The fifth release in Johnnie Walker's multi-award-winning Ghost and Rare series, this edition celebrates Port Dundas — one of Glasgow's most storied grain whisky distilleries, built in 1811 on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal and closed in 2010 after nearly 200 years of production. Unlike standard Blue Label, each Ghost and Rare release is a completely distinct blend centered on irreplaceable stocks from a named closed distillery. Here, Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker hand-selected the most distinctive aged expressions from Port Dundas in the Johnnie Walker reserves, matured in both second fill and first fill heavily charred American oak casks for additional depth and layering. These are joined by ghost whiskies from two other long-closed distilleries — Cambus and Brora — plus five further rare whiskies from Cameronbridge, Glenkinchie, Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Auchroisk. The result is a blend that will never be reproduced. Bottled at 43.8% ABV.
ABV / Proof
| Producer |
John Walker & Sons, Scotland (Diageo) — Est. 1820 |
| Master Blender |
Dr. Emma Walker |
| Series |
Ghost and Rare — 5th release in the series |
| Hero Distillery |
Port Dundas — Glasgow grain distillery, Est. 1811, closed 2010 |
| Ghost Distilleries |
Port Dundas + Cambus + Brora — all permanently closed |
| Rare Distilleries |
Cameronbridge, Glenkinchie, Clynelish, Dailuaine, Auchroisk |
| Cask Types |
Second fill American oak + first fill heavily charred American oak |
| Proof |
87.6 Proof |
| ABV |
43.8% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
Tasting Notes
Color: Amber gold — deep and luminous
Nose: White chocolate, chalky vanilla sponge cake, and warm apple pastries lead — the Port Dundas grain character is immediately present and distinctive. Sweet honey, dried fruit, dates, sultanas, ginger, cloves, and a hint of smoke develop. Rolling waves of spice build gently in the background.
Palate: Velvety and creamy — butterscotch, red berries, plum, and peach over vanilla from Cambus and soft smoke from Brora. Spiced apple from Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie adds a fresh, lively lift. Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Auchroisk bring a waxy, malty depth and jasmine tea quality that is genuinely extraordinary.
Finish: Long, smooth, and layered — gentle wood spice, creamy fruit, and a building apricot and blossom sweetness that grows sharper and more precise as it fades.
FAQ
How does Ghost and Rare differ from standard Blue Label?
Standard Blue Label draws from Johnnie Walker's full reserve of maturing casks. Ghost and Rare is a completely separate and distinct blend — each release is built around irreplaceable whisky from a specific closed distillery. Port Dundas stocks will continue to diminish and cannot be replenished, making this a genuinely finite expression that will never be produced again.
Where can I buy Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
