Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich is the fourth in the wonderful Ghost & Rare series. The Pittyvaich distillery was only operational for 19 years when it was shuttered in 1993. Whiskies from Pittyvaich and other “ghost” distilleries, Port Dundas and Carsebridge, make up the core of this blend. Rounding things out are malts from Mannachmore, Auchroisk, Cragganmore, Strathmill, and Royal Lochnagar.

Bottled at 43.8% abv, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich features a lovely bouquet full of crisp green apple, ripe pear, vanilla, and nutmeg. On the palate, hints of butterscotch and vanilla provide a creamy, sweet entry which gives way to dark fruit, orange peel, and oak spice. The finish is medium length, and carries over a fruity and honeyed sweetness and some baking spice.

Pittyvaich is known for its fruity character, and that’s certainly showcased here. It’s well rounded, with banking spice, vanilla, and honey adding some complexity to the fruit-filled base. I do wish this had a touch of smoke, but if wishes were fishes…

The $349.99 suggested retail price seems about right for what you’re getting – a luxurious, delicious blend from the ever-growing library of Johnnie Walker. Recommended.

Thanks to Johnnie Walker for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

One of the newest blends from Johnnie Walker is a platform for rye grain to shine. High Rye is made from a mash bill of 60% rye blended with whiskies from Cardhu, Cameronbridge, Teaninich, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Glenkinchie. The whisky was aged in first fill and refill American oak casks.

Essentially, in this day and age, it’s Johnnie Walker’s homage to American and Canadian rye whiskey. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s certainly a great place to start for the American whiskey consumer looking to branch out to other whiskies.

Bottled at 45% abv, Johnnie Walker High Rye features vanilla and oak spice on the nose. A sweet, toasted rye grain note comes into play slowly. Taste-wise, those vanilla and toffee notes hit the palate first, followed by buttered rye toast and oak spice. Some mild fruity notes peek through every now and then. The finish is medium short and carries over that sweet and spicy profile. Interestingly, the sweetness (in the form of maple syrup) fades first, leaving behind a nice peppery note.

Johnnie Walker High Rye is an easy sipping, sweet & spicy whisky. It makes for a great Manhattan, but holds its own neat in a glass. At an SRP of $34.99, this one’s a no-brainer.

Thanks to Johnnie Walker for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sitting atop Benriach’s core range is “The Thirty.” This crown jewel of a whisky is crafted from the distillery’s old peated whisky stock by their master blender Rachel Barrie. Bottled at 46% abv, “The Thirty” features a four-cask maturation: bourbon barrels, sherry casks, virgin oak casks, and port casks from Douro Valley. After three decades, the peaty character of the whisky mellows down into something elegant.

The nose features a lovely subdued smoke, so it’s nowhere near as prominent as say Benriach “The Smoky Ten.” Cocoa, fig, plum, and burnt orange peel round out this rich smelling whisky. Taste-wise, dark fruit and raisin form the foundation here, with oak spice and dark chocolate hitting the mid-palate. After three decades of maturation, a little leather pops up on the back of the palate. The finish is long, continuing with the dark fruit and elegant smoke profile.

Benriach “The Thirty” is quite the special pour. As old as the whisky is, there’s still a vibrancy that flows throughout. The depth of flavor is quite impressive, as is the decision to use port casks in the construction of this release. Highly recommended. $739.99

Thanks to Benriach for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.