Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich (John Walker & Sons)

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich (John Walker & Sons) is a blended Scotch from John Walker & Sons. It marries malt and grain whiskies, with grain from the lost Carsebridge distillery. Its cooperage outlived the distillery, working until 2011 when it moved to Cambus.

Aged grain from the demolished Carsebridge gives coconut, vanilla and a buttery sweetness. A refill American oak cask held it, the wood lending the deep coconut of old grain. Grain whisky like this rewards very long maturation, the wood giving most of the character. The buildings were demolished in 1992, though the old manager's house still stands. It was founded in 1799 by John Bald, near Alloa harbour, with coal close by and water from the Gartmorn Dam. Long ageing turns light grain into a deep, oily, dessert sweet whisky. With the distillery long gone, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

At an approachable 43.8% it is soft and balanced. Coconut, vanilla, toffee and a soft oil run through it, with a creamy oak depth. Beneath it run coconut, vanilla and a soft oil. A long, buttery finish ends on coconut and vanilla. A characterful blended Scotch drawing on grain from a vanished distillery.