Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Port Ellen (70cl, 43.8%)

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Port Ellen is a blended Scotch whisky, the second release in the Ghost and Rare series, made in 2018. The series focuses on lost Scottish distilleries, and this edition is built around malt from Port Ellen, with grain from the lost Carsebridge and Caledonian distilleries. It is bottled at 43.8% ABV in a 70cl bottle. On the nose it is fruity with a delicate smokiness, with fresh and baked apples, pears and vanilla cream that moves towards custard over polished oak. The palate brings vanilla sponge, ashy smoke, floral hints of lavender and Parma violet, and oaky spice. The finish is long and ashy, with the fruit fading slowly.