(Image Source: Johnnie Walker)

Johnnie Walker is back with the fifth instalment of the Ghost and Rare series, this time centred on the ghost grain distillery, Port Dundas, which was once a major landmark in Glasglow, Scotland.

The distillery was nestled on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, having operated for almost 200 years since it establishment in 1811. The blending powerhouse was famed for its distinctive sweet and delicate grain character, but unfortunately shuttered in 2010.

The Johnnie Walker team, led by Master Blender Emma Walker, handpicked the "most distinctive expressions of maturing whisky from Port Dundas" for the new release. This was blended with a small number of distinctive, aged whiskies from Johnnie Walker's reserves, which were all matured in two different wood types, adding more depth and layers to the blend. It is said to "feature a touch of creamy vanilla notes from whiskies aged in second fill American oak casks and subtle wood spice from Scotch matured in first fill highly charred American oak casks".

Port Dundas Distillery in Glasglow, Scotland. (Image Source: Cask Trade)

"Port Dundas was, in its day, one of the finest Grain Whisky distilleries in the world and the rare expressions that we have chosen from our reserves are some of the most distinctive it has ever produced. Their slow maturation allows the sweet and delicate Grain character to blossom,

These rare whiskies highlight the distillery character of Port Dundas, perfectly showcasing the wonderful depth of flavor that this Grain Whisky brings to Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It's incredible character inspired us to create something truly extraordinary that pays proper tribute to the whisky makers of this storied Glasgow distillery."

- Emma Walker, Master Distiller at Johnnie Walker

To complement Port Dundas' fragrant wood spice character, the team led by Emma selected two other ghost whiskies from Cambus and Brora, alongside five other distilleries from the Johnnie Walker portfolio - Cameronbridge, Glenkinchie, Clynelish, Dailuaine and Auchroisk. The creamy, wood notes from Port Dundas was matched with the vanilla and soft smoke from Cambus and Brora, while Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie was selected for its notes of spiced apples, and Clynelish, Dailuaine and Auchroisk brought along aromas of peaches and berries.

Ivona Tau, AI Artist. (Image Source: Johnnie Walker)

"It's incredible to see global brands like Johnnie Walker investing in digital creators to bring visibility to our work. I am proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Johnnie Walker and share my artistic vision of this limited-edition whisky release with communities in Web3." 

- Ivona Tau, AI Artist

As is the flavor of the month, this will come with a partnership with BlockBar.com where the whisky will also be released as an NFT Master Set, limited to only 75 sets of bottles (digital and physical). A unique digital art piece by artist Ivona Tau will come with the set, as well as an exclusive virtual storytelling experience with Emma Walker and Ivona Tau, and also priority access to the next Diageo drop on BlockBar.com

"Ivona’s NFT art in this Master Set draws inspiration from the vital element and force of nature, water, and builds upon her “Under the Waves” project. Her process consisted of multiple stages of AI to create 75 unique NFTs that capture the juxtaposition between the constant flow of water and the water tamed within each bottle of Ghost and Rare Port Dundas. Each of the 75 NFTs will differ, making them as rare as the whisky itself."

The NFT set will be set at $775 USD (or approximately 0.51 ETH upon press release), and will be available on 9th September, 2022.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot