A big bottling of this rather extraordinary bottling of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
This is the second edition in Johnnie Walker’s Ghost and Rare series, which shines a light on distilleries that have been closed and lost. For this bottling, the distillery in focus is Port Ellen – a legendary Islay site which was underappreciated during its operating time, but has since grown in stature to become one of the most high valued and sought after single malts in the world.
Port Ellen malt whiskies is combined with single grain spirit from two more closed distilleries, Carsebridge and Caledonian, alongside rare aged malts from Mortlach, Cragganmore, Blair Athol, Dailuaine and Oban.
The final result is delectable, supple blend with notes of fresh white grapes, apples, lemon rind, leather, plums, figs, gentle peat, fragrant woodsmoke, orange blossom, vanilla, old oak, cream soda, custard, beeswax, lavender, freshly baked cake and dried cherries.
Anyone familiar with Port Ellen will recognise the notes of elegant peat smoke, citrus and earthy leather found in this dram.
Bottled at 43.8% ABV for a little more warmth, this bottling is highly limited by nature of its ingredients.