker’s library of rare whiskies, including an irreplaceable reserve from Pittyvaich, one of Scotland’s most short-lived distilleries. 

Paying homage to the legacy of the ‘ghost’ distillery – a term reserved for distilleries where casks have been kept long after a distillery has closed – and the unique style of whisky produced in the northeastern region of Scotland, the new release marks the fourth edition in the Ghost and Rare series.

Having opened in 1974, Pittyvaich ceased production after 18 years in 1993, leaving a short but lasting legacy behind of whiskies that Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge describes as “unmistakable”. 

“We have waited patiently for that perfect moment when we turn our thoughts to this fleetingly rare gem of the whisky world.

“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.”

To create the latest release, Beveridge also worked with two other ‘ghost’ whiskies from the distilleries of Port Dundas and Carsebridge, and rare reserves from the Speyside distilleries of Auchroisk, Cragganmore, Mannochmore, the Highland whisky of Royal Lochnagar and Strathmill.

While the brand doesn’t divulge the ratio used to create its blends (in ‘regular’ bottlings and limited edition releases), only 1 in 10,000 casks in a library of 10 million maturing Scotch whiskies has the desired qualities required to designate the status of a Blue Label release. 

In the glass of this edition, expect to find hints of honeycomb and soft wood courtesy of the Port Dundas and Carsebridge ‘ghost’ whiskies, alongside the autumnal flavours of Pattyvaich (think fresh, sweet apple). The combination of other rare reserves lends notes of dark fruit and berries together with butterscotch and stewing orchard fruits, making it an exceptional blend that we’d happily share with a ghost or two in the spirit of Christmas this year.  

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich is available to purchase now from selected independent bottle shops and whisky specialists, at $520 for a 700ml bottle.